The first step to writing a research paper is coming up with a strong thesis statement. This thesis statement will be the focus of your paper and will convey what you ultimately want your reader to know. What point do you want to make in your paper? What argument are you trying to present to your reader?
A thesis statement is a strong, direct statement that identifies what your paper is about and what the message is that you want readers to take away from your writing. This will also give clear direction for yourself as you are writing the rest of your paper, as you’ll want to stick within the topic identified in your thesis statement and avoid jumping too far outside of your topic. Once you have your thesis statement, you are ready to complete this assignment.
In this step, you will create an annotated bibliography for your paper. For this portion of the assignment, you will create and submit the annotated bibliography to support the thesis of your research paper. In addition, identify each source as a primary or secondary source, and show how they relate to the chosen topic and thesis. The goal of an annotated bibliography is to provide a list of primary and secondary resources that support your thesis.
A primary resource is one that provides direct evidence or information. This might include interview transcripts, statistical data, or another means of supplying direct information.
A secondary resource is one that does not supply direct evidence, but rather relies on “hear-say”, such as second-hand information or simple commentary on something for which the author/interviewer was not a part of.
The annotations should be clear and well-developed. The reader should be able to identify from the summary how the source links to your thesis.
The grammar and vocabulary should communicate meaning to the reader with clarity and should be appropriate for academic writing. Please double check for grammar or spelling errors.
You must have a minimum of five sources for this assignment and use scholarly research to support your thesis.
For this portion of the assignment, you will create and submit an outline for your research paper. The goal of this outline is to organize your thoughts and determine the best approach to writing your research paper. You have already completed your annotated bibliography, so be sure to include the sources you found in order to assist you in this assignment. Remember that everything in your outline should relate to your thesis statement. This outline should be written in full sentences with evidence from your sources and correctly cited using the notes-bibliography system. This will allow you to practice using the system before your draft and final paper.
Example Outline Format:
I. Introduction
A. Opening statement
B. Narrowing statement
C. Thesis statement
II. Major Point
A. Support major point
1. Supporting evidence (source)
a) Evidence (source)
b) More evidence (source)
2. Supporting evidence (source)
B. Support major point
1. Supporting evidence (source)
2. Supporting evidence (source)
III. Major Point
A. Support major point
1. Supporting evidence
2. Supporting evidence (source)
3. Supporting evidence (source)
B. Support major point
1. Supporting evidence (source)
IV. Major Point
A. Support major point
1. Supporting evidence (source)
2. Supporting evidence (source)
V. Conclusion
A. Opening statement/restate thesis
B. Summary of research
C. Final statement