Task
Plan, research, and write a 5-7 page (1250-1750 word) Researched Essay on a subject in which you are interested. The final paper will be type written, following MLA format and will be worth 200 points.
The Researched Essay will use MLA style parenthetical documentation to give credit for information and ideas obtained from outside sources and will include a Works Cited page that lists the sources used in the paper. Lack of proper documentation will result in a significantly lower grade on the final paper.
The Researched Essay will use MLA style parenthetical documentation to give credit for information and ideas obtained from outside sources and will include a Works Cited page that lists the sources used in the paper. Lack of proper documentation will result in a significantly lower grade on the final paper.
Researched Essay Rubric | |
File Size: | 37 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Process
We will divide the process into three stages: Planning, Researching, and Writing. At each stage you will be given the necessary instruction and time in and/or out of class to complete the steps. Many of the steps will be turned in for completion points.
It is very important that you focus on the process; if you fall behind, you will be less likely to successfully complete the researched essay.
Planning (10 points)
Researching (60 points)
cards earns 1 bonus point.
Writing (230 points)
It is very important that you focus on the process; if you fall behind, you will be less likely to successfully complete the researched essay.
Planning (10 points)
- Select a research topic. (5 points)
- Formulate a research question. (5 points)
- Share your research question.
- Identify audience and purpose.
Researching (60 points)
- Locate, evaluate and record a minimum of 5 sources (10 points). Each additional source evaluated and recorded earns 1 bonus point.
- You may not use a general encyclopedia (print or on-line), including Wikipedia, as a source, although you may consult it in the early stages of research. Databases are your friend!
- Take notes from your sources. (50 points)
cards earns 1 bonus point.
Writing (230 points)
- Write your thesis statement. (5 points)
- Develop a formal outline. (10 points)
- Learn how to document your sources using MLA style parenthetical citations.
- Write a draft of your research paper that includes parenthetical citations. This step may be handwritten or typed and will be submitted in parts – introduction, body points, and conclusion. (5 points each)
- Revise your draft, using the scoring rubric as your guide.
- Compose a draft of the works cited page that alphabetically lists all the outside sources used in your paper. (10 points)
- Revise your researched essay and submit to Haiku. (200 points)
Compiling Your Works Cited Page
Determining the Sources
The Works Cited page is an alphabetical listing of all the sources you cited in your paper. To prepare your Works Cited page, you will need your completed revised draft and your source cards or source sheet.
Works Cited Page Format
• Works Cited page starts on its own page following the last page of the paper.
• No stacked heading
• Continue page numbering of the paper
• Only lists those sources cited in your paper
• Sources listed alphabetically
• Double-space within and between entries
• Title Works Cited centered
• Hanging indent
• If using EasyBib.com or some other bibliographic website, you may need to reformat the document once created.
The Works Cited page is an alphabetical listing of all the sources you cited in your paper. To prepare your Works Cited page, you will need your completed revised draft and your source cards or source sheet.
- Read through your entire draft; when you come to the first source you have cited, either in parentheses or in the text of the sentence, lay its source card aside or mark the source on your source sheet.
- Continue reading through your draft, looking for the next different source that is cited. Lay its source card aside or mark it on your source sheet.
- When you have read through your entire draft, you should have several (at least 3) source cards laid aside and/or marked on your source sheet.. The sources laid aside represent sources which were not used in your paper and will not be included on the Works Cited page.
- You will now need to carefully check, and if necessary revise, the bibliographic form of each source to ensure it reflects current MLA format. Pay close attention to the order of the information in the entry card, overall punctuation, and the punctuation of titles.
- After checking the form of the sources, alphabetize them by the first word in the bibliographic entry of each card.
Works Cited Page Format
• Works Cited page starts on its own page following the last page of the paper.
• No stacked heading
• Continue page numbering of the paper
• Only lists those sources cited in your paper
• Sources listed alphabetically
• Double-space within and between entries
• Title Works Cited centered
• Hanging indent
• If using EasyBib.com or some other bibliographic website, you may need to reformat the document once created.
Building Paragraphs and Documenting Sources
Now you're ready to use your outline and note cards to build the paragraphs of your essay. As you write your essay, you must give credit to the sources of the borrowed information.
We will use MLA style in-text documentation to give credit to all borrowed information.
