Research Paper Focus

Developing a Research
Topic
 Procedure
 Task Definition
 Info Gathering Strategy
 Location and Access
 Use of Information
 Synthesis
 Evaluation
First Step: A Task Definition

 A Task Definition is a clearly written

statement or question that clarifies exactly
what you are going to do to complete your
research task.
 Your task is to write a 3-5 page, double
spaced research paper that explores a
current world issue.
The Easiest Method—The
Essential Question
 An essential question is a question that makes
you, the researcher, make a decision at the
completion of your research.
 After writing an essential question, you should
write foundation questions
 A foundation question is one whose answer
provides facts used to answer the essential
question.
Examples
 Essential Question:
 “Should wetlands in the United States be
preserved?”
 “Is the issue of preserving wetlands in the
United States a problem that needs
immediate attention?”
Foundation Questions
 Foundation Q’s are typically the “What is” questions.
They are the ?’s you will try to find the answers to.
 It is your job to craft an answer from these facts.
 It is okay to add or subtract from your list of
foundation questions as you go through your process.
 Your foundation ?’s should provide you with your
KEYWORDS.
 You need to have 6-8 questions. Brainstorm or sit
with a study group to help you come up with
questions.
Examples Continued
 Foundation Questions:
 What is a wetland?
 What are the reasons for saving wetlands?
 Why are wetlands being destroyed?
 Who is destroying wetlands?
 How many acres of wetlands exist in the U.S?
 What are the best methods for saving
wetlands?
Your First Goal
 Write your own Essential Statement or Essential
Question that forces you to make a decision.
 Generate at least 6-8 foundation questions for the
essential question/statement.
 Write a statement or question that sparks YOUR
curiosity.
 Remember: You are not FINDING OUT ABOUT A
TOPIC!
 Write a question that is not too broad or too
narrow…