1. THE RESEARCH PAPER
Let the journey begin…..

2. What is a research paper?
A research paper is a carefully planned essay that shares information or proves a point.

3. Choosing a topic Am I truly interested in the subject?
Does it meet the requirements of the assignment?
Do I have access to enough information?
Is the subject limited enough?

4. Writing a thesis statement…
A specific subject +
a particular stand, feeling, or feature
= an effective thesis statement

5. Thesis Checklist Identifies a limited, specific subject
Meets the requirements of assignment
Focuses on a particular feature or feeling about a subject
Supported with convincing facts and details
Stated in a clear, direct sentence

6. Searching Tips
Begin by writing some basic questions that you would like to answer in your paper.
All research information will come from the Destiny search, NCLIVE, and/or Ncwise.

7. EVALUATING the INFORMATION
Is the information current?
Is the information complete?
Is the information accurate?
Is the source an expert?
Is your source biased?

8. Bibliography Cards
You must have 3 sources. One source must be a book source. Bibliography information must be placed on a 3x5 lined index card. Citationmachine.net will help you format your information. You will use the Modern Language Association research format (MLA).

9. Use to keep track of sources Organize by author’s last name
Bibliography Cards
(source #) 5
Olsen, Shawn M. Chocolate Lover’s Guide.
Hayti: Charger Publishing, 1987.
Use to keep track of sources
Organize by author’s last name
Number each entry in the upper right hand corner of the card

10. Note cards You must take notes from each of your 3 sources.
You must use a variety of note taking methods:
Direct quote (word for word)
Paraphrasing
You must have a minimum of 20 note cards.

11. Note cards: Note cards: Record details, information, quotations
(source #) 5
Delicious ways to enjoy chocolate (you create title)
-a handful of chocolate chips
-chocolate ice cream with Hershey's syrup
-“Chocolate/chocolate cake at Café is the BEST!”
-Ghiradelli hot chocolate
-homemade brownies
Note cards:
Record details, information, quotations
Record page number where information can be found
Use descriptive word or heading at top

12. Writing the draft
“When you are writing nonfiction, there’s no use getting into a writing schedule until you’ve done the research and you have the material.”
-Tom Wolfe

13. Getting started...
Arrange your note cards into their most logical order.
Construct an outline---a writing plan
Search for any additional information needed to develop thesis

14. Developing your introduction-
2. Writing the body-
3. Writing the conclusion-

15. 4. Revising-
5. Proofreading and Editing-
6. MLA Documentation-

16. Giving proper credit
MLA documentation

17. AVOIDING PLAGIARISM
-the act of presenting someone else’s ideas as your own.
Papers will be submitted to turnitin.com

18. Final copy requirements-
MLA format
Topic Outline
3 – 5 typed pages
Works Cited page