Writing a Research Paper

Note-taking in the computer lab

After you have organized your essay, you will begin to take notes on the information you find. You will need to take extreme care with this portion of the project.

Option 1: Use notecards

Option 2: Use WORD and a flash drive or GoogleDocs

either way you need to have the following info:
Find:
1. Basic facts
2. Figuring various arguments
3. Gather quotations/citations that will be useful

On each notecard/section
1. Subject of the notecard/section
2. the fact/infor
3. Source info

Your Research Paper Topics

Objectives:
1. To learn how to correctly and effectively research and write a research paper
2. To learn information vital to passing the U.S. History and Government Exam

Assignment:
Choose one of the following topics to write (a min. 4 pages, double-spaced, 1 inch margin) historical/content research paper:
1. The hardships endured by the families during the Great Depression
2. Effects of the Depression on cities (Buffalo?)
3. Explanation of Hoover's plan for economic recovery and citizen reactions
4. Support or opposition to the election of FDR (New Deal)
5. Ways in which families (different types of people) are helped or hurt by New Deal legislation (slightly revised)
*see either him or Mr. Hughes for more specific sub-topics

Procedure:
You will complete source cards and note card in the library each day
You will complete an outline, a draft with a working thesis and works cited page
You will complete a revised, final copy complete with correct MLA format

Assessment:Your grade will be configured in the following way:
1. The Research Process
Day One--min. 2 sources and note cards completed
Day Two--min. 4 sources and note cards completed
Day Three-- min 4 sources and note cards completed

2. Pre-writing/Drafting Steps
An outline with revised thesis statement
A rough copy of the paper
A rough works cited page

3. The Research Paper: *YOUR PAPER MUST INCLUDE:
A minimum of 5 different reputable resources
A minimum of 5 correct in-text citations
A bibliography/works cited page
Correct MLA format

See the rubric below for final paper grading:

Skit writing assignment

1. In your group, develop a script based on either "Shaving", "Discovery of a Father", or Death of a Salesman in which:

(Choose 1 of the following)
--The son explains to someone how his father caused the problems in his life (What the father did and how it affected him)
--The "son" becomes the "father" in a different or the same way (acts like him or differently)
--The "son" explains to his "son" (now that he is the father) who his grandfather was and the kind of man he was
--A father and son have a disagreement about something and their issues with each other come out in the open
--A son discusses his problems with his father with his mother and is critical of her behavior in the family relationship

quiz #2--Death of a Salesman--Do not rewrite the questions, only the answers..Take your time please.

1. According to Willy, what does it mean to die--the "death of a salesman"? (Dave Singleman)Does he? pg. 81

2. Arthur Miller calls this play the "tragedy of the common man." How can this play be considered "tragic" and if so what is Willy's flaw that causes his problems?

3. Why does Biff say his father had all the wrong dreams? What dream/profession would have been more appropriate for him to follow according to the play and why do you think he chose not to pursue it? p. 138

4. What does Biff mean when he tells his father that they both are "a dime a dozen"? Why does this upset Willy so much? p. 132

5. According to Bernard, what instance caused Biff to "lay down" and quit his dreams? Why would this incident be enough to make him change how he felt about himself, his father, and his future?

Imagery and author's purpose

Yes, imagery is a description of the five senses that allows the reader to: see, hear, feel, taste, and smell the scene the author is portraying. However, it is more than that.
•It is the use of language to represent objects, actions, feelings, thoughts, ideas, states of mind, and any sensory or extrasensory experience

It also allows the author to effectively get his PURPOSE across.

*Look at both passages "Shaving" and "Discovery of a Father" for examples of imagery of each of the five senses--remember it can be unsaid or implied. Then, let's look at how it reflects CHARACTERIZATION and SETTTING.

*How does this imagery affect the reader's interpretation of the piece?
*How does it allow the author to show his purpose (already discussed)?

Asssignments for the first 5 wks of mp 3 and beyond (not in order)

BRING NOVEL FOR NEXT CLASS--VERY IMPORTANT!
1. 10 journals=100 pts.
2. Compare/Contrast Willy with Walter Younger or Analysis of Willy=50 pts.
3. vocabulary sentences #1-Death of a Salesman=20 pts
4. Video or Writing with Light Project=100 pts.
5. African-American Conference Essay=50 pts
6. Letter to Obama re:The possibility of the American Dream=50 pts.
7. Quiz #1-Death of a Salesman=20 pts.
8. Questions: "America and I"=30 pts.
---------new------and up and coming---------------
9. Book report=100 pts. (80 for prompts, 20 for dual-entry journal)
10. Questions for "Shaving" and "Discovery of a Father"=30 pts.
11. Death of A Salesman Test=100 pts.
12. Quiz #2 Death of a Salesman=25. pts
13. Research Paper=100 pts.