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senior research

overview

“What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence.”
-Christopher Hitchens (author, critic, journalist)
 
For this project, you will choose a topic that you are curious or passionate about and dive in deep to learn more. Then, you will complete a 5 page research paper in MLA format on that topic to demonstrate your analysis and learning. 

**If you are on the Career pathway and would like to complete the project instead of the paper, check in with Taylor.

objectives

  • Create an original thesis about a topic you want to know more about
  • Choose quotes that support an established thesis
  • Support quotes with background and connection to a thesis
  • Use standard MLA format for a research paper
  • Evaluate sources and think critically about information being presented through media and traditional sources
  • Utilize time management while working on a large project

project outline

  • INTRODUCTION
    • Bird by Bird reminder
    • Review syllabus and expectations - everything is in the Google Classroom!
    • Review work plan and calendar
  • EXPOSE
    • Explore sample papers from previous years
    • Finalize your topic
    • Learn about research resources
    • Review note-taking format, citing
    • Review paper writing elements
      • What is context?
      • Support paragraph structure
      • Source integration: direct quote vs. paraphrase, citing
      • Counterargument
  • PRACTICE
    • Research chosen topic
    • Develop thesis statement (working draft)
    • Collect sources – at least 10
    • Build paper outline
  • CREATE
    • Write first draft in stages based on outline
    • Revise draft
    • Build annotated bibliography
  • REFLECT
    • Get feedback from Morgan, other teachers, peers
    • Revise, revise, edit, edit.
    • Read paper out loud. Edit as needed.

tips for success​

  • Be realistic in your calendar. Give yourself plenty of time… and then stick to your plan.
  • Come to class. I can’t answer questions or check in with you if you aren’t here.
  • Choose a topic that interests you. A topic you are content eating, sleeping, and breathing for the next month...
  • Work on one piece at a time; don’t try to attack the entire paper at once.
  • Understand that this paper is not graded on length; it is graded on content.  You may have 5 pages written, but if your argument isn’t logical with good use of quotes, a strong thesis and supporting ideas, then it isn’t finished.
  • Take lots of notes – and always record your source right away.
  • Any plagiarized work will be returned and rewritten by the student.  All sources must be cited.  Continued use of blatant plagiarism will result in a meeting to discuss continued enrollment.
  • Expect revisions. And listen to feedback! if you don’t, it will double the workload for you and for me. And I already have enough work on my load.
  • Stuck? Talk to your peers and other teachers. Or take a break. Or work on another section. Don’t get into a rut over one idea or wait for me to respond before moving on. 

Remember: I will work as hard as you do. If you work hard, I will, too! If you don't work hard... neither will I.

helpful docs

Research paper overview
Research paper syllabus
Refer to the Research Google Classroom for all the other docs you'll need!
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The Mission of Chaffee County High School

“Chaffee County High School strives to engage and educate students through systemic and targeted interventions so they can make a positive impact on their community." 

Contact Us

  • Home
  • About
  • Research
  • Reading & Writing
  • Recent Modules
    • Connect >
      • Board Game Reviews (mini)
      • CCHS Powtoon
      • Coco!
      • Creative Writing Seminar >
        • Calvin and Hobbes
        • Pieces of art
        • Tell Tale Cards
      • Dragon Post
      • Editorializing
      • E-mail Etiquette (Dead Poet's Society)
      • E-mail Etiquette (Star Wars)
      • English Skills
      • Go Write Outside
      • Nature Poetry
      • Passion Project
      • Persons, Places, Things
      • Photo Essays
      • Rebel Girls >
        • Jane Goodall
      • Stereotypes
      • Teach Me Something
      • Virtual Reality-ing
      • What Music Means
    • Construct >
      • 2018 in Review
      • Book Censorship
      • Live Anywhere
      • Picture Book Inquiry
      • Propaganda Bombs
      • PSA Powtoon
      • Self-Improvement
      • State of the Union
      • Rant to Reason
      • TED Topics
      • Who Cares?
    • Be Curious >
      • Art Time is Fun Time!
      • Caper with the Classics
      • CCHS Librarians
      • Emma: Friend or Foe?
      • Fahrenheit 451
      • Found Poetry
      • Google Expeditions
      • Hero's Journey
      • Irreverence
      • Macbeth
      • Poetry
      • The Lottery
      • "Worthy" Art