Researched Argument Paper

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Researched Argument Paper

• Research Stage

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Whats the First Step?

• Have a (tentative) thesis statement/focus
  statement.
• One complete sentence no more, no less.
• Statement gives the topic of the paper PLUS your
  own point of view on it.
• Ex Minneota schools should implement a
  year-round schedule.

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Resources?
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Types of Resources

• Print (books, magazines, journals, pamphlets,
  newspapers, etc.)
• Electronic (www, CDs, DVDs, online databases,
  etc.)
• Personal Interviews
• Many, many more

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Critically Read and Evaluate Sources

• Three Big Questions
• Does the date of the source match the currency
  you need for your paper?
• Is the author credible?
• Is the source relevant to your research?

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Effectively Taking Notes

• This may be the hardest part
• You will need to keep track of sources all along
  to avoid more work later
• Find a system that works for you
• You will need to keep track of sources all along
  to avoid more work later

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Notecard Method (the best)

• Bibliography Cards
• One card per source (webpage, book, magazine,
  interview, etc.)
• Number them
• Keep track of publishing information for Works
  Cited

• Information Cards
• One card per bit of information
• Numbered according to place in outline (will
  change many times)
• Source included
• Quotation vs. Paraphrase

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Bibliography Card
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Information Card
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Side by Side View
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Notetaking Hints

• Use a different colored pen/ ink when recording
  quotations (just to be safe)
• Duplication is finewill help you decide if
  something is common knowledge or not
• If it doesnt make sense as youre notetaking, it
  wont laterdont write it down if you dont
  understand it!
• Always know where to find the information
  againALWAYS
• Use a variety of sources (print, electronic,
  etc.)
• BE PREPARED TO CHANGE YOUR BASIC OUTLINE AND/OR
  THESIS AS YOU RESEARCH!

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When youre done researching

• Organize your Information Cards
• Write an outline from these cards
• Notice gaps to fill in (more research)
• Be flexible

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Need more help and hints?

• There will be many links on the classroom webpage
  to help in your research process
• I will hand out notecard templates for you