Civil War Research Questions and Writing Tips

This video tutorial guides students on how to determine a research question by reviewing notes and asking what they want to teach others. It emphasizes avoiding common mistakes like rewriting notes without focus. The tutorial provides a step-by-step process, using an example of Civil War notes, to develop a clear research question. Students learn to review notes, identify interesting topics, and formulate a research question that is focused and engaging.

What is the first step in determining your research question?

• Write a draft of your paper

• Summarize your articles

• Review your notes

• Choose a catchy title

Why is it important to combine your notes before writing a research paper?

• To make your paper longer

• To avoid repeating information

• To ensure you have enough content

• To impress your teacher

What is a common mistake when writing a research paper?

• Choosing a broad topic

• Rewriting notes as a final draft

• Using too many sources

• Citing sources incorrectly

What should you do after reviewing your notes to develop a research question?

• Draft an introduction

• Identify what you want to teach others

• Create a bibliography

• Write a conclusion

What is the final step in forming a research question?

• List your references

• Choose a thesis statement

• Turn your answer into a research question

• Write a summary

What was the interesting note about the Civil War that led to a research question?

• The South won the attack on Fort Sumter

• The North mistook trees for tents

• Soldiers from opposite sides chatted

• The North and South were called different names

What did the North mistake for southern tents during the Civil War?

• Rocks

• Bushes

• Trees

• Clouds

What was the focus of the research question developed from the Civil War notes?

• The outcomes of the battles

• The leaders of the battles

• The mistakes that led to battles

• The strategies used in battles

How did the mistake of the North lead to a battle at Balls Bluff?

• It caused a surprise attack

• It led to soldiers drowning

• It resulted in a peace treaty

• It ended the war

What is the purpose of asking 'What do I want to teach others?' when reviewing notes?

• To make your paper longer

• To create a catchy title

• To ensure you have enough sources

• To find a unique angle for your paper