1. Research and Writing:
EQ: How does one research and then incorporate that information into their writing?

2. Where to Start???
The first thing we must do is to look at what we are expected to research.
-Note that I did not say write, I said research
Carefully look at the prompt and make sure you understand what you are being asked to do. If you do the wrong thing, that can be fatal for your grade.
EX from History: How did the policy of appeasement lead to the outbreak of WW2 within Europe?
EX from Government: Is the two political party system a perverting the original intent of the government created by our forefathers?
EX from Psychology: Explain how the ideas of Watson, Skinner, and Bandura formed the basis for the Behavioral school of psychology.

3. Do not write your thesis unless it is implied in the prompt:
Since we most often write essays in high school, we often try to write our thesis first. This should not be done in a research paper, unless there is only one direction we can take our research.
In other words, are we confined to only one outcome within our writing?
EX from History: How did the policy of appeasement lead to the outbreak of WW2 within Europe?
EX from Government: Is the two political party system a perverting the original intent of the government created by our forefathers?
EX from Psychology: Explain how the ideas of Watson, Skinner, and Bandura formed the basis for the Behavioral school of psychology.

4. Finding good sources:
One of the most important parts of any research paper is finding credible resources
This can be especially difficult on the internet as we may not always know who wrote the information we are reading
One way around this is to search for .edu sources (Google advanced search)
-Usually written by academics (professors), but make sure to check
-If an academic, they are probably an expert in their subject, but beware
Journals, Journals, Journals
-In many professions, they have journals. These can be a great source for information.
-They only allow experts to publish

5. Finding good sources: First person accounts
-These can be useful for some subjects, but be aware that they do not always represent everyone
Use the government
-In many cases, one can find information compiled by the government
-Look for .gov sites
-The government hires thousands of experts to do research for them

6. Compiling your research:
If you have a thesis, look for information that supports your research
If you do not have a thesis, look at what the information seems to imply
-Remember that most teachers/professors are looking to see if you can prove your point using credible resources.
As you are researching, make sure to look for facts, statistics, quotes and more that can be used in your writing
If you are writing in science or math, you are almost required to use statistics

7. Writing your Thesis:
Once you have figured out what you are going to argue (pick a side), you can approach your thesis
When writing your thesis, remember that this is like an essay, but usually much larger. Be sure that you can support it all with facts and information
Make sure you make a logical argument within your thesis
-Your thesis should be very specific, and your support should be very specific
-Remember that all of your information not only needs to support your thesis, but also needs to be tied into your thesis, so write your thesis accordingly

8. Outline:
Once you have compiled your data and a thesis, create an outline
There are many types, but I recommend 2
-Formal
-Diagram
Plug in the information you will use to support your thesis

9. Write:
Once you are ready to write, approach your writing in a logical fashion
Be sure to start with your strongest supporting argument first and continue on to your next strongest argument
Be sure that as you are writing you tie everything into your thesis
While you can bring up counterpoints, only use them to strengthen your argument and do not spend copious amounts of time elaborating on them
Have you brought up your main argument? If not, don’t be afraid to repeat it
Make sure everything supports your main argument
Do not forget to quote and or reference your sources in your writing and include a works cited page

10. Need Help???:
There are dozens of websites available to help you with getting the support you need
Don’t be afraid to ask your teacher/professor
Have friends look at your writing and critique it for you