Research Papers Choosing a Topic

Two Types of Research Papers Informational Summarizes factual information from a variety of sources Focus on the topic Find the information Produce an organized and coherent paper

Two Types of Research Papers Analytical The writer analyzes the information and presents conclusion Displays some of the elements of a persuasive paper since it states writer’s opinion and supports with detailed evidence

Choosing a Topic You will decide what to write about and simply get your topic approved HINT: You don’t have to find “The Perfect Topic” (it probably doesn’t exist anyway). You just have to find a workable one.

Choosing a Workable Topic 1. You can find enough material on the topic. 2. The topic interests you, and you think you can make it interest your audience. Brainstorm different topics that might interest you. 3. Narrow your topic so it is not to broad 1. Too General: ants 2. Still too General: fire ants 3. Still too General: the evolution of fire ants 4. Just Right: the invasion of fire ants in the US 5. Too Limited: What to do if you are stung by a fire ant 6. Too Limited: What a fire ant looks like

Clustering 1. Start by writing the big idea or a broad general subject- in the middle of a piece of paper, then circle it. 2. Break the big idea into smaller parts or topics associated with it. 3. Keep going writing more limited topics branching outward.

Cable TV Advantages Pay-per-view Many sports events Many more channels History of Early responses Competition Free network TV Government regulations Disadvantages Cost to assemble TV addiction

Practice Identifying Topics Careers in medicine Pros and cons of being a nurse in a hospital emergency room The history of medicine in Europe during the twentieth-century Medical research today Put in order according to the most broad to the narrowest

Revising Inappropriate Topics Talk in your group how you would revise My favorite Mexican food Airport security American Indian Art Hurricanes Grammy awards Ex: Snowboarding (too general) Workable: Dangers of snowboarding: comparing and contrasting waterskiing and snowboarding