This document provides guidance on conducting a brainstorming exercise for a research paper. It instructs students to use either freewriting or a thought web to generate ideas using pencil and paper within the time allotted by the teacher, who will collect the work at the end.

1. Brainstorming Exercise
Take out a pencil and paper. Using either the freewriting method or the thought
web method, brainstorm ideas for your research paper. Write until your teacher
says to stop. Your instructor will collect your work when time is up.

2. Week Ten

3.  Quantitative- measuring
something by its quantity, not its
quality
 Graphs, charts, tables, and more
can enhance your written
argument when used correctly
 These graphics can tell a story at
a glance through the use of
numbers
Quantitative Graph

4.  Use bars of varying lengths
 Useful when contrasting two
qualities
 Typically distinguished by colors or
gradient fill
 Titles should tell what is being
compared to what
Bar Graphs

5.  Statistics or numbers
expressed through “slices” on
a circular chart
 Great for depicting the way
parts of whole are divided up
 The effectiveness diminishes
the more “slices” you add
 Pie carts should be easy to
read and concise
Pie Charts/ Circle Graphs

6.  Converts numerical data into a series of points on a grid and connects
them with lines
 Great when showing dramatic increases, decreases, or inconsistencies
Line Graphs

7.  Data used in arguments usually have origins in raw numbers
collected from:
 Surveys
 Questionnaires
 Observational studies
 Scientific experiments
 Your graph must be from a scholarly source
 Look for information in the original source that explains how the
data was collected and put together
Where does the data come from?

8.  Decide if it supports your claim
 Decide if it is relevant
 Decide where it should appear in your argument
 Be aware of what the data communicates
 Be aware of the title
When analyzing info graphics:

9.  Introduce the table or figure in your essay with an attributive tag
 Label all info graphics with a number (numeric)
 Tables are called “Tables”
 Graphs, charts, and photographs are called “Figures”
 Your text should relay the most important information in the graphic
 Make sure the graphic is of high quality
 Cite the graphic in either APA or MLA format in your
References/Works Cited page
Using Info Graphics in your Argument

10.  Use the word Figure or Table with a number under the caption
 Use consecutive numbers
 Italicize it
 In non-italics include:
A description of the graphic. Reprinted [or adapted] from “Title of
Article”, by author (first initial. Second initial. Last name), Year, Journal
Title, Volume, page number.
Using Info Graphics in APA

11. Crowley (2015), shows us in Figure 2, that data collected for his article, “Growing Out While
Growing Up” that the child obesity rate has steadily increased since 1968 (see fig. 2).
Example APA
Figure 2. Line graph of increasing overweight population of American adolescents. Reprinted
from “Growing Out While Growing Up”, by R.L. Crowley, 2015, The Journal of Social Sciences,
2, p. 414.

12.  Underneath the graphic write the abbreviation Fig. and the number
 Include a citation in the same fashion as the Works Cited entry
 If you do not reference the source again in your paper, do not include it
in the Works Cited page
Using Info Graphics with MLA

13. According to the data collected by Dr. Angela Martin, in her book Whole
Foods and World Imports, apples are imported more than plums and
grapefruits combined (see fig. 9).
Example MLA
Fig. 9. Martin, Angela. Whole Foods and World Imports. Kane
Publishing, 2006.

14.  Journal due by midnight 11/3
 Abstract and Introduction due 11/3
 Drop Box
 Annotated bibliography for research paper due 11/8
DUE: