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WRITING THE BACKGROUND PAPER. What is Background Paper. This is an informative report about your subject This is the first part of your Science Fair Report. STEPS. Step 1: PLAN - Compile a working Bibliography - Write a Tentative Outline - Take Notes. Step 2: WRITE the First Draft.
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What is Background Paper • This is an informative report about your subject • This is the first part of your Science Fair Report
STEPS • Step 1: PLAN - Compile a working Bibliography - Write a Tentative Outline - Take Notes
Step 2: WRITE the First Draft • What is a first draft? - first writing of the Background Paper - your working copy, i.e., copy you will rewrite and edit before preparing your final copy NOTE: Try to write your first draft quickly, preferably in one sitting
How do I write the first draft? • Arrange your note card/ sheets in order according to your tentative outline. • Write on every other line and only one side of the paper to leave room for editing. • Begin with an introductory paragraph – open with an interesting statement that capture the reader’s attention; then describe what the reader will learn from the paper • Refer to your outline and note sheet/ cards.
Continuation 5. Start a new paragraph for each new point in the outline or each new subject that you discuss 6. Use clear explanations so that those unfamiliar with the subject of your investigation will understand your report. 7. Define any unfamiliar terms you use. 8. Do not use contractions such as don’t or can’t 9. Close with a concluding paragraph summarizing the main point of the paper.
How many words? • For 5th and 6th grade – 250 words (at least) • For 7th and 8th grade – 300 words (at least) • When you give your first draft, your teacher will check it. After it is returned you are ready to rewrite your first draft. This ensures that you include everything you need in your paper and it is in the proper order. • A CHECK LIST WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU FOR YOUR DRAFT AND FINAL BP
STEP 3: REWRITE the First Draft • Should I rewrite my first draft? - ask yourself the following questions: - does the paper follow the outline? - does it have unity? (all parts contribute to the single idea of the whole) - does it have coherence? (ideas organized to have a smooth flow from beginning to end) - does it give an overall background structure to my topic? Is it clear and complete?
Should I rewrite (cont) • Have someone read your paper and give you his overall impression • Determine what needs to be removed, added, or rearranged. • Rewrite the paper until you are confident that you have included the right amount of information and have arranged it in the best order (don’t skip lines now) • Check your revised paper using the checklist
STEP 4: EDIT the Final Draft • After rewriting the first draft you are ready to edit the final draft. • You will examine each paragraph, sentence and word. • This is your opportunity to polish your paper and give attention to details.
How do I edit my rewritten 1st draft? Check the following: • Unity, coherence and emphasis • Correctness, clarity and effectiveness • Grammar (subj-verb agreement), punctuation, spelling • HAVE AN ADULT TO READ YOUR PAPER FOR FINAL CHECK
How do I prepare my final draft? • Type your final draft carefully from the revised draft. • Follow Checklist (Background Final check • See Sample paper • Proofread final copy • Write total words at the end of the report. • Prepare a title page, outline and Bibliography page • Turn in completed paper with Checklist • Keep everything in your Binder (with 1st draft and, Check list and grade form)