Choosing a Topic
What is the first step in starting a research paper?
Choosing a focused topic.
What type of sources are best for a research paper?
Scholarly or peer-reviewed sources.
What is a thesis statement?
A statement that explains the main argument or point of your paper.
What makes a good research topic?
It's specific, interesting, and researchable.
Where can you find academic sources online?
Databases like JSTOR, Google Scholar, or library websites.
Where should the thesis statement be placed in your paper?
At the end of the introduction.
Why should you avoid overly broad topics?
They are hard to cover thoroughly in one paper.
What is the purpose of an annotated bibliography?
To summarize and evaluate the sources used.
What sections make up a typical research paper?
Introduction, body, and conclusion.
What question should you ask when picking a topic?
Is there enough information available on this topic?
What should you do if you can’t find enough information on your topic?
Refine or adjust your topic.
What is the purpose of an outline?
To organize ideas and structure the paper before writing.
What is one way to narrow down a broad topic?
Focus on a specific aspect or issue related to the topic.
What are primary and secondary sources?
Primary sources are original materials; secondary sources analyze primary materials.
What is the difference between paraphrasing and quoting?
Paraphrasing involves restating ideas in your own words; quoting uses the exact words from a source.