8th Grade Research Paper

"Work your plan...Plan your work!"

CITING RESOURCES and BIBLIOGRAPHY: SEE Step #6

Your first task is to choose the topic for your Research Paper.

Second, after choosing your topic, your second task is to write a fill out the Source Sheets.

You will use this to create your Preliminary Bibliography.

Next, complete your Preliminary Bibliography Sources on your source sheets.

The third task will be to write your Preliminary Outline in class.

The fourth task you are responsible for is to complete the Notecards for your project .

The fifth task will be to write your Final Outline.

The sixth task is to complete your Rough Draft .

Your final task to to hand in your Final Paper. The due date will be May 15th.

Your first task is to choose the topic for your Research Paper.

Use the TOPICS LIST to choose a topic for your Research Paper. Begin to browse Encyclopedias, Databases, and Websites to get background information on your topic.

Use the Pathfinder to find your way to all the resources available to you.

Writing your Preliminary Bibliography by following process:

1. Find at least 10 sources to locate information on your topic. Use the OPAC (online public access catalog in the Becker Media Center):

(3) Websites using the OPAC, CLUSTY or VIVISIMO (NOT GOOGLE)

(1) Reference Book from the media center: Almanac, Encyclopedia Article

(2) Books checked out from the media center or public library

(1) Reference Article from a Database: SIRS or Student Research Center

(3) Database Magazine or Newspaper Articles --using SIRS or Student Research Center

2. For every reference source you plan to use, you need to fill out the Source Sheets containing all facts about the source. Be sure to assign a letter beside each source to keep you organized.

Books
Reference books from the media center (Almanacs, Encylopedias)
Webpages from CLUSTY, VIVISIMO, or OPAC search engines

Database Magazine/Newspaper articles: using SIRS or Student Research Center
Database Reference Article: (you will see if it is a reference book: Encyclopedia or Almanac means it is a reference article!!!)

4. Sources are in alphabetical order for the final bibliography.

5. Not be numbered.

6. Have single spaced entries.

7. Have double spaces between entries.

8. Have second and third lines of each entry indented 5 spaces.

9. Proper punctuation and capitalization.

10. Proper spacing.

11. Ask any teacher or Librarian for help if you need it.

Final Bibliography Due: March 31st.

Task 3: Writing your Preliminary Outline

This is a model for you to follow. Your outline may have other questions, but should have this form.

I. Introduction

A. Grabber statement
B. Statement of Thesis-this is one sentence which clearly states the main point you are trying to make in the paper.
(Note: at the beginning to your research, you may not have a clear thesis. This can be changed after you have researched.)

II. Body

A. Past - Background information about the situation or topic you are researching.

1. When did it develop?
2. Where did it originate?
3. How did it become a problem or situation?
4. Who are the people involved?
5. What are the issues?
6. Other

B. Present

1. How has the situation or problem changed?
2. What is the current situation?
3. Give examples
4. What laws or constitutional relationship does your topic have? ** If your topic is a biography (i.e. Osama Bin Laden) was there an impact that this person had with a law or constitutional amendment? (i.e. terrorism-creation of Homeland Security)
5. Who does it affect?
6. Other

C. Future

1. What might happen?
2. What do you think should happen?
3. What laws need to be written?
4. How will it affect people?
5. Other

III Conclusion

A. Clincher statement

B. Restate thesis/problem

C. Concluding statement

Preliminary Outline will be completed and approved by Ms. Styles in class: March 30th- April 4th.

Task 4 : Note cards

A. Use 4 x 6" or 5 x 7" cards for all notetaking.

B. Begin looking for general, background information.

C. Five cards per source (minimum).

D. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO READ ENTIRE BOOKS ON YOUR
SUBJECT!

E. Use the index and the table of contents to find
passages that you think will be helpful.

F. On the card:

Write the number of the corresponding bibliography card in the upper left hand corner
Write the exact page of the source on the bottom
Write the question that the notecard answers on the top of each card

G. Notetaking:

Take notes in your own words so that you do not "plagiarize" by accident.
Put only closely related ideas on one card
Try not to repeat facts.
Sometimes it is best to quote directly. Make sure you use quotation marks when:

         1. rewording might lose the meaning of the original
         2. it is necessary to see the original wording.
         3. you disagree, but wish to include it
         4. you quote a person directly

OTHER TIDBITS:

Be selective in your information gathering.
Take only notes you need. Make a separate card for each idea from each source.
Keep your topic in mind and collect only information that will help you.
AVOID PLAGIARISM! A PLAGIARIZED PAPER WILL RESULT IN FAILURE.

50 Notecards are due Friday, April 7th. ( You may have more than 50)

Task 5 : Writing your Final Outline

Use the same format that you used on the preliminary outline. Have a beginning, middle and end. In each section of the outline, instead of asking questions, you should now be able to fill in short answers. This is a topic outline; it is not a sentence outline. Each item in the middle should contain a brief statement of fact that you want to include in your paper.

EXAMPLE:

I. Beginning

A. Every week, 3,000 teenagers begin smoking. (THIS IS THE GRABBER)

B. The problem of teenage smoking is an increasing problem in today's society. (THIS IS THE MAIN IDEA OF THE PAPER)

C. Although some people might think teenage smoking has decreased, it has actually increased in the last decade. (THIS IS THE TRANSITION SENTENCE)

II. Middle

A. Increased after World War II

B. Not known to be so harmful

C. Aggressive advertising

              1. TV, Magazines
                 2. Free on airplanes and college campuses
                 3. Movie stars
                 4. Peer pressure
                 5. Socially acceptable

D. Changed in last 15 years

              1. Medical discoveries
              2. Aggressive anti-smoking campaigns by the government

                                a. Removal of advertising
                                b. Education

              3. Non-smokers rights
              4. Government prosecution of tobacco companies
              5. Teenagers are still lighting up

                            a. Statistics
                            b. Reasons

     E. What the future holds

              1. Legislation
              2. Taxes
              3. Education

III. Conclusion

A. Although there are many reasons not to smoke, teenagers are still smoking in large numbers. (THIS IS THE MAIN IDEA)

B. The future health of many of our nation's young people depends upon the end of teenage smoking. (THIS IS THE CLINCHER)

Final Outline Due: April 12th.

Task 6 : Writing the Rough Draft

You must use Microsoft Word or Notepad (NOT MICROSOFT WORKS!!!).

1. The minimum length of paper for this assignment is 5-6 pages typed.

2. Sort your note cards by the numbers and headings from your outline.

3. Keep your outline in front of you and follow it as you write.

4. Write each section of the paper from the cards about that section. Keep unused cards--you may need them later. Do this for each part.

5. Each paragraph must have a topic sentence. The rest of the paragraph has facts which support that sentence. Strive for smoothness in your writing. Use words such as therefore, finally, next, consequently.

6. Do not overuse quotations. Use your own comments between them. Make sure you cite your sources with parenthetical citations.

7. Make sure you review your final bibliography.

8. Do not plagiarize. This is an automatic failure.

1. As soon as you have finished your first draft and can give it undivided attention, reread for logic, details, and smoothness of phrasing.

2. Read it aloud to yourself or a friendly listener.

3. Read it again to check for grammar.

4. Ask a friend to read it and make suggestions.

Rough Drafts must be submitted electronically to Ms. Styles (floppy disk or CD-ROM).

Hand in a hard copy of your rough draft with your electronic submission.

WRITING YOUR FINAL BIBLIOGRAPHY! CLICK HERE

Back to Top

1. Review Rough Draft. You must make the corrections that are highlighted in your paper.

Make necessary changes as suggested by Ms. Styles/Ms. Jamison.

Final Papers due May 15th

Learning Advice

Refer often to the this web page to help you.

Keep your public library card handy.

Use the RESOURCES on the Pathfinder to give you examples as you progress through your paper.

Work Your Plan - Plan Your Work ...STICK TO THE TIMELINE for SUCCESS!