Day 15: Pre-Research: Assessing Topics

Objectives
In this class, students will be able to

• assess the suitability of a topic for the assigned task.
• pre-research for problems and solutions associated with the topic.
• write a tentative outline for the paper. 

I.  Assessing the quality/suitability of proposed topics (15 min)
A. Teenage Smoking
B. Legal Prostitution in the U.S.
C. Light Pollution
D. Stopping Whale Hunting in Japan

II. Problem-Solution Outline:  Group Activity 

1. For five minutes, research on the chosen topic. Start by finding general information on Google, Wikipedia, etc. so you can have an idea of the proportions of this topic. (5 min)

2. The class will divide in 2 groups: One group will research for Problems, the other group for Solutions. Choose one or two peers who will take notes of the discussion. Discuss your findings with the other members of your group. Everybody has to speak at this stage. (5 min)

Each group will come up with as many related concepts or ideas to that portion of the paper. (15 min)

a) The Problems groups should focus on any background knowledge they have of the topic, and the causes and effects of the problem. 

b) 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 this information. You are provided with two large pieces of paper and markers to show this organization to the rest of the class.

To finish this pre-research activity, post up all of the group work and discuss how it can be applied to their research papers.(10 min)

Homework

For next class:

a) Choose the topic for your Individual Research Paper (IRP). 

Using the same method we have used for choosing the topic for the Guided Research Topic, try to come with a topic for your individual paper. 

b)  Open a Word document and write a justification for this choice (see the Pre-Research Portofolio Handout). Upload this document on Dropbox in the file you opened for your portfolio.

Sources:

Rosado, C. (2013). Lesson from UIUC ESL Writing TA Resource Website.

Image of paper and  pencil taken from:
 http://www.contracosta.edu/legacycontent/library/clics/chapters/Ch1/IB.html