1. Writing a Research Report

2. Step 1: Prewriting

3. Getting Started: Let’s Brainstorm! Choosing a subject or topic is step one of the research process. Choosing a subject or topic is step one of the research process. The subject of a research paper is the general content or what the paper is all about. The subject of a research paper is the general content or what the paper is all about.

4. Brainstorming Cont. For example, if we had been discussing The Age of Exploration, you might choose exploration as the subject for your research report. For example, if we had been discussing The Age of Exploration, you might choose exploration as the subject for your research report. However, this is too broad! We need to brainstorm! However, this is too broad! We need to brainstorm!

5. Brainstorming Cont. Brainstorming is the process you use to narrow down your topic and organize your ideas. Brainstorming is the process you use to narrow down your topic and organize your ideas.

6. Brainstorming Cont. Exploration European exploration of 1400- 1600 Voyages of Columbus, Magellan, Henry Hudson American exploration of 1800 Expedition of Lewis and Clark 20 th Century exploration (1900’s) Polar expeditions

7. Now it’s your turn! You are going to be writing a research report on the author of your choice. However, this is too broad! You are going to be writing a research report on the author of your choice. However, this is too broad! Edgar Allan Poe Life childhood, marriage, death Work The Tell-Heart, Annabel Lee, The Raven Sanity

8. Performing a Quick Search After brainstorming, you might need some extra information to get you started. After brainstorming, you might need some extra information to get you started. Name, date, or fact Name, date, or fact A Quick Search can help by simply using a keyword. A Quick Search can help by simply using a keyword. A keyword is a word or words that you type into a search engine. A keyword is a word or words that you type into a search engine. A search engine is an Internet site that searches a database and tells you what it finds. A search engine is an Internet site that searches a database and tells you what it finds.

9. Search Engines Google (www.google.com) Google (www.google.com) Yahoo (www.yahoo.com) Yahoo (www.yahoo.com) Lycos (www.lycos.com) Lycos (www.lycos.com) AltaVista (www.altavista.com) AltaVista (www.altavista.com) Dogpile (www.dogpile.com) Dogpile (www.dogpile.com) Bing (www.bing.com) Bing (www.bing.com)

10. Don’t have internet access? If you don’t have internet access, you can still perform a Quick Search by using an encyclopedia or almanac. If you don’t have internet access, you can still perform a Quick Search by using an encyclopedia or almanac. Dictionaries are also good resources for Quick Searches Dictionaries are also good resources for Quick Searches Many dictionaries contain indexes of biographical and geographical names Many dictionaries contain indexes of biographical and geographical names

11. Example: If you perform a Quick Search on Polar explorations, you might use the keywords “polar+exploration+trapped+ice” If you perform a Quick Search on Polar explorations, you might use the keywords “polar+exploration+trapped+ice” Results: 1914 expedition of the Endurance to the South Pole, led by Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton. Results: 1914 expedition of the Endurance to the South Pole, led by Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton.

12. Tip! Remember to jot down any information that you find during your Quick Search that you think might be useful or helpful to you later on including web addresses. Remember to jot down any information that you find during your Quick Search that you think might be useful or helpful to you later on including web addresses. During the Quick Search in the example, we would jot down During the Quick Search in the example, we would jot down http://www.vpl.vancouver.bc.ca/branches/Libra rySquare/his/Highlights/Polar_Expeditions.html http://www.vpl.vancouver.bc.ca/branches/Libra rySquare/his/Highlights/Polar_Expeditions.html

13. Now its your turn! You’ve already brainstormed some ideas for the subject of your research report. You’ve already brainstormed some ideas for the subject of your research report. Think of some keywords to help you perform a Quick Search on this topic. Think of some keywords to help you perform a Quick Search on this topic. Remember to jot down not only keywords that you used but also what you found and important web addresses or page numbers! Remember to jot down not only keywords that you used but also what you found and important web addresses or page numbers!

14. Working Thesis Statement A working thesis statement is your thesis statement – as a work in progress. A working thesis statement is your thesis statement – as a work in progress. A thesis statement tells the main idea of the paper. A thesis statement tells the main idea of the paper. This statement will help to guide you as you develop this report. This statement will help to guide you as you develop this report. It will also help to guide your reader through the final copy. It will also help to guide your reader through the final copy.

15. Working Thesis Statement A working thesis statement A working thesis statement States the main idea in a complete sentence. States the main idea in a complete sentence. Is clear and easy to understand. Is clear and easy to understand. Is not just a fact that can be easily proven (too narrow.) Is not just a fact that can be easily proven (too narrow.) Is not too broad to be covered in the required length of the paper. Is not too broad to be covered in the required length of the paper. May take a controversial position on an issue. May take a controversial position on an issue. Can be stated in the form of a question. Can be stated in the form of a question. Is interesting and will intrigue your reader (and you). Is interesting and will intrigue your reader (and you).

16. Examples of a working thesis Here are some examples of a working thesis on the polar expeditions. Here are some examples of a working thesis on the polar expeditions. 1. Ernest Shackleton set out to cross the Atlantic continent in 1914. 1. This is just a fact. It can be easily proven. Too narrow and limiting. 2. The Shackleton expedition across Antartica was the most daring exploration ever undertaken in human history. 1. This is a controversial position, but can it be proven? You would have to compare it to a lot of other expeditions. Too broad. 3. How did Shackleton and all his men survive? 1. This questions creates interest for not only you but the reader as well. This can be proven.

17. Now It’s Your Turn! Write three potential working thesis statements. Write three potential working thesis statements. A statement A statement A controversial position A controversial position A question A question Ask yourself: Ask yourself: Is this stated in a complete sentence? Is this stated in a complete sentence? Is this just a fact that can be easily proven? Is this just a fact that can be easily proven? Is this idea too broad to be covered in required length? Is this idea too broad to be covered in required length? Does this idea state a position that can be proven? Does this idea state a position that can be proven? Is this a question that I think I can answer? Is this a question that I think I can answer? Does this working thesis statement excite me? Does this working thesis statement excite me? Evaluate each one of your working thesis statements to decide which one you feel would work the best. Evaluate each one of your working thesis statements to decide which one you feel would work the best.

18. Step 2: Researching

19. Researchers at Work! Now that you have chosen your topic and created your working thesis statement, you will need to find, gather, and write down information about your topic. Now that you have chosen your topic and created your working thesis statement, you will need to find, gather, and write down information about your topic. It is illegal to use information from other people’s work without crediting them. It is illegal to use information from other people’s work without crediting them. Source Cards help us to organize and document our sources. Source Cards help us to organize and document our sources.

20. Source Cards for Books and Print Articles Every time you find a new source, you need to create a new source card. Every time you find a new source, you need to create a new source card. Look at the 3 sample source cards. Look at the 3 sample source cards. Card 1 is for a book source Card 1 is for a book source Card 2 is for an encyclopedia source Card 2 is for an encyclopedia source Card 3 is for a magazine article. Card 3 is for a magazine article.

21. Source Cards All of the information needed for a source card can be found on the title and copyright pages of your source. All of the information needed for a source card can be found on the title and copyright pages of your source. Author’s name (last name first) Author’s name (last name first) Title Title Publishing information Publishing information Date Date Page numbers Page numbers Make sure you copy the information carefully from your source. Make sure you copy the information carefully from your source.

22. Source Cards for Online Sources Information from online sources is a little different. Information from online sources is a little different. Card 5 and 6 are examples of source cards for online sources. Card 5 and 6 are examples of source cards for online sources.

23. Online Encyclopedia Article 1. Name of author (if the article is signed) 2. Title of the article 3. Name of project 4. Date of electronic publication or last update 5. Name of the organization responsible for the project (if the project is sponsored) 6. Date of access 7. URL address

24. Personal or Professional Web site 1. Name of the person who created the site 2. Title of the site (or if no title is given, a description of the site, such as Home Page) 3. The date of access 4. The name of any institution or organization associated with the site 5. URL address

