English 12 Research Paper

The State of New York requires that you complete a major research project as part of your graduation requirements. Why?

For the rest of your life, you will need to find and understand information in order to make good decisions about:

  • getting a job
  • going to college
  • borrowing money
  • health care decisions
  • buying a house or a truck or some other very expensive thing
  • raising children
  • electing good people to public office
  • understanding the things that happen in the world that make your life better or worse

This project helps you understand how to find and work with the information you need.

Persausive/ Argumentative

Good databases to start with:

  • Opposing Viewpoints
  • Issues: understanding controversy and society
  • Science in Context

Informational

Depending on your topic, all the databases are good. Starting at Encyclopedia Britannica for background information is always a good idea.

  • Excellent information
  • Easy to save to Drive, print or email
  • Citations provided
  • Audio option available
  • Offers related subjects to explore
  • Clearly labels what kind of information it is providing (reference, opinion, academic journal, etc.)
  • Will often link you to reliable websites on your topic.

Research and Reference books will often offer carefully considered information that will tell you more than a web search might find for you. Search your topic in the catalog and have a conversation with Mrs. Codner.

WWW

  • Try Google Scholar Just remember you want full text articles that are free.
  • Authoritative websites for topics will vary. Be sure to seek balance. If you are researching Gun Rights/ Gun Control you should visit the NRA AND Mom's Demand Action. Visit ProCon.org to get information on different perspectives on controversial topics.
  • Use a variety of search terms to get a broader range of results. If you are having trouble thinking of alternate searches, look at what the search engine points you to or come have a talk with Mrs. Codner...she's good at this stuff.
  • Wikipedia is not an authoritative source.

Works Cited Page

(you need one!)

  • Save your citations/ information as you go. You can clean it up later but it is very hard to find it later.
  • The more database sources you use, the less work this part of the paper is.
  • Use a citation tool to help you but double check the information before you submit.
  • Some tools to try: