Writing an Essay using Research

Staed

Spring 2011

Find a Topic

• Look for a topic that truly interests you

• Look for a topic that presents an important problem

• Consider a topic related to you—maybe a big question?

Locate Resources

• Resources should be scholarly and focused

• Find them early so you can read and explore

• Save and print as you go; store in folder

• Look for 12-15 different sources

• 8-10 will appear on final works cited

• Consider doing own research (poll,interview)

A Working Bibliography

• MLA format list of ALL sources you have gathered

• Will grow and shrink based on evaluation of sources

Taking Notes

• Choose the info that you will use in your essay

• May use electronic notes as files on laptop

• May use notecards• 20-30 pieces of

information• Paraphrase, Summary,

Direct quote, Personal• Gather in folder

Paraphrase Notes

• Majority of notes (80%)• Using someone else’s

idea in your own words• Must include reference

to the source as you use it– Orlando Bloom believes

that Pirates of the Caribbean is his best movie (Smith 21).

Summary Notes

• Use your words to condense someone else’s ideas

• Present as material from a source – John Smith writes a great

overview of Orlando Bloom’s career(Smith 21).

Use to show many sources that support your view

Direct Quotes

• Use sparingly for most important points and sources only

• Establish source and use info carefully– John Smith includes a

passage from an interview with Orlando Bloom in which he says

– “I love Johnny Depp like a brother”(Smith 21).

Personal Notes

• Judgments, questions, ideas that are yours

• Label them as PERS in your note-taking system

• Be sure they aren’t a reflection of what you have read without realizing it

Avoid Plagiarism

• Acknowledge sources accurately– Each time– “Over do it” if in doubt– Keep notes in orderly

fashion– Do not rely on someone

else’s work– Frame the info from

sources with author name and where to find the exact info

Outline Your Ideas

• Use Full Sentences• Plan each paragraph• Incorporate source info

and acknowledge sources

Outline Paradigm for Solution Essays

I. Hook Reader with startling info (1-2)

II. Establish problem and state thesis(1-2)

III. Explore solutions and offer support for best solution (3-4)

IV. Finalize discussion and bring reader to overall understanding, maybe a call to action (2-3)

Sentence Outline Example• I. Pirate movies have become very popular in the

United States.– A. John Smith writes that the Pirates of the Caribbean

movies grossed twice as much at the box office as expected (Smith 21).

– B. Harvey Donnelly explains that pirate costumes were the number one seller for retailers this Halloween (Jones 55).

– C. People see pirates as romantic figures. Susan Doe writes that 55% of third graders think being a pirate would be fun(Jones 932).

– D. The American public needs to change its romanticized view of pirates. Piracy is a major problem in southeast Asia and the solution lies within each of us.(pers)

Draft your Essay

• Tell the readers why the argument you are putting forth is the best

• Use sources to back up your ideas

• Use outline to guide your draft

• Do not leave any steps to “fix” later

Final Draft Requirements

• Title and info on first page only

• Each page numbered and name

• 10-12 paragraphs, 5-7 pages• 8-10 sources used in paper

listed on MLA works cited• Due at the start of class or

before on Tuesday, May 3rd