2. 6-8 page research paper accompanied by
an Works Cited page
◦ Notes, draft, works cited composed in Google
Docs
5-10 minute class presentation
◦ Composed in Google Docs
3. The goal of this project is to research a topic
or an experience of interest to you and to
write about and present your findings to the
class.
4. To give you the opportunity to learn how to
write a long research paper in a structured
setting.
To demonstrate a post-secondary level of
proficiency writing and speaking
informatively and persuasively. In other
words, it’s a graduation requirement.
5. History, politics, the
arts, health, science, mathematics, business
, finance, technology, medicine, philosophy,
psychology, education, automotive
technology, local politics, legal policy, the
judicial system…
Basically, anything goes (so long as it’s school appropriate).
Some topics ARE better than others.
6. An inquiry is an investigation or the act of
asking.
The best papers are ones that seek to answer
REAL questions.
Your thesis is the short answer to the
question you ask.
Your paper supports and proves your thesis.
7. A thesis is a paper that works to prove a
statement (including an opinion) true.
You will have to pick a topic, form an opinion
on the topic, and use evidence to prove your
statement true.
8. Shea’s Performing Arts Center is an important
historical monument that represents and
reflects Buffalo’s various struggles through
history.
9. With all these medications available, and the
influence of drug companies, doctors are
prescribing drugs without thinking of
alternative therapies, which is leading adults,
children and the elderly to be overmedicated.
11. An essential question directs the course of
research.
The answer to your essential question is a
direct measure of your learning.
◦ The answer to your essential will also become your
thesis statement.
12. It is not a question that can be answered with
yes or no.
It is not a question that can be answered in
one sentence.
It is not a question that has already been
answered.
It is not a vague or large question that
requires a five-pound book to answer.
13. Guide your research.
Give research a frame and focus.
Are clear and concise.
Tells your audience what your project will
address.
Has no single “right” answer.
14. Poor example: Strong example:
◦ What is cancer? ◦ What is the best plan that
could be developed that
would reduce the
likelihood of developing
cancer?
15. Can fiction reveal truth? Can a story teach its
reader something?
How does an organism’s structure enable it
to survive in its environment?
How are form and function related in biology?
How does where we live influence how we
live?
Is pain necessary for progress in athletics?
Who wins and who loses when technologies
change?
16. What do you want to know more about?
What will your topic be?
