The document outlines the stages of the research process including brainstorming a topic, narrowing the topic, developing a thesis statement, researching using print and non-print sources, developing note cards, pre-writing, drafting an outline, revising, and submitting the final essay. It also discusses key elements of persuasive essays such as making an argument, using facts and data to convince readers, and incorporating research to back up arguments while explaining the research in your own words. Finally, it provides guidance on MLA format including citing sources internally and including a works cited page using Easybib.com.

1. Brought to you by Mrs. Schaefer Research Essays and MLA

2. Stages of the Research Process Brainstorm a topic Narrow the topic Develop a thesis statement Research Use print and non-print sources (.gov; .edu; .org sites are the best) Develop note cards (follow template provided in BB) Pre-write Develop an outline based on your thesis (2-4 main ideas) Draft Revise Repeat 2 – 5 as needed Submit the final essay

3. Persuasive essays Make an argument for a particular position on an important issue Convince the audience, your readers, to agree with your position or take action Use facts, data, statistics, and quotes from reputable “experts” in the field to make your argument

4. Incorporating research Your essay should not be a rehash of research It is your point of view and your argument However, use research to back up your argument Be sure to explain, in your own words, how the research you are using proves your argument Good formula for a body paragraph Your topic sentence Citations from the research that proves your topic sentence argument Your own explanation of how the research explains your topic sentence

5. MLA format MLA format internally cites the source you are using. You put the author’s last name (when available) or a shortened version of the title in parenthesis after you quote, summarize, or paraphrase a source. You then include a full Works Cited page. Easybib.com is excellent for developing a works cited page. With easybib.com, you identify the type of source you are using, plug-in the data available on the source, and then it will create a correct MLA citation for you You can export it automatically into a word document

6. Please check out this presentation The following website gives you a detailed summary on putting together an essay with MLA format http://faculty.nl.edu/cad/presentations/Basic%20MLA%20Formatting.htm Please note, if you do not use MLA format, you will not master this unit, unit 2.