RS1 - Research 101 Module Overview

Research 101

We have already discussed the importance of solid written and verbal communication, using organized ideas along with proper grammar and mechanics. However, in order for readers to believe the claims of a writer, a writer also needs solid support, or evidence, to back up his or her claims. In this module, we will build upon your knowledge of writing and research. You will demonstrate your summative knowledge of researching and writing by crafting a final research essay.

Throughout the course, you have written various essays on literary topics; however, the Research 101 module will focus specifically on the research process and allow you the freedom to research and craft a final essay on the topic of your choosing. You will work closely with your instructor to receive feedback at each stage of the research process, so make sure to read all instructions closely and submit all assignments in a timely manner because the various steps in the research process require instructor feedback and approval before continuing.

 

Essential Questions

  1. How might I gather, assess relevant information from multiple authoritative sources and integrate to craft a well-organized and persuasive argument?
  2. Can I produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience?
  3. How might I craft arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence?

Key Terms

  1. Introduction Paragraph - The first paragraph in an essay that grabs the reader that should connect the writer's topic and ideas to a historical or current event to provide general perspective and context.
  2. Thesis Statement - A short statement, usually one sentence appearing at the end of the introduction, that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, etc., and is developed, supported, and explained in the text by means of examples and evidence.
  3. Topic Sentence - The sentence revealing the specific topic of your paragraph—this is a broad sentence that allows for entry into subdivision of argument.
  4. Development Sentence - Occurs after the topic sentence and provides a perspective on the topic that will allow for an understanding of the importance of the evidence that will follow—your opinion, thought, or idea regarding the topic.
  5. Evidence - All words, ideas, facts or data used from another source (other than the brain) that backs up or supports the statements and opinions stated by the writer—must be cited properly.
  6. Analysis Sentence - Explains why the evidence is important and how it connects to thesis. Do not simply restate or summarize the evidence.
  7. Conclusion Sentence - Last sentence in the body paragraphs that carefully links the ideas that have been proven and provides the reader with some sort of critical evaluation of the overall importance of the argument.
  8. Transition - A sentence that helps the reader see the connection between the pieces of evidence included in the paragraph. This usually can be captured as a comparison or a contrast (similarly…on the other hand…this is further supported by).
  9. Conclusion Paragraph - Final paragraph in the essay. Do not summarize the ideas in the essay or the introduction. Provide a call to action. Give your readers something extra to think about—discuss why your points are important or what else needs to be researched.
  10. Ethos - An appeal to ethics, and it is a means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader.
  11. Logos - An appeal to logic, and is a way of persuading an audience by reason.
  12. Pathos - An appeal to emotion, and is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response.
  13. Source Citation - The complete publication information for a source that a writer uses for evidence in an essay.
  14. Parenthetical Documentation (In-Text Citation) - The short version of the source citation (often the author's last name and page number) that appears in parenthesis at the end of the evidence and refers readers to the complete source citation in the Works Cited.
  15. Works Cited - A list of sources that you have incorporated within your paper by using the ideas, information, and quotes of others.
  16. Bibliography - A list of sources that you have read (but not necessarily used in your paper) to find support for your paper.
  17. Primary Source - The original material that is the focus of the essay (mainly found in literary essays).
  18. Secondary Source - The materials used to support your claims about the primary source

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