See the "Integrating Research into Your Essay" page.
We will use MLA style in-text documentation to give credit to all borrowed information.
See the "Integrating Research into Your Essay" page.
Next Step
Using your outline and note cards, being building a body paragraph which integrates appropriate research and documents the sources of the information. We will finish the body paragraph in class on Friday, 3/13.
Turn in your body paragraph along with the note cards you used and your source cards/source sheet.
Using your outline and note cards, being building a body paragraph which integrates appropriate research and documents the sources of the information. We will finish the body paragraph in class on Friday, 3/13.
Turn in your body paragraph along with the note cards you used and your source cards/source sheet.
Sample Body Point from class | |
File Size: | 10 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Developing a Formal Outline
Once you've gathered the majority of your research, it's time to organize it in a formal outline. Creating an outline helps you organize your information, develop your thesis, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of your research. You outline may be on paper or an electronic file.
Use this format for your formal outline:
Working Title:
I. Introduction
A. Engage your audience
B. Introduce your topic / provide background
C. Make a transition to your thesis
D. State your thesis/claim
II. Body
A. 1st body point which supports the thesis/claim
1. First supporting information or detail
2. Second supporting information or detail
3. Third supporting information or detail
4. Etc.
B. 2nd body point which supports the thesis/claim
1. First supporting information or detail
2. Second supporting information or detail
3. Third supporting information or detail
4. Etc.
C. 2nd body point which supports the thesis/claim
1. First supporting information or detail
2. Second supporting information or detail
3. Third supporting information or detail
4. Etc.
III. Conclusion
A. Restate your thesis/claim
B. Summarize your research
C. May include observation / next steps / recommendation
D. Closing that connects to title and/or opening
Use this format for your formal outline:
Working Title:
I. Introduction
A. Engage your audience
B. Introduce your topic / provide background
C. Make a transition to your thesis
D. State your thesis/claim
II. Body
A. 1st body point which supports the thesis/claim
1. First supporting information or detail
2. Second supporting information or detail
3. Third supporting information or detail
4. Etc.
B. 2nd body point which supports the thesis/claim
1. First supporting information or detail
2. Second supporting information or detail
3. Third supporting information or detail
4. Etc.
C. 2nd body point which supports the thesis/claim
1. First supporting information or detail
2. Second supporting information or detail
3. Third supporting information or detail
4. Etc.
III. Conclusion
A. Restate your thesis/claim
B. Summarize your research
C. May include observation / next steps / recommendation
D. Closing that connects to title and/or opening
Writing - Composing a Thesis Statement/Claim
Now that you have decided, at least tentatively, what information you plan to present in your researched essay, you are ready to compose your thesis statement/claim.
The thesis statement/claim tells the reader what the essay will be about (the focus) and what point you, the author, will be making (the purpose).
You know what the essay will be about - that is your topic. Now you must look at your outline and decide what point you will be making. What is the purpose of your essay? What do the main ideas and supporting ideas that you have listed on your outline say about our topic.
Your thesis statement/claim will have two parts. Together they form one declarative statement. Your thesis/claim cannot be a question.
Together the two parts form your thesis statement/claim:
rrr
People's understanding of autism are affected by several common misconceptions, the causes of autism, the actions of autistic individuals and interactions with autistic individuals.
The thesis statement/claim tells the reader what the essay will be about (the focus) and what point you, the author, will be making (the purpose).
You know what the essay will be about - that is your topic. Now you must look at your outline and decide what point you will be making. What is the purpose of your essay? What do the main ideas and supporting ideas that you have listed on your outline say about our topic.
Your thesis statement/claim will have two parts. Together they form one declarative statement. Your thesis/claim cannot be a question.
- The first part begins the sentence and states the topic: The misconceptions surrounding autism
- The second part finishes the sentence and establishes the purpose of the essay, reflecting the main points of your outline: causes of autism, actions of autistic individuals, interacting with autistic individuals
Together the two parts form your thesis statement/claim:
rrr
People's understanding of autism are affected by several common misconceptions, the causes of autism, the actions of autistic individuals and interactions with autistic individuals.
