Help In Planning Your Paper

Do you need help organizing your thoughts? Use the Cornell Notes For Websites Template to take notes on each point that you are using in each of your three articles. Highlight the quote, paste it into the template and, in the opposite box, write down your translation of the quote into your own words. Explain what that part of the article means, without copying the same exact words. Use your GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER Citing Your Sources: Quotation, Paraphrase, and Plagiarism sheet for information on how to avoid plagiarism.

What Must Be In Your Paper

1) Your Intro = your research statement, made into a paragraph. In the intro paragraphy, your research statement states your topic and answers your research question. Your research statement should be written simply and succinctly (clearly, and to-the-point).

2) Body Paragraphs: Make sure your body paragraphs support your research statement with details and information from your THREE SOURCES (your articles).

3) Your paper must have a conclusion that sums your ideas up.

MAKE SURE TO:
Use ALL of your sources for your article (at least THREE different SOURCES).
Make sure you type your paper.
Make sure it is 3 to 5 pages.
Make sure it is double spaced, with no larger than a 12 point font. DO NOT USE AN UNUSUAL or italic FONT. Best fonts: Arial or Times New Roman.

Note: You must CITE your sources within the text, and you must LIST YOUR SOURCES in a bibliography at the end of the paper.

Rules for Citing Sources Within Your Paper

Follow the directions on citations illustrated in the handout "Guidelines For Writing A Research Paper." The handout provides specific instructions about how to use quotations and paraphrasing, and avoid plagiarism.

The Thesis Statement Forms Your Introductory Paragraph

Are Your Articles Relevant to Your Topic? Make sure that your articles address your research question directly. They must be relevant, as well as reputable!

Your introductory paragraph is where you inform the reader of your thesis. A thesis is an idea formed from your research about your topic. What have the articles told you? How have they answered your research question? You can only have a thesis if you have read your articles. Once you have your answer, you need to form it into a thesis statement. Fill out this form to identify the steps you've taken to form your research statement. Once the form is completed you will be ready to begin your introductory paragraph. Your introductory paragraph has the thesis statement as its main idea.