Building Observation sentences

(Note Cards)

Preparing for the Stipulation Paragraph in Research Papers

A. Aitcheson 2011

What is an Observation Sentence?

The dictionary defines the word observe as:1. To perceive or notice.

2. To watch attentively.

3. To make a systematic or scientific analysis of.

An observation sentence in research is a writer’s perception and systematic analysis of a research fact (Quote or Paraphrase that is cited.). The writer explains, clarifies, and/ analyzes what the fact proposes!

JAR “Jo Ann Robinson” E-3

“Robinson stayed up all night mimeographing 56

Method: 35,000 handbills calling for a boycott of the

Pamphlets Montgomery bus system; by Friday night,

To rally for word of the boycott had traveled throughout

The boycott the city” (“Jo Ann Robinson” 56). [Q]

Ask:

What does this quote mean about the civil

rights demonstration?

What does it say about Ms. Robinson?

What might this mean for the movement?

Ask Questions to analyze the quote or paraphrase on the note card!

JAR “Jo Ann Robinson” E-3

“Robinson stayed up all night mimeographing 56

Method: 35,000 handbills calling for a boycott of the

Pamphlets Montgomery bus system; by Friday night,

To rally for word of the boycott had traveled throughout

The boycott the city” (“Jo Ann Robinson” 56). [Q]

Observation 1:

Ms. Robinson’s dedication and support

is obvious when historians note how she gave

long, dirt-ladened hours to produce tools that

would advertise and bring out the protesters.

Make a first observation that will clarify the meaning and purpose of the fact.

JAR “Jo Ann Robinson” E-3

“Robinson stayed up all night mimeographing 56

Method: 35,000 handbills calling for a boycott of the

Pamphlets Montgomery bus system; by Friday night,

To rally for word of the boycott had traveled throughout

The boycott the city” (“Jo Ann Robinson” 56). [Q]

Observation 2:

Ms. Robinson’s efforts were successful as

the historical record shows; thousands joined

the rally and confirmed the importance of

her hard work and dedication.

Make another observation that might lead into another fact! (Transition)

R “Robinson” D-6

“Robinson was an influential and leading 2Method: figure both during the two years of Black Pamphlets civic activism leading up to the boycott andTo rally for as a major player in the significant events The boycott that transformed the arrest of Rosa Parks

into a communitywide protest movement” (“Robinson” 2). Questions: What does this quote mean about the civil

rights movement? What does it say about Ms. Robinson? What might this mean for Rosa Parks?

Ask the questions, again . . . .

R “Robinson” D-6

“Robinson was an influential and leading 2

Method: figure both during the two years of Black

Pamphlets civic activism leading up to the boycott and

To rally for as a major player in the significant events

The boycott that transformed the arrest of Rosa Parks

into a communitywide protest movement”

(“Robinson” 2).

Observation 1:

Without the efforts of Jo Ann Robinson, Rosa

Parks’ efforts might not have been recognized and the community might have never rallied.

Make an observation, again . . . .

R “Robinson” D-6

“Robinson was an influential and leading 2

Method: figure both during the two years of Black

Pamphlets civic activism leading up to the boycott and

To rally for as a major player in the significant events

The boycott that transformed the arrest of Rosa Parks

into a communitywide protest movement”

(“Robinson” 2).

Observation 2:

Ms. Robinson was the quiet, determined,

and diligent leader who made the difference

in the Montgomery boycott.

Make an observation, again . . . .

Now it’s your turn!

Take one of your note cards, read the quote or paraphrase and ask and answer questions that might help you design two observation sentences for that card. Use the front and back of the card as needed!

You can do it!

Yes, you can!

Continue the process . . . .

Next, continue the process for each note card. Ask the questions that help you clarify the intent of the quotes or paraphrases and then make at least two observation sentences!

DON’T BOMB THE PROCESS!

BE AS DILIGENT AS JO ANN ROBINSON!

When you have finished all of your note cards, Most of your paragraphs will begin to take shape! Add a Topic Sentence, 3 - 5 cited research facts, 2 observations for each fact and a conclusion sentence, and you will have a basic paragraph!

END