1. Writing an Essay using Research Staed Spring 2011

2. Find a Topic Look for a topic that truly interests you Look for a topic that presents an important problem Consider a topic related to you—maybe a big question?

3. Locate Resources Resources should be scholarly and focused Find them early so you can read and explore Save and print as you go; store in folder Look for 12-15 different sources 8-10 will appear on final works cited Consider doing own research (poll,interview)

4. A Working Bibliography MLA format list of ALL sources you have gathered Will grow and shrink based on evaluation of sources

5. Taking Notes Choose the info that you will use in your essay May use electronic notes as files on laptop May use notecards 20-30 pieces of information Paraphrase, Summary, Direct quote, Personal Gather in folder

6. Paraphrase Notes Majority of notes (80%) Using someone else’s idea in your own words Must include reference to the source as you use it –Orlando Bloom believes that Pirates of the Caribbean is his best movie (Smith 21).

7. Summary Notes Use your words to condense someone else’s ideas Present as material from a source –John Smith writes a great overview of Orlando Bloom’s career(Smith 21). Use to show many sources that support your view

8. Direct Quotes Use sparingly for most important points and sources only Establish source and use info carefully –John Smith includes a passage from an interview with Orlando Bloom in which he says –“I love Johnny Depp like a brother”(Smith 21).

9. Personal Notes Judgments, questions, ideas that are yours Label them as PERS in your note-taking system Be sure they aren’t a reflection of what you have read without realizing it

10. Avoid Plagiarism Acknowledge sources accurately –Each time –“Over do it” if in doubt –Keep notes in orderly fashion –Do not rely on someone else’s work –Frame the info from sources with author name and where to find the exact info

11. Outline Your Ideas Use Full Sentences Plan each paragraph Incorporate source info and acknowledge sources

12. Outline Paradigm for Solution Essays I.Hook Reader with startling info (1-2) II.Establish problem and state thesis(1-2) III.Explore solutions and offer support for best solution (3-4) IV.Finalize discussion and bring reader to overall understanding, maybe a call to action (2-3)

13. Sentence Outline Example I. Pirate movies have become very popular in the United States. –A. John Smith writes that the Pirates of the Caribbean movies grossed twice as much at the box office as expected (Smith 21). –B. Harvey Donnelly explains that pirate costumes were the number one seller for retailers this Halloween (Jones 55). –C. People see pirates as romantic figures. Susan Doe writes that 55% of third graders think being a pirate would be fun(Jones 932). –D. The American public needs to change its romanticized view of pirates. Piracy is a major problem in southeast Asia and the solution lies within each of us.(pers)

14. Draft your Essay Tell the readers why the argument you are putting forth is the best Use sources to back up your ideas Use outline to guide your draft Do not leave any steps to “fix” later

15. Final Draft Requirements Title and info on first page only Each page numbered and name 10-12 paragraphs, 5-7 pages 8-10 sources used in paper listed on MLA works cited Due at the start of class or before on Tuesday, May 3rd