Research Writing 101

1. Research Writing 101 Here are the tricks of the trade of writing Research Papers

2. What is a Research Paper? A well-written response to a question that has been identified. An accumulation of references and ideas brought together by one’s own take on the situation. In short, a long essay that helps one to analyze an idea or topic.

3. What you will need for a Successful Research Paper • At least 20 3x5 Index Cards • Access to a computer with Internet availability • A folder (Duotangs work) • A Jumpdrive • Access to a library and books • Study (Thinking&Writing) Time to Myself

4. Academic Skills needed • A student will need to be able to judge and evaluate and organize information necessary to elaborate on their topic of interest. • Typing Skills • Time Management Skills and adherence to deadlines & due dates

5. What’s the Process? _ Step 1: Choose a subject & topic _ Step 2: Write the Thesis Statement _ Step 3: Choose reference materials _ Step 4: Write the First Outline _ Step 5: Create bibliography cards _ Step 6: Take notes _ Step 7: Write Final Outline _ Step 8: Write FIRST draft _ Step 9: Revise the First Draft _Step 10: Prepare the Bibliography _ Step 11: Write the Final Copy of Paper _ Step 12:Take a Break (At least 1 day) _ Step 13: Revise the Final Paper; add finishing touches _ Step 14: Turn in your ‘A’ paper!

6. Step 1: Choose a Subject and Topic On an index card, write the topic you chose on side A and why you chose that topic on side B.

7. Step 2: Write the Thesis Statement • Your thesis statement must be on the topic you chose. * It must be written in the form of a question (see teacher)~. Sample Thesis Statements: • How does a cold blooded animal survive during times of freezing weather? • What is the significance of friends in one’s romantic relationships? • When does a child actually take responsibility for his or her education? • How has the hip hop industry affected race relations in the nation? • How does a football player make it to professional league? • How does literature affect the entertainment industry? • How has the computer changed the face of the 21st century? • How has the small business been influence by the recession?

8. Step 3: Choose your Reference Material Your reference material list is provided by your teacher; this gives the quantity of your reference. Otherwise: Choose books, magazines, newspaper articles, films, etc that MAY work for your topic. Just collect these for the next step! (Most may change)

9. Step 4: Write the First Outline • This step is just like planning an essay. • Think about what you want to uncover or discover. • Make an OUTLINE of your ideas, then we see where the reference materials fit! • Here’s what one looks like:

10. Research Topic:Why do women stay in abusive relationships?

11. Step 5: Bibliography/Resource Cards Front of Index Card Your name Period Date Resource Card # ___ Last name, First Name Resource: Publisher ISBN number Date of publication

12. Step 5: Bibliography Cards Back of Index Card Summary: Page number and section:

13. Step 8: Writing the First Draft • Rules to remember: a. The same rules of regular papers/essays apply b. See Writer’s Checklist (set up pages correctly) c. Each paragraph or idea should have 2 of the following*: _ Claim _ Support (with Citation) _ Elaboration _ Reclaim Remember the Mantra!

14. Step 9: Revising the First Draft • Officially give yourself a few hours or more before reading the draft. (A clear mind views mistakes better) • Use your Writer’s Checklist (as you read your essay, make sure you have everything on your checklist) • Ask a friend to read your paper for you. • Questions to think about while reading: (i) Does this sound complete? (ii) Is this the best way to say this? (iii) What could I add or remove from this paper? (iv) Did I use all the writing techniques: stock language, formal language and vocabulary, etc.? (v) Would this make sense to someone who knows nothing about the topic?

15. Step 10: Preparing the Bibliography/Works Cited Every item in your paper used from another source needs to be properly recognized or else it is called Plagiarism (punishable by law). Each film, book, magazine, song, paper, encyclopedia, dictionary needs to be correctly cited! (See your Research Folder [jumpdrive]and Grammar books in class. See also: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/12/ http://library.duke.edu/research/citing/within/mla.html

16. Step 11: Write the Final Copy • Find a nice quiet place away from everyone to read your rough (1st & 2nd ) drafts in private without disturbances. • Use your Writer’s Checklist again! • Important! Do not reread your paper the same day you’ve written it!

17. Step 12: Take a Break! • Take at least a day off from your paper, so your mind is clear and free! • Once you return to it, you will see your mistakes, things you could change, and ideas that may work well. That’s why it behooves you to begin early!

18. Step 13: Revise the Final Paper and Add finishing touches! Did I state my claim, support it well, and elaborate, then reclaim my idea? Does this paragraph make sense here? Hmmm, my margins seem ok. My indentation is fine. Oh, I need to fix my capitalization! Should I use this particular transition or does a conjunctive adverb work better? Should I add another line to make this paragraph complete? My in-text citation is ok, but my Works Cited page is ridiculous! I need to fix that!

19. Step 14: Turn in your ‘A’ paper! This is an individual project! You are responsible for everything. Pay attention to deadlines and due dates; you will not be babied!

20. Tips when Writing Always place your citations within the end punctuation! (It is a part of the sentence) Hard work is its own reward; too many parents flaunt monetary and materialistic accolades for their children’s triumphs in academia. This should not be. Timpson states in his book, “ones personal prize is won with great inner celebration” (235). This stipulates the rewards of hard work to the average person… Timpson states in his book, “ones personal prize is won with great inner celebration” (235).

21. Tips when Writing Claim How Claim, Support, Elaboration, Reclaim works. Hard work is its own reward; too many parents flaunt monetary and materialistic accolades for their children’s triumphs in academia. This should not be. Timpson states in his book, “ones personal prize is won with great inner celebration” (235). This stipulates the rewards of hard work to the average person… elaboration support

22. Tips when Writing The Introduction must be at least one page in length. Your thesis must be in the introduction. The conclusion should be at least equal in length to the introduction. Avoid using the following Personal pronouns, unless asked to. (I, me, my)