The Research Process

Introduction

During the second nine weeks, you will conduct research to present an argument by writing a research paper which will help you to build knowledge and better your research skills.

Why do you need to write a research paper??

The main reason behind writing a research paper is to answer a question. However, there are many different types of research papers. For example, you could write a research paper for a Science class answering the question "What is the best way to preserve a natural habitat?" Another type of research paper is a literary research paper. A literary research paper addresses a question or theory about a work of literature such as "Why was Ponyboy considered an outsider".

This year in seventh grade, you will write a different type of research paper. You will write an argumentative essay for your research paper. What is an argumentative essay? Click the link below to find out.

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/05/

Task

This WebQuest will give you the basic skills to write a research paper. Navigate through the links below to familiarize yourself with the research process.

Click on the link below to watch the video to learn all about research from Tim and Moby and the whole Brainpop gang. Use the following to login to Brainpop.com. [LOGIN: centralbrainpop PASSWORD:centralbears]

http://www.brainpop.com/english/studyandreadingskills/research/

After watching the video, test your skills by taking the classic video to see how much you can recall from the video.

http://www.brainpop.com/english/studyandreadingskills/research/quiz/

Next, use the link below to read about the 10 steps of the research process. Use the slideshare presentation to answer the questions in your Webquest packet.

http://www.slideshare.net/gnbces/10-steps-to-writing-a-research-paper

AP #1: Summarize what you have learned about research in 3-5 sentences. Remember if you can't recall what you learned, then you didn't learn it.

Process

Let's review the process.

1. The first thing you need to do is pick a topic to argue.

Make sure it is not too broad
Make sure it can not be answered in one sentence or paragraph
Make sure it is something that can be debated

2. Now you need to start looking for information.

Decide on key words that can be searched
Start your search at the library. Your librarian is more than willing to help you find information.
Search the web but make sure your sources are reliable
You should use print sources, digital sources and other media such as videos

3. Next, you need to start organizing your information.

Cite your sources according to MLA standards.
Use annotations to keep your information organized
Write an outline to set up the structure of your paper
Make sure you've come to a debatable conclusion and have acknowledge the other side of your argument

4. The next step is to write the rough draft of your paper.

Use your outline and begin to flesh out your paper
Use in text citations by paraphrasing or quoting the sources where you found your information
If you don't know where to start, just start writing. It helps to just start getting your ideas out and then edit for flow.

5. Finally, edit your paper and produce the final draft.

Check conventions and spelling
Verify that you've cited all of your sources
Check the flow of the paper and move sentences/paragraphs accordingly
Have a peer edit your paper
Publish your final draft in MLA format

Evaluation

This year, the 7th grade research prompt is:

What is the most destructive problem facing our world today? Inform readers of the problem’s cause and effect and argue a solution that would help eliminate this problem from our world. Be sure that your solution seeks to eliminate the cause of the problem, not just alleviate the effects.

Recall the major world problems we have gone over this year. List them here. (Ex: Poverty)

For your paper, you will want to access both digital resources and print resources. Today's internet has a wealth of sources for your paper, but if you do not know how to do a proper internet search, it will take you hours to find what you are looking for.

Cut and paste the link below in another tab on your internet browser to read how to do a proper internet search. Complete the questions in your packet.

http://www.wikihow.com/Do-Internet-Research

AP #2: Name two ways that you can find reliable information faster on the internet? How do you plan on using this information when you conduct your research?