Research Papers

Choosing a Topic

Two Types of Research Papers

InformationalSummarizes factual information from

a variety of sourcesFocus on the topicFind the informationProduce an organized and coherent

paper

Two Types of Research Papers

AnalyticalThe writer analyzes the information

and presents conclusionDisplays some of the elements of a

persuasive paper since it states writer’s opinion and supports with detailed evidence

Choosing a Topic

You will decide what to write about and simply get your topic approved

HINT: You don’t have to find “The Perfect Topic” (it probably doesn’t exist anyway). You just have to find a workable one.

Choosing a Workable Topic

1. You can find enough material on the topic.2. The topic interests you, and you think you can make it

interest your audience.Brainstorm different topics that might interest you.

3. Narrow your topic so it is not to broad1. Too General: ants2. Still too General: fire ants3. Still too General: the evolution of fire ants4. Just Right: the invasion of fire ants in the US5. Too Limited: What to do if you are stung by a fire

ant6. Too Limited: What a fire ant looks like

Clustering

1. Start by writing the big idea or a broad general subject- in the middle of a piece of paper, then circle it.

2. Break the big idea into smaller parts or topics associated with it.

3. Keep going writing more limited topics branching outward.

Cable TV

Advantages History of Competition Disadvantages

Pay-per-view

Many sports events

Many more channels

Early responses Free network TV

Government regulations

Cost to assemble

TV addiction

Practice Identifying Topics

Careers in medicine Pros and cons of being a nurse in a

hospital emergency room The history of medicine in Europe during

the twentieth-century Medical research today

Put in order according to the most broad to the narrowest

Revising Inappropriate Topics Talk in your group how you would revise

My favorite Mexican food Airport security American Indian Art Hurricanes Grammy awards

Ex: Snowboarding (too general) Workable: Dangers of snowboarding:

comparing and contrasting waterskiing and snowboarding