1. Research process Choosing a Topic Presearching Developing Essential Questions Reading and note-taking Writing the essay

2. Research Process Steps to the research essay: Presearching

3. The Presearch Why? To acquire basic knowledge To formulate meaningful research questions To gain motivation – a desire to know more To change topic if necessary

4. The Presearch How? Relax Read Reflect

5. Relax Slow down; don’t rush Be guided by interest Be willing to learn

6. Read definitions, statistics, people keywords jot down points that interest you look for a FOCUS to guide you keep track of good sources

7. Check these Britannica (print & online) World Book (print & online) RELAX, READ, REFLECT Headings Subheadings Outlines Related links Presearch: Encyclopedias

8. Presearch: Nonfiction materials Destiny Online Catalog Keyword searches Subject searches Webpath Express RELAX, READ, REFLECT Table of contents Index Chapter headings Subheadings

9. Pre-search: Library Page Online Databases Opposing Viewpoints Ebscohost Newsbank Questia JSTOR more Search Engines Google (advanced) Choose the best…

10. Reflect Am I truly interested in the topic? Do I have access to enough information? Is the topic focused enough or not? Am I using an organized system?

11. Bibliography Rankin, Virginia. “Developing Thoughtful Researchers.” WLMA Conference Notes. Accessed 16 Nov. 2005 <http://www.wlma.org/conference2005/http://www.wlma.org/conference2005/ handout2005/rankin.dochandout2005/rankin.doc>. Teenspace: A+ Research and Writing. Internet Public Library. Accessed 15 October 2005..ttp://www.ipl.org/div/teen/aplus