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Basic information about the research paper & Choosing a topic. 9810004M Lydia 9810008M Leslie. Outline. 1. Reasons for the research paper 2. Definition of the research paper 3. Format of the research paper
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Basic information about the research paper&Choosing a topic 9810004M Lydia 9810008M Leslie
Outline • 1. Reasons for the research paper • 2. Definition of the research paper • 3. Format of the research paper • 4. It’s compare about Modern Language Association (MLA) and American Psychological Association (APA) • 5. The report paper and thesis paper • 6. Drafts of the research paper • 7. 7distinct steps
Reasons for the research paper • Learn deeply about your chosen topic. • Become familiar with the library through learning by doing. • Learn how to organize the writing. • Learn how to use the internet in your research. • Learn how to select the useful information and summarize.
Definition of the research paper: • “Research” comes from Middle French word “rechercher”, meaning “to seek out”. • You have to 1.seek out information 2.take a stand on it 3.back it up with the opinions, ideas, and views of others. • About 5-10pages to present your views and findings on the chosen subject.
Format of the research paper 1.Chicago Manual of style (CMS): it created by a board of editors. 2. Modern Language Association(MLA): a society of language scholars. 3. American Psychological Association (APA): a society of scientific scholors
1.Modern Language Association(MLA): a society of language scholars. Ex:Brashear, William. The Living Will. The Hague: Mouton,1969. ( name of author + title of book or work underlined+ city of publication+ publisher+ year of publication) VS 2.American Psychological Association (APA): a society of scientific scholars. Ex:Jones, E.(1931). On the nightmare. London:Hogarth ( the name of author +year + title of book italic+ city of publication + publisher)
The report paper and thesis paper • The report paper: 1.Summarizing and reporting the finding on the particular subject . 2. No judgments and evaluations. Ex: How the Beatles got started as a rock group. • The thesis paper: 1. It takes a definite stand on an issue. 2. It’s a point of view which you are going to against or defend. Ex: The Beatles’ lyrics gave hope to a disenchanted youth during the 1960s and 1970s.
Drafts of the research paper: 1.The process of writing is rarely smooth, and seldom predicable 2. It takes at least three drafts before submitting your research paper. • Steps the schedule: Start working on the paper as soon as it is assigned, and once you get started, make the schedule (7distinct steps from books) and stick on it.
7distinct steps • Select the topic (two acceptable topics) • Scan and read the sources. • Gather and assemble the information. • Draft a thesis statement and express the major idea. • Outline the major parts. • Write a rough draft of the paper(acknowledge all borrowed ideas, data, and opinions). • Write the final draft.
Outline • 1. How to choose a topic • 2. Topics to avoid • 3. Narrowing the topic
How to choose a topic • Pick a topic you like • Whatever your topic, it must be approved by your instructor. • Go to the library and browse. • Use the library’s online public-access catalog (OPAC) For example: Electronic Theses and Dissertations system
Use the encyclopedia • Take your time searching for a topic • Ask questions to find and narrow the topic. • Ask the librarian
Topics to avoid • Don’t choosing any old topic • If you have doubts, keep looking until you hit on an idea that excites you. • Topics that are too big: • You find the hundreds of sources in the OPAC ----all indicate a topic that is too big. • Narrow down the topic and make it specific.
Topics based on a single source • Choose only topics that are broad enough to be researched from multiple source. • Try to avoid a paper on a person’s life
Topics that are too technical • Some of words that are too professional to understand. • Topics that are trivial • A topic is trivial because it’s obvious. For example: Walking is good aerobic exercise. • Topics that are overused • Approach a topic from a new angle. • Topics that are contemporary • It’s difficult to find unbiased sources. • It’s speculating report
Narrowing the topic • Use the available resources. • Does the topic an arguable thesis? • Don’t be afraid of experiment before you find a appropriate topic you like.
General subject → English Learning strategy on Students’ reading comprehension in Taiwan First Narrowing →The picture book strategy on students’ reading comprehension in Taiwan Second Narrowing →The picture book strategy on Taiwan’s elementary students’ reading comprehension.