13.1 (11/25 and 11/26) Outlining a paper - using research

Today we'll talk about the "balancing act" of writing an analytical research paper. 

You'll need to include enough of everything, but not too much of anything.  You are ONLY writing 1000 words....Since you've just read tens of thousands of word on your topic, you know more than you could ever "fit" into a short(ish)  essay.

 

 Today you'll jump right in to outlining!

But wait ... too soon.  See, you have to make some decisions first.  What EXACTLY is your paper about, anyway?  And how many "subtopics" - or smaller parts - will your research support?  These might be "different relationships" or "various causes of an effect" or "stages in a progressions"  or even "opposing or divergent expert opinions/theories on a topic".  If its more than 4, can you cut or combine some of them.  If its less than 3, can you stretch somethings out - or do you need more research?

Here is a sample outline

Your paper will be at least 1000/words (about 4 pages).  I would aim for a distribution like this:

• Intro (150 -200words)
• 1st subtopic (250-350 words)
• 2nd subtopic (250-350words)
• 3rd subtopic (250-350 words)
• Conclusion (100 -150 words)

OR

• Intro (150 -200words)
• 1st subtopic (200-250 words)
• 2nd subtopic  (200-250 words)
• 3rd subtopic  (200-250 words)
• 4th subtopic (200-250 words)
• Conclusion (100-150 words)

I suggest you use subheadings to keep your organziation clear and tight - at least in your first draft.

Make sure that, along the ways, you always keep a detailed, written track of where your information/paraphrases and quotes come from (last name of author, page number, source).  Also, any language not your wown (quoted) must always remain in " " marks.  Never decide to put them back in later! 

What's due 14.1 (aka the first class back after Thanksgiving)?

A typed draft of at least 750 words divided evenly into different subtopic categories.  It can be printed or merely available on a FULLY CHARGED tablet or laptop. Each subtopic category (except the intro) must reference at least 1 source.  Each paper must reference at least 3 different sources total.  Bring all sources to class for an in-class MLA citation workshop.  Bring in a technology that you can use to edit your work - either a a FULLY CHARGED tablet or laptop or  a printed draft with pen/pencil for handwritten changes.

Have a lovely and wonderful break with your families - well, except for the part where you have to write these research papers :)