25. Now It’s Your Turn! Create a source card for a book source and 2 source cards for online sources using the information provided. Create a source card for a book source and 2 source cards for online sources using the information provided. Online Encyclopedia: An internet search done on March 26, 2006, located “Shackleton, Sir Ernest Henry,” an article in the Britannica Online Encyclopedia 2006 owned by the Encyclopedia Britannica. The URL was http://www.britannica.com/ Online Encyclopedia: An internet search done on March 26, 2006, located “Shackleton, Sir Ernest Henry,” an article in the Britannica Online Encyclopedia 2006 owned by the Encyclopedia Britannica. The URL was http://www.britannica.com/ http://www.britannica.com/ Personal Web Site: An internet search done on March 26, 2006, located the home page of an organization called The James Caird Society, honoring the wealthy Scottish industrialist who helped fund Shackleton’s expeditions. The URL was http://www.jamescaridsociety.com/ Personal Web Site: An internet search done on March 26, 2006, located the home page of an organization called The James Caird Society, honoring the wealthy Scottish industrialist who helped fund Shackleton’s expeditions. The URL was http://www.jamescaridsociety.com/http://www.jamescaridsociety.com/

26. Evaluating Sources Categorize your research sources as primary or secondary sources. Categorize your research sources as primary or secondary sources. Primary sources (diaries, letters, photographs, interviews, and autobiographies) contain firsthand information. Primary sources (diaries, letters, photographs, interviews, and autobiographies) contain firsthand information. Secondary sources (encyclopedias, biographies, and most magazine articles and books) contain information from an outside authority. Secondary sources (encyclopedias, biographies, and most magazine articles and books) contain information from an outside authority. You should try to balance your primary and secondary sources. You should try to balance your primary and secondary sources.

27. Evaluating Your Sources As a researcher, it’s up to you to evaluate your sources for accuracy and reliability. As a researcher, it’s up to you to evaluate your sources for accuracy and reliability. This is particularly important for Web sites. This is particularly important for Web sites.

28. Question Used to Evaluate 1. Is the author of this source an expert on the subject? What makes you think so? 2. Who or what is responsible for the content? A business? An individual? A publication? A university? Or is the source unclear? 3. What is the author’s purpose? What makes you think so? 4. What is the purpose of the Web site? 5. Can the facts and figures from your source be checked for accuracy? 6. When was the source published? Could the info be out- of-date? 7. On a scale of 1-10 rate your source for accuracy. Give reasons for your score.

29. Now It’s Your Turn While researching information for your research report, choose 3 potential sources and use the previous questions to evaluate them. While researching information for your research report, choose 3 potential sources and use the previous questions to evaluate them.

30. Creating Notes Cards Once you have located useful sources, you are ready to take notes for your paper. Once you have located useful sources, you are ready to take notes for your paper. Most research paper writers take notes on index cards Most research paper writers take notes on index cards

31. What do I Write? Guidelines to help you prepare note cards. Guidelines to help you prepare note cards. At the top, write the subject of the notes. This will help you organize cards and info. At the top, write the subject of the notes. This will help you organize cards and info. Identify the author and title of your source. Identify the author and title of your source. Write down one fact or idea per card. Note page numbers where you find info. Paraphrase or summarize info. Make sure names, dates, and facts are correct. Write down one fact or idea per card. Note page numbers where you find info. Paraphrase or summarize info. Make sure names, dates, and facts are correct. If you quote material, make sure you copy it word for word and use quotation marks. If you quote material, make sure you copy it word for word and use quotation marks.

32. Now It’s Your Turn! The following information came from Connie and Peter Roop’s book Escape from the Ice (Card 1 on Source Card handout.) The following information came from Connie and Peter Roop’s book Escape from the Ice (Card 1 on Source Card handout.) Use the information to create your own note card. Use the information to create your own note card.

33. Now It’s Your Turn! Sir Ernest Shackleton needed twenty- seven brave men. He placed an advertisement in English newspapers. “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.” 5,000 men applied! Sir Ernest Shackleton needed twenty- seven brave men. He placed an advertisement in English newspapers. “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.” 5,000 men applied!

34. Thesis Statement A thesis statement is one of the greatest unifying aspects of a paper. A thesis statement is one of the greatest unifying aspects of a paper. It should act as mortar, holding together the various bricks of a paper, summarizing the main point of the paper "in a nutshell," and pointing toward the paper's development. It should act as mortar, holding together the various bricks of a paper, summarizing the main point of the paper "in a nutshell," and pointing toward the paper's development.

35. Mapping The thesis statement can help "map" a paper as it suggests an order or direction for the paper's development. A thesis statement, for example, might read: The thesis statement can help "map" a paper as it suggests an order or direction for the paper's development. A thesis statement, for example, might read: Judy Syfer's essay, "I Want a Wife," exaggerates the marital expectations facing women in our society today. Judy Syfer's essay, "I Want a Wife," exaggerates the marital expectations facing women in our society today. The following sentence could continue: The following sentence could continue: Those expectations include managing a household, maintaining a career, and having a good relationship with a spouse. Those expectations include managing a household, maintaining a career, and having a good relationship with a spouse. In this example, the thesis statement suggests an obvious path for development in "marital expectations." The writer develops the paragraph by exploring the term "marital expectations." Three following paragraphs, for example, would logically discuss 1) household responsibilities, 2) careers, and 3) marital relationships. In this example, the thesis statement suggests an obvious path for development in "marital expectations." The writer develops the paragraph by exploring the term "marital expectations." Three following paragraphs, for example, would logically discuss 1) household responsibilities, 2) careers, and 3) marital relationships.

36. Weak Thesis Statements A thesis statement should never contain the following: in my opinion, I think, I believe, etc. A thesis statement should never contain the following: in my opinion, I think, I believe, etc. However, it may be helpful to begin their thesis statement rough draft with in my opinion, I believe, or I think to make sure you are expressing an opinion or thought. However, it may be helpful to begin their thesis statement rough draft with in my opinion, I believe, or I think to make sure you are expressing an opinion or thought. When writing the final thesis statement, simply eliminate those phrases When writing the final thesis statement, simply eliminate those phrases

37. Tips to writing a strong thesis You must begin with a topic question. If your instructor has assigned an essay question to answer, this step has been done for you. If you are doing a research paper, take time to come up with a good topic question. You must begin with a topic question. If your instructor has assigned an essay question to answer, this step has been done for you. If you are doing a research paper, take time to come up with a good topic question. You must form an opinion and state it clearly. Do not be wishy-washy. You must form an opinion and state it clearly. Do not be wishy-washy. Be sure you have approached your evidence fairly, without bias. Be sure you have approached your evidence fairly, without bias. Consider both sides of a controversial issue. Consider both sides of a controversial issue. Once you've established the topic question, a clear position, and objectivity, you're ready to write a thesis statement. Once you've established the topic question, a clear position, and objectivity, you're ready to write a thesis statement.

38. Strong Vs Weak A good thesis statement is short and simple: it should be no longer than one sentence, regardless of essay length. A good thesis statement is short and simple: it should be no longer than one sentence, regardless of essay length. Good Example: Success is a result of doing the right things consistently. Good Example: Success is a result of doing the right things consistently. Bad Example: In a world full of success gurus and books about success, it becomes ever so more important to delineate the one trait that ultimately determines success: doing the right things consistently. Bad Example: In a world full of success gurus and books about success, it becomes ever so more important to delineate the one trait that ultimately determines success: doing the right things consistently.

39. Strong Vs Weak A good thesis statement is limited to one main idea. A good thesis statement is limited to one main idea. Good example: The key to successful dieting is focusing on a specific goal. Good example: The key to successful dieting is focusing on a specific goal. Bad example: The key to successful dieting is focusing on a specific goal, which is also the key to successfully running a business and coaching a football team. Bad example: The key to successful dieting is focusing on a specific goal, which is also the key to successfully running a business and coaching a football team.

40. Strong Vs Weak A good thesis statement is a declarative sentence with no qualifiers (might, maybe, perhaps, etc.): A good thesis statement is a declarative sentence with no qualifiers (might, maybe, perhaps, etc.): Good example: Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the league's most valuable player. Good example: Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the league's most valuable player. Bad example: Does Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the league's most valuable player? Bad example: Does Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the league's most valuable player? Bad Example: Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound just Bad Example: Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound just

41. How to write a thesis statement Write several trial thesis statements: writing is a process, so is writing a thesis statement. When teaching thesis statements. Write several trial thesis statements: writing is a process, so is writing a thesis statement. When teaching thesis statements. If you're having trouble deciding which side to take on a controversial issue, write your thesis statement from two different points of view. Then decide which one better represents your opinion. If you still can't decide, list facts on both sides of the issue and decide which facts make a more persuasive argument. If you're having trouble deciding which side to take on a controversial issue, write your thesis statement from two different points of view. Then decide which one better represents your opinion. If you still can't decide, list facts on both sides of the issue and decide which facts make a more persuasive argument.

42. Evaluate your thesis statement Have you answered the question or merely restated it? The following examples are based on this question: Does Romeo's prior feelings for Rosaline diminish the credibility of his love for Juliet? Have you answered the question or merely restated it? The following examples are based on this question: Does Romeo's prior feelings for Rosaline diminish the credibility of his love for Juliet?Does Romeo's prior feelings for Rosaline diminish the credibility of his love for JulietDoes Romeo's prior feelings for Rosaline diminish the credibility of his love for Juliet Good example: Romeo's prior feelings for Rosaline diminishes the credibility of his love for Juliet. Good example: Romeo's prior feelings for Rosaline diminishes the credibility of his love for Juliet. Bad example: This essay examines whether or not Romeo's prior feelings for Rosaline diminishes his love for Juliet. Bad example: This essay examines whether or not Romeo's prior feelings for Rosaline diminishes his love for Juliet.

43. Evaluate your thesis statement Have you tried to argue both sides of the case? It is important to acknowledge the other side and address the other position. That does not, however, excuse you from choosing a side. Have you tried to argue both sides of the case? It is important to acknowledge the other side and address the other position. That does not, however, excuse you from choosing a side. Good example: Juliet was not the first woman to capture Romeo's fancy; she was, however, the one who affected him the most. Good example: Juliet was not the first woman to capture Romeo's fancy; she was, however, the one who affected him the most. Bad example: Romeo loved Juliet with all his heart, but he loved Rosaline too; It could be argued they were both his favorite. Bad example: Romeo loved Juliet with all his heart, but he loved Rosaline too; It could be argued they were both his favorite.

44. Sample Thesis Statements Although he lived a rather melancholy existence, Edgar Allan Poe did experience moments of joy, and desired to capture beauty through poetical form. Indeed, what he left behind for the literary world was his gifted genius, revealed through his poetry, fiction, and criticism. Although he lived a rather melancholy existence, Edgar Allan Poe did experience moments of joy, and desired to capture beauty through poetical form. Indeed, what he left behind for the literary world was his gifted genius, revealed through his poetry, fiction, and criticism. Although he kept an air of dignity and pride around him, Edgar Allan Poe often felt very lonely and depressed. This feeling of desperation greatly influenced his unique and often morbid writing style. Although he kept an air of dignity and pride around him, Edgar Allan Poe often felt very lonely and depressed. This feeling of desperation greatly influenced his unique and often morbid writing style.

45. Creating an Outline An outline is like the skeleton of a research paper. An outline is like the skeleton of a research paper. Once you have a thorough outline, you’re ready to start writing your first draft. Once you have a thorough outline, you’re ready to start writing your first draft.

46. Sample Outline I. Introduction I. Background information II. Thesis Statement: Judy Syfer's essay, "I Want a Wife," exaggerates the marital expectations facing women in our society today. Those expectations include managing a household, maintaining a career, and having a good relationship with a spouse. II. First, women were expected to manage a household. I. Supporting Detail II. Supporting Detail III. Supporting Detail IV. Conclusion sentence III. Second, women were expected to maintain a career. I. Supporting Detail II. Supporting Detail III. Supporting Detail IV. Conclusion Sentence IV. Finally, women were expected to keep a good relationship with their spouse. I. Supporting Detail II. Supporting Detail III. Supporting Detail IV. Conclusion Sentence V. Conclusion I. Summary of Thesis statement and main idea of the paper