THE RESEARCH PAPER
Let the journey begin…..
What is a research paper?
• A research paper is a carefully planned essay that shares information or proves a point.
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?
Writing a thesis statement…
A specific subject+
a particular stand, feeling, or feature
= an effective thesis statement
Thesis Checklist
• Meets the requirements of assignment
• Identifies a limited, specific subject
• Focuses on a particular feature or feeling about a subject
• Supported with convincing facts and details
• Stated in a clear, direct sentence (or sentences)
Sample thesis:Writing assignment: Research paper about social issueSubject: Homeless peopleThesis statement: Who are the homeless (SUBJECT) and
what are the reasons for their predicament?(FEATURE)
Writing assignment: Research paper about human growth and development
Subject: Personality traitsThesis statement: Certain personality traits(SUBJECT) are
shaped primarily by the person’s peer group. (POSITION)
Searching Tips• Begin by writing some basic questions that
you would like to answer in you report.
• Any time you find information that answers a question, take notes on it.
PRIMARY
An original source:DiaryPersonEventSurveyEtc.
TYPES of INFORMATION
SECONDARY
Not an original source:Magazine article
Web siteEncyclopedia,
journal, etc.Documentary
EVALUATINGthe
INFORMATION
Is the information current?Is the information complete?Is the information accurate?Is the source an expert?Is your source biased?
Wikipedia
No
Bibliography CardsBooks
• Use to keep track of sources
• Organize by author’s last name
• Number each entry in the upper right hand corner of the card
5Olsen, Shawn M. Chocolate Lover’s Guide. Hayti: Charger Publishing, 1987.
Bibliography CardsWeb Site
• Use to keep track of sources
• Organize by author’s last name
• Number each entry in the upper right hand corner of the card
5
Title of the Site. Editor. Date and/or Version Number. Name of Sponsoring Institution. Date of Access
<URL>.Encyclopedia Mythica. 2004. 13 May 2004 <http://www.pantheon.org/>.
Bibliography CardsArticles from Web Sites
• Use to keep track of sources
• Organize by author’s last name
• Number each entry in the upper right hand corner of the card
5
Author. "Title of Article." Title of Publication Date: Page(s) or Section(s), if numbered. Date of Access
<URL>.Gima, Craig. "Whale's Body Found Near Hanalei Bay." Honolulu Star-Bulletin.com 6 July 2004. 4 Sept. 2004 <http://starbulletin.com/2004/07/06/news/story1.html>.
Bibliography CardsPersonal Interviews
• Use to keep track of sources
• Organize by author’s last name
• Number each entry in the upper right hand corner of the card
5
Person Interviewed. Type of Interview (personal, telephone, email, etc.). Date.
Nakamura, Michael. Personal interview. 23 July 2008.
Note cards:• Note cards:
– Record details, information, quotations
– Record page number where information can be found
– Use descriptive word or heading at top
5Delicious ways to enjoy chocolate
-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
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
1. Developing your introduction-
2. Writing the body-
3. Writing the conclusion-
4. Revising-
5. Proofreading and Editing-
6. MLA Documentation-
Giving proper credit
MLA documentation
Writer’s Inc.
AVOIDING PLAGIARISM-the act of presenting someone else’s ideas as your own.
Final copy requirements-Title pageOutlineHeadingPage numberingBodyWorks
Cited/Bibliography
500 Points to an A