Day 1: Choosing a topic and writing a research question
Warm Up: Look at the map on the PowerPoint. What is one assumption (guess) you can make
about coconuts based on what you see on the map? Write your answer in the box below. Be
prepared to share.
Maybe because the weather is hot.
Notes:
What is a research paper?
A research paper…
- Answers a specific question.
- Explains that answer using academic sources, data, and critical reasoning.
- Helps the reader form an educated opinion on a topic.
A research paper does NOT…
- Argue the writer’s personal opinion.
A research paper needs…
- A topic
- This is what your paper is generally about, ex: Bigfoot sightings
- A research question
- This is the main question around which you center your research ex: Why do
people believe in Bigfoot?
Choosing a topic:
Your topic should be…
- Something you are intrested in.
- Specific enough that you can make your point in three body paragraphs.
- Broad enough that you don’t run out of things to talk about.
Discuss:
Sara wants to write a research paper on the topic “whales”. Is this a good topic to choose?
Why or why not?
Yes, "whales" can be a good topic for a research paper. Whales are creatures that have a
significant impact on marine ecosystems and play an important role in the ocean's food chain.
Bartholomew wants to write a research paper about “The effect of global warming on trending
hairstyles from April 2, 2003 to May 5, 2004”. Is this a good topic to choose? Why or why
not?
Writing a research question:
Your research question should be…
- Something you can answer in __________________
- Something that you can support through _________________
- ______________ to your topic
Discuss:
Paul’s research topic is “the history of chocolate chip cookies” and his research question is
“How has the chocolate chip cookie changed since it was invented?” Is this a good research
question? Why or why not?
Jill’s research topic is “social media’s effect on mental health” and her research question is
“Why does my sister spend 10 hours a day on Tik Tok?” Is this a good research question?
Why or why not?
Day 2: Finding Credible Sources
Warm Up: Ed Puzzle Video (done together in class)
Notes:
A research paper is designed to educate not persuade or argue. The sources you use as
evidence should be unbiased, meaning they just state facts instead of trying to convince you to
agree with the author.
Bias = prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group
How do we know if a source is credible? Look for CRAAP.
Currency - When was this source written or posted? Has the
information been revised or updated? Do the links work?
Relevance- Does the information relate to your
topic/question? Who is the intended audience? Is the information at an
appropriate level?
Authority - Who is the author/publisher/sponsor? What
makes them qualified to write about this topic?
Accuracy- Where does the information/data come from? Is
it supported by evidence? Can you find other sources that say similar
things? Is the language factual and unemotional?
Purpose - Why did the author/publisher create this source?
Do you feel like they are trying to get you to agree with their opinion?
Does there seem to be political/social/cultural bias?
Next Step: Now you have the rest of class to find at least three of your own sources to help
you write your research paper. Use the charts in the graphic organizer document to help you
organize your information. If you find more good sources that you want to use, you can copy the
charts as many times as you need. When you’re done, show me your completed charts and I’ll
let you know if you’re ready to move on to the next step.
When you find a source, add it to the Padlet so that other students might be able to use it.
Check the Padlet to see if anyone has posted anything you can use.
Day 3: Writing an Introductory Paragraph
An introductory paragraph should start ____________ and end _________.
The three parts of an introductory paragraph are:
1. _______________________
2. _______________________
3. _______________________
The three parts of a thesis statement are:
- ________________- The thesis should state what the paper is going to be about
- ________________- Your claim is what you are saying about your topic
- ________________- These are the specific details you are going to talk about in your
essay. These are usually the main ideas of each body paragraph.
Practice:
Read the thesis statements below. Talk with your group to identify what the topic, claim,
and main points of the thesis are. Write them in the provided space below. Be prepared
to share.
1. Factors that increase the likelihood of childhood anxiety include peer pressure, genetics,
and higher intelligence levels.
Topic:
Claim:
Main points:
2. Exploring the causes, effects, and preventive measures of climate change sheds light on
the urgent need for global environmental action.
Topic:
Claim:
Main points:
3. The locavore movement that has gained popularity in the United States over the past
several years offers a way to increase health, support the local economy, and promote
global ecology by making some simple changes to the way that you and your family eat.
Topic:
Claim:
Main points:
Day 4: Writing Body Paragraphs
A body paragraph includes:
1. ____________________- 1 sentence
a. This sentence introduces the main point of this paragraph
2. ____________________- 1 sentence
a. This is a quote, statistic, or fact that supports your main point of the paragraph
3. ____________________ 2-3 sentences
a. This is what you have to say about the evidence. Do NOT restate what the
evidence says. You should expand upon the evidence using new ideas or
analysis.
4. ____________________- 1 sentence
a. This restates the main point of the current paragraph and creates a bridge to the
next paragraph/main point.
Color Coding Body Paragraphs
Name(s): Edwin Hernandez Date: 05/10/24
Instructions: Examine these five different body paragraphs from various research papers. Your
task will be to identify and color code the following:
● Topic Sentence: This is the main idea of the paragraph. It introduces the topic of the
paragraph.
● Concrete Details: These are specific details that form the backbone of your paragraph.
They provide evidence to support your topic sentence.
● Commentary: This is your interpretation of the concrete details. They provide analysis,
interpretation, or explanation of the concrete details.
● Conclusion: This is the final thought of your paragraph. It summarizes the main idea
and brings the paragraph to a close.
Color Code:
● Topic Sentence: Red
● Concrete Details: Green
● Commentary: Blue
● Conclusion: Gray
Paragraph 1:
Climate change is a serious global concern that impacts every aspect of life. For instance, rising
temperatures are causing polar ice caps to melt, resulting in rising sea levels. Additionally,
extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and droughts, are becoming more frequent and
intense. These climatic variations significantly disrupt ecosystems and the livelihood of people,
particularly those in vulnerable, low-income regions. Therefore, it is crucial for international
cooperation to mitigate these impacts and adapt to a changing climate.
Paragraph 2:
The advent of technology has revolutionized the way we communicate. The use of social media
platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, has made it easier for people to connect and share
information. For example, during the Arab Spring, social media played a pivotal role in
spreading news and organizing protests. However, the misuse of these platforms can also lead
to the spread of misinformation and fake news. Thus, while technology has facilitated global
connectivity, it is important to critically analyze the information we consume online.
Paragraph 3:
Physical activity is vital for maintaining good health. Regular exercise, such as walking or
running, can lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes. According to a study published in the
Journal of the American Medical Association, people who exercise regularly have a 30% lower
risk of premature death. However, despite these benefits, many people lead sedentary lifestyles
due to the convenience of modern technology. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate physical
activity into our daily routines for a healthier life.
Paragraph 4:
Education is a fundamental human right. It empowers individuals and contributes to the
development of societies. For instance, countries with higher literacy rates often have better
economic growth and lower crime rates. Moreover, education promotes cultural understanding
and global citizenship. However, despite its importance, millions of children worldwide are
denied access to quality education. Hence, efforts should be made to address this issue and
ensure that education is accessible to all.
Paragraph 5:
The exploration of space offers numerous benefits. It can advance scientific knowledge, inspire
technological innovations, and foster international collaboration. For example, research
conducted on the International Space Station has contributed to advancements in medicine,
agriculture, and environmental science. However, space exploration is also associated with high
costs and potential risks. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully weigh these considerations
when planning future space missions.
Day 5: Writing Conclusion Paragraphs
Notes: What do you need in a conclusion paragraph?
A conclusion paragraph should…
- ___________ your thesis in new words
- ___________your overall arguments or findings (the answer to your research question)
- Suggest the key ____________ from your paper
Your conclusion paragraph should start ______________and end____________.
Example: