Day 14: Choosing a Research Topic

Objectives
Students will be able to

• produce/assess topics to be appropriate for a research paper.
• plan and structure the content.
• practice impromptu speech skills.

 I. Review (10 min) 

1.  Remember:  In this module, you will learn that there are many steps in writing a research paper. It is not just the actual writing, but a process of planning, research, pre-writing, writing and revision. In the first unit, you will learn about the different steps involved in writing a research paper as well as how well as the order in which those steps can be completed. 

Get in groups of two for the following Ordering Activity


Research Paper Overview (handout) 

 2.  Remember:  The objective of this unit is to simultaneously write two papers and to keep a portfolio of activities done while writing these papers:

The Guided Research Paper (GRP)

This is an in-class project. We'll do it together in class.

The Individual Research Paper (IRP)

This is at-home project. After you learn and practice skills with the GRP in class, you will use this newly acquired knowledge to write your IRP at home.

In addition to writing the IRP, you will be registering your research activity by creating a Research Portfolio. Take a look at the topics you are required to include in this portfolio. Make sure you open a file on Dropbox and label it, Pre-research Portfolio. Inside of this file you should open folders for each of the 9 topics you are required to report (Choose_Justify a topic, Investigate the Issue, etc.)

II. Choosing a Research Paper Topic


A.  What Makes a Good Research Topic? (5 min)


First,  take a look at the assignment prompt (instructions) to make sure what it states about topic.

GRP and IRP Prompt

Second, let's take a look at a few Guidelines to narrow choice topics.

Examples of past topics for the GRP

 B. Deciding on the Topic for the Guided Research Paper (GRP) (5 min)

In groups of four think about topics that you would like to research for the GRP. Use the checklist in the Guidelines to evaluate these topics. Decide for one of the topics proposed. You will present this topic to the class.

C. Defending the topic (10 min)

Choose one group speaker to present your topic and convince everyone that your topic is the best, making references to the checklist we just discussed.

D.  Problem-Solution Outline: Group Activity  (10 min)

In 4 groups (2 groups for Problems, 2 groups for Solutions), you should come up with as many related concepts or ideas to that portion of the paper. The Problems groups should focus on any background knowledge they have of the topic, and the causes and effects of the problem. The Solutions groups should focus on coming up with potential solutions and rank them according to their effectiveness.  You can make cluster maps, lists, or even outlines to organize your information. 

E.  Writing a General Outline for the GRP (for key words)

 

Homework:

 a) Go to Dropbox and create your Pre-research Portfolio file.

b) Choose a topic for your Individual Research Paper. After that, reflect on:
What do you already know about this topic?:  Focus on any background knowledge you have of the topic, and the causes and effects of this problem you have chosen to analyze. Also think about about the potetial solutions, rank them according to their effectiveness. Take notes about his reflection.

c) Remember that Assignment 2, The Analysis of the Diagnostic Essay, is due Sunday, Feb. 17 at midnight.


Sources:

Lawson, L. and Rosado C. Lessons in the ESL 115 Website.