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Rescue for the Researcher and Writer The Research Process 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Planning the project Selecting / refining a topic Finding sources Evaluating your sources Organizing your findings Writing & revising Time Management Planning 5% Topic Selection 5% Writing & revising 40% Organizing your information 5% Topic focus 15% Gathering information 30% http:core.lib.purdue.edu/plan4.htm Understanding Your Assignment Format of the project (research paper, oral presentation, design . . .) Length Audience Assessment criteria Citation style (APA, MLA . . .) Exploring Your Topic •Brainstorm ideas for a topic •Come up with keywords •Consider using broader & narrower terms Google Hint: ~sustainable development will search for sustainable development and its common synonyms define: sustainable development will search for definitions and links Webbing Penn State University Libraries. (2005). Retrieved August 22, 2005, from http://www.libraries.psu.edu/instruction/infolit/andyou/mod1/idea3.htm Thesis Statement States the topic / main idea of the paper Shows the purpose of your paper Shows the direction of your argument Written in focused, specific language It is interesting Looking for Information Check the library for: Books Periodicals Government documents Newspapers Videos Human expertise Looking for Information Check the world wide web for: The Invisible Web (beyond google) Online databases Current information (online newspapers, articles, studies. . .) The Library’s Best of the Web pages Using & other General Search Engines •Many web pages are free •Most web pages are commercial •Anyone can create and publish a webpage Information on the web is •Not highly organized •Not always comprehensive •Not permanent Evaluate your Sources Accuracy Does the source seem correct? Do you need to check the information with a second source? Currency Is this source up to date? Objectivity Is this source unnecessarily biased? Coverage What is the purpose of this source? Authority Who is the author / publisher of this source? Going Beyond Google Holland College Library has licensed several databases that provide access to full text articles and current information: •Canadian Business & Current Affairs •ABI/INFORM •Academic Search Elite •Professional Development Collection •Vocational & Career Collection •Encyclopedia Britannica •Gale Health & Wellness Taking Notes Avoid plagiarism Read the information, think, then put what you’ve read in your own words Avoid cutting and pasting Identify direct quotes Document your sources as you take notes Taking Notes Create descriptive headings / subtopics Use index cards or paper that can easily be reorganized Keep the notes short Add personal comments http://webster.commnet.edu/mla/notes.shtml Creating an Outline I. Introduction A. Grab audience attention B. State thesis II. Body A. Build points B. Develop ideas C. Support main claim III. Conclusion A. Reemphasize main idea www.owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/pp Writing the Rough Draft Introduction Be very clear about what the main idea is Body Turn the key ideas in your outline into paragraphs Conclusion Sum up your thesis – show you have proven something Introduction 8 ways to introduce your topic 1. Background information 2. Definition 3. Story 4. Question 5. Quotation 6. Contradiction 7. Fact or statistic 8. Surprising statement Body of the Paper Topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph Supportive ideas follow the main idea With each new “big” idea, start a new paragraph Sentences and paragraphs should be smooth and logically connected Conclusion 4 Ways to conclude your paper 1. Review key points and restate your thesis in a “new” way 2. Recommend a course of action 3. Make a prediction 4. End with a relevant quotation Editing your Rough Draft If time allows, set it aside for a day or so. Editing tools Dictionary / spell check Thesaurus Grammar & punctuation handbook / grammar check Red pen An editor Writing the Final Draft Word processed is usually preferred Pay attention to appearance Read the paper out loud Don’t forget to credit your sources Bibliography / works cited page Create a snappy title Keep a backup copy If you have any questions or need help with your researching and writing, please contact us at Holland College Library Services. 2009 Holland College Library Services