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All handouts were created by Mr. Gavin and edited by Mx. J. Please consult him for printed versions of this information.
How to do a Google Search
How to do a Google Search
- Think about the question[s] you want to ask. The goal is to get the best results.
The easy way out is to simply enter the key words of your topic and hope for the best; probably take the first or second result. The hard part is to narrow your search question! Instead of entering "Cold War," type "Cold War and Reasons for the Truman Doctrine." Instead of "John F. Kennedy," type "John F. Kennedy as a Cold Warrior."
Think about how specificity can narrow your search to get the results you need. Also think about adding words to help you narrow your search!
- Look for deeper answers.
Gain deeper knowledge than just dates and places. Let's start thinking about why an event took place. The easiest thing to do when "googling" a topic is to take the first source or Wikipedia. How do we know either of those "stops" is trustworthy?
- Stay cool and take your time.
Doing research is not easy, it takes time. Wikipedia is an easy out. Let's find a different source. Don't get frustrated with the need to find sources that challenge you or are challenging to find.
When you search an opinion based question, like "Who is the best Boston Celtic?" Be prepared to find answers to back up a claim.
- Don't forget -- the information you are reading on these websites is not yours.
Someone else owns the "intellectual property" of these websites. Respect ownership. You cannot take the work of someone else and pass it off as your own.
Essay and Narrative Writing
Essay and Narrative Writing
Thesis: What do you want to convince your reader of? Is this an arguable assertion? Is this based on the reading? Can one disagree?
Thesis: What do you want to convince your reader of? Is this an arguable assertion? Is this based on the reading? Can one disagree?
Body Paragraph Structure: You need 4 paragraphs minimum
Body Paragraph Structure: You need 4 paragraphs minimum
Topic Sentence (Point/Topic): What is an arguable point I can make to prove my thesis?
Support (Information/Evidence): What examples and quotes about my topic can I use to prove the claim in my topic sentence? What do I want to include to strengthen my thesis?
Relevance (Explanation/Analysis): Why do I think this is important? What can be learned from this? What are the implications? Outcomes? Possible interpretations or deeper meanings?
Conclusion: How can I end the narrative/essay on a strong note? What would be a good "so what?" that explains two questions:
Conclusion: How can I end the narrative/essay on a strong note? What would be a good "so what?" that explains two questions:
So what can we learn from this?
So what is the larger significance or impact?
Outlines
Outlines
Why create an outline?
Why create an outline?
Your main points are on-topic and directly support your thesis.
Your main points are logically organized.
Your main points have sufficient and relevant supporting evidence. I am also hoping to make the writing process easier since you have a road map for your narrative to follow.
Break through writer's block -- for people who struggle with writer's block, it helps to first set up a structure with lower stakes and less pressure.
Save time writing your essay since you have a clear, focused plan to follow for your essay.
Ensure each part of your essay relates to the essay prompt.
How do I do it?
How do I do it?
Put the thesis statement at the top: it should be polished and be a complete sentence.
Use Roman Numerals (I, II, III, IV, V, etc.) to indicate the main points/topic sentences which should be written in specific phrases or complete sentences.
This is the P point of PIE: the Point of the paragraph
Use capital letters (A, B, C, D, E, etc.) for the major supporting details. Typically, writers should have at least two main supporting details for each point/topic sentence.
This is the I point of PIE: the Information of the paragraph, which provides evidence for the Point
This is also the E point of PIE: the Explanation of PIE, which provides analysis for the explanation
Use numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) for sub-details clarifying and specifying your main supporting details.
Outline Format
Outline Format
I. Introduction:
Thesis:
II. (Main Idea 1)
A. (Supporting Detail 1)
1. Sub-detail 1
2. Sub-detail 2
B. (Supporting Detail 2)
Sub-detail 1
Sub-detail 2
III. (Main Idea 2)
A. (Supporting Detail 1)
Sub-detail 1
Sub-detail 2
B. (Supporting Detail 2)
Sub-detail 1
Sub-detail 2
IV. (Main Idea 3)
A. (Supporting Detail 1)
Sub-detail 1
Sub-detail 2
B. (Supporting Detail 2)
Sub-detail 1
Sub-detail 2
V. (Main Idea 4)
A. (Supporting Detail 1)
Sub-detail 1
Sub-detail 2
B. (Supporting Detail 2)
Sub-detail 1
Sub-detail 2
VI. Conclusion
Extracting Information and Meaning Lesson
Extracting Information and Meaning Lesson
Example brainstorming questions for the OJ Simpson trial:
When did it happen?
What happened?
Who was involved?
What were the relationships between the victims and OJ?
Were there any eyewitnesses?
How did the LA Riots affect the police investigation and subsequent trial?
What was the outcome of the trial?
Who were the lawyers?
What were their specialties? Defense?
How were the prosecuting attorneys chosen?
After brainstorming questions for your topic: pick three questions you're interested in learning about right away. Next, identify 2-3 sources that help you answer the three questions you've selected. Make sure to write or type notes, not full sentences, and avoid copying information directly from your source.
Analyzing Primary Sources
Analyzing Primary Sources
Directions: Use the graphic organizer to organize your thoughts as you study the primary source.
Document name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
What did you see? What topic does it address? What details did you notice in the source? What is interesting? Is there something you don't understand?
What other information do you NEED to understand this source? What questions do you have for further research?
What are some of the guesses you can make about this document? Who do you think made it? When? Why did they make it? Is it neutral or biased?
Based on your background knowledge and the details in this document, what conclusions can you make about the historical time period?
Documentary Self-Grading
Documentary Self-Grading
Name: _______________________________________________________ Documentary Title: ____________________________________________
Does your documentary have a thesis? _______________________________________________________________________ At what point (minute & second) can that thesis be heard? ________________________________