Next Step
Your formal outline, including a thesis statement/claim, will be due in class on Thursday, 3/5
Your formal outline, including a thesis statement/claim, will be due in class on Thursday, 3/5
Researching - Recording Information from Sources
The bulk of the work on a researched essay is the note taking. Taking notes from your sources as a separate step helps you to process the information, to integrate multiple sources into your paper, and to avoid plagiarism.
As you read your sources, you may write down word-for-word what a source says (Direct Quote), put the ideas into your own words (Paraphrase) or, also using your own words, put the general idea of a larger piece in a shorter version (Summary).
How to Record Information - One Note at a Time
Use index cards (3 X 5 or 4 X 6) to write out A SINGLE NOTE (idea) PER CARD. Every card must include (1) a piece of information from a source, (2) identification of the source, (3) a subject heading connected to your topic.
As you read your sources, you may write down word-for-word what a source says (Direct Quote), put the ideas into your own words (Paraphrase) or, also using your own words, put the general idea of a larger piece in a shorter version (Summary).
How to Record Information - One Note at a Time
Use index cards (3 X 5 or 4 X 6) to write out A SINGLE NOTE (idea) PER CARD. Every card must include (1) a piece of information from a source, (2) identification of the source, (3) a subject heading connected to your topic.
- It is essential to see these notes as separate and not to take notes as you normally would for a class.
- By making each direct quote, paraphrase, or summary a single note, you are able to manipulate them easily when it comes time to organize and write the outline and paper.
- A big, empty table can help you visually “see” your paper.
- You can even color code your paper and think of sections of the paper as “green” or “yellow” and then use stickers, highlighters, or markers to code the notes.
Jump Right In!
By 1:00 PM on Wednesday, 2/25, complete a minimum of 50 note cards representing at least three different sources. The more sources represented in your notes, the easier it will be to develop body points using multiple sources. Each card should include
By 1:00 PM on Wednesday, 2/25, complete a minimum of 50 note cards representing at least three different sources. The more sources represented in your notes, the easier it will be to develop body points using multiple sources. Each card should include
- one piece of information related to your research question
- quotation marks around directly quoted material
- a clear indication of which source the information came from
- a subject heading that connects the information to an aspect of your research question
Researching - Locating Credible Sources
Now that you have your topic and research question, your next step is to find credible sources of information that will help you learn about your topic and develop your essay. For the researched essay:
What is a Credible Source?
Credible sources are ones the reader can trust. We trust that the author’s ideas are his or her own and can be backed up with evidence. When writing a research paper, doing research, or reading for background information, writers should ALWAYS use a credible source. Citing noncredible sources can damage a writer’s relationship with his or her readers. Keep in mind that the definition of a credible source depends on the audience, the topic, and the discipline.
- Locate, evaluate and record a minimum of 5 sources (10 points). Each additional source evaluated and recorded earns 1 bonus point.
- You may not use a general encyclopedia (print or on-line), including Wikipedia, as a source, although you may consult it in the early stages of research. Databases are your friend!
What is a Credible Source?
Credible sources are ones the reader can trust. We trust that the author’s ideas are his or her own and can be backed up with evidence. When writing a research paper, doing research, or reading for background information, writers should ALWAYS use a credible source. Citing noncredible sources can damage a writer’s relationship with his or her readers. Keep in mind that the definition of a credible source depends on the audience, the topic, and the discipline.
Credible
|
Non Credible
|
Questions to ask when determining whether or not something is a credible source:
- Who is the author? Is he or she known and respected in the specific field? Citing a speech from Martin Luther King Jr. on Civil Rights is usually a better choice than citing a speech from John Williams, who is an unknown person.
- When was the material published? Typically, dated publications, from the 1990s and older, may have dated information, and more current information may be available. The exception for this is with primary sources, and primary versus secondary sources are discussed below. Biases can sometimes be masked. Look for over-generalized statements or authors writing for religious or political groups.
- What is the purpose of this source? When we find sources, we want to find clear and unbiased sources that give the facts. We don’t want opinions that aim to alter and persuade people’s views.
- How is this source proved? Does the publication have references and evidence to prove its point? If the publication just gives claims without support, it may not be the best source.
- Is this website from an organization or author I can trust? Websites from governmental agencies or institutions are most likely better resources than a website anyone can post to, like Wikipedia.
Research Links
Record Credible Sources
Next Step!
