1. Research Paper and Report Writing

2. Thesis Statement (T.S.)  A sentence that tells briefly and clearly the central idea of a whole report or research paper  To create a T.S. think about your own research and the main idea  The T.S. explains to the reader what the report or research paper is about and is the last sentence in your introductory paragraph

3. Sample T.S. 1. The bubonic plague contributed to the decline of European feudalism, religion, and changes in daily life. 2. Despite what fairy tales may portray castles were not luxurious homes; castles were built to defend the country from foreign invaders, and were the basic tool in preserving the king’s and the nobles’ power over the land.

4. Outline  A graphic organizer used in writing a report or research paper  Helps you to sort through your note cards in order to write clearly and with a purpose

5. I. (T.S.) The bubonic plague contributed to the decline of European feudalism, religion, and changes in daily life. II. Decline of European Feudalism A. Thousands died each day = no serf labor B. C. III. Decline of European Religion A. People became suffered a “crisis of faith” B. C. IV. Change in daily life A. Farming gave way to pasteurizing B. C. V. Conclusion