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Taking Notes. Research Papers are the Easiest Papers You Will Ever Write!. Heard that before? Actually, putting the final paper together can be very easy if you have had a clear goal while you were researching your topic. “Research” Paper.
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Research Papers are the Easiest Papers You Will Ever Write! • Heard that before? • Actually, putting the final paper together can be very easy if you have had a clear goal while you were researching your topic.
“Research” Paper • Since it is a “research” paper, you will actually have to generate very little information to go in the paper. • Instead, you will combine your notes, collected from various sources during your research, and put them together in a meaningful way to create the body of your paper.
So, writing the paper is easy… • However, do not plunge into note-taking too quickly. • You need to know what to look for and why you need it.
Read! Read! Read! • Read all the information you have found on your topic.
After a Preliminary Reading… • You should be familiar with the “issues” related to your topic. • So, you should decide on an area of concentration…
It’s A Trend… • Look for a trend in your information. • What statement could you make about your topic that a good bit of your information supports? • This “Trend” is your working thesis.
Write a Working Thesis • State your main idea in a declarative sentence. • Limit your subject.
Highlight • Keep your working thesis in mind at all times. • Do not highlight/use material unrelated to your topic.
A working thesis is a primary way to ensure you have focus as you take notes. • Of course, your thesis will most likely evolve as you continue to research your topic.
In other words, • A thesis sentence is one that you will prove and defend in your paper. • It is not your conclusion or the answer to a problem. • Rather, • It anticipates your conclusion • And it sets in motion your examination of facts so that you can reach your conclusion
Organize Your Information • First jot down ideas or words about your topic • Second, expand the list to show a hierarchy of major and minor ideas
The Working Outline Format: • Working Thesis: • (Major Point) • (Major Point) You must have 2-4 points/areas of research!!!
Sample Working Outline • A major theme in OMAM involves the contrast between power and weakness. • Strength • Weakness You must have 2-4 points/areas of research!!!
Sample Working Outline • A major theme in OMAM involves the contrast between power and weakness. • Strength • George • Lenny • Weakness • George • Lenny You must have 2-4 points/areas of research!!!