For Monday, 2/16 locate and record a minimum of 5 credible sources of information related to your research question. Be sure that you have examined the source carefully; otherwise, you may be wasting your time.
For Monday, 2/16 locate and record a minimum of 5 credible sources of information related to your research question. Be sure that you have examined the source carefully; otherwise, you may be wasting your time.
- Create an MLA style bibliographic entry for each source. Use Easybib or Purdue OWL as resources.
- Record the bibliographic entry for each source on either a separate index card (source card) or all together on a document (source list).
Planning
Select a Research Topic
Your goal in a research project is to become an expert in a particular topic. If your topic is too broad, finding and interpreting information about the topic will be like preparing to write an entire book! Choosing a narrower topic helps you to manage your research and provides a clear focus for your process. Use an inverted pyramid, like the one shown to narrow your research topic. Once you know a little about the specific topic, you'll follow the steps below to generate a research questions.
Your goal in a research project is to become an expert in a particular topic. If your topic is too broad, finding and interpreting information about the topic will be like preparing to write an entire book! Choosing a narrower topic helps you to manage your research and provides a clear focus for your process. Use an inverted pyramid, like the one shown to narrow your research topic. Once you know a little about the specific topic, you'll follow the steps below to generate a research questions.
Example
General Topic: Environment
Narrower: Global warming
Narrower: Effect of automobiles
Specific Topic : Hybrid cars
General Topic: Environment
Narrower: Global warming
Narrower: Effect of automobiles
Specific Topic : Hybrid cars
Formulate a Research Question
Once you have narrowed your topic. You are ready to formulate a research question.
Step 1
Write down a list of relevant questions that interest you about the topic. Being interested in what you write about will make the research and writing less tedious. If you're not very familiar with your general topic, do a little reading to get an idea of the issues that relate to it.
Step 2
Narrow down your list of questions to topics that aren't too narrow or general, depending on the length requirement of your paper. You won't be able to find enough information on a question that is too specific, but a very broad topic will yield too much information to work with.
Step 3
Conduct a preliminary search for information relating to your question. Use search engines to get a general overview on how many resources are available to answer your question. If there seems to be a decent amount, search for articles and books on your school's academic database or library catalog to make sure that you have enough sources to work with.
Step 4
Refine your research question to give it a clear, direct focus based on your preliminary research. For example, "How does hybrid technology reduce fuel consumption?" or "How does driving a hybrid car impact global warming?"
Beginning a research question with how or why will generate more ideas than a question that can be answer with yes or no. Because it is focused on a specific part of a very broad issue, you'll have an easier time writing your paper if your research questions are specific, because you'll use your research question(s) to guide you in writing a thesis for your paper.
Once you have narrowed your topic. You are ready to formulate a research question.
Step 1
Write down a list of relevant questions that interest you about the topic. Being interested in what you write about will make the research and writing less tedious. If you're not very familiar with your general topic, do a little reading to get an idea of the issues that relate to it.
Step 2
Narrow down your list of questions to topics that aren't too narrow or general, depending on the length requirement of your paper. You won't be able to find enough information on a question that is too specific, but a very broad topic will yield too much information to work with.
Step 3
Conduct a preliminary search for information relating to your question. Use search engines to get a general overview on how many resources are available to answer your question. If there seems to be a decent amount, search for articles and books on your school's academic database or library catalog to make sure that you have enough sources to work with.
Step 4
Refine your research question to give it a clear, direct focus based on your preliminary research. For example, "How does hybrid technology reduce fuel consumption?" or "How does driving a hybrid car impact global warming?"
Beginning a research question with how or why will generate more ideas than a question that can be answer with yes or no. Because it is focused on a specific part of a very broad issue, you'll have an easier time writing your paper if your research questions are specific, because you'll use your research question(s) to guide you in writing a thesis for your paper.
Here we go!
For Tuesday, 2/10 select a preliminary research topic and formulate a research question.
For Tuesday, 2/10 select a preliminary research topic and formulate a research question.
- On a piece of paper, brainstorm possible broad topics.
- Use an inverted pyramid to narrow at least one of your broad topics to a specific research topic.
- Continue by working through the steps for formulating a research question. End with a clear, direct, open-ended research question.
Need Help Coming Up with a Topic?
A simple Google search will pull up lots of websites with research paper topic ideas. Here are a few: