Informative/Research Writing

Informative Writing

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Focus Question and Thesis

• Focus question should address what you want to learn about a topic

• Thesis is a focus question reworded as a statement.

• The thesis statement is presented in the introduction paragraph, and is summarized and reworded in the conclusion paragraph.

Introduction Paragraph

How do I start my research paper?

Introduction Paragraphs

• First, you want to GRAB your reader's attention. You can do this by using a hook. (Hooks can be important quotes, startling facts, exciting news, jokes, riddles, poems, and so much more.) You never write a hook that starts with "My paper will be about..." or "Here is the topic we are discussing".

• Following that attention getter, you want to provide some background into the topic using 2-3 sentences. You should not introduce new information or answer any focus questions in the introduction.

Introduction Paragraphs Cont.

• Introduce your thesis statement by rewording your focus question. A thesis addresses the main idea of the paper.

• Finally, conclude this paragraph by using a transitional sentence that begins your paper.

Multiple Select

Which elements are included in an introduction paragraph?

• New Information

• Background Information

• Attention Getter

• Thesis Statement

• Reworded Thesis Statement

Body Paragraphs

• Structure of a body paragraph includes introducing the topic with a topic sentence.

• The middle of this paragraph is the meat and potatoes, it's where you use evidence to support your thesis statement. (Include Citations and Paraphrasing)

• The end of the body paragraph should have a conclusion sentence that transitions into the next paragraph.

Direct Quotes and Paraphrasing

• Direct quotes are exactly as they sound, quotes directly from your sources. In order to properly give the author credit in your paper, introduce their thought with their name, followed with a direct quote in quotations. End your sentence with a in-text citation (Author Last Name, Year Published)

• Paraphrasing can be a bit more complicated. You are taking the author's ideas and making them your own by using your own words. The key here is to change up the words enough but maintain the original meaning of the text. You also end this paraphrase with the in-text citation (Author Last Name, Year Published).

• Click here for more information on paraphrasing: https://lasalle-academy.libguides.com/c.php?g=596216&p=4124834

Multiple Select

A body paragraph should include:

• topic sentence

• supporting evidence

• quotes and paraphrases

• transition sentence

• all of the above

Multiple Select

Check the box(es) with correct quoting and/or paraphrasing.

• "Harry woke up early the next morning." (Rowling, 1997)

• Harry woke up early the next morning. (Rowling 1997)

• And that next morning, Harry had woken up early. (Rowling, 1997)

• Harry awoke early the next morning. (1997)

Conclusion Paragraphs

• Conclusion paragraphs contain several key features, though they are fairly similar to Introduction paragraphs. The difference is that instead of introducing the topic, you are summarizing the topic. Here are some of the key elements of a conclusion paragraph

• Wrapping-up statement (Using words such as: in conclusion, to summarize, in the end)

• A reworded thesis statement that signifies that the answer was in fact answered.

• A VERY short summary of what was talked about during the paper. (1-2 sentences)

• A powerful statement or quote that your reader will remember forever.

Multiple Select

A good conclusion paragraph should include:

• A new fact

• A summary of what was talked about in the essay

• A reworded thesis

• A powerful statement

• A "wrapping-up" statement.

Poll

I feel confident about writing my research paper:

• 1- I don't understand any of this

• 2- I don't really understand this

• 3- I feel like I kind of understand this

• 4- I understand, but could use a little extra support

• 5- I am super confident about my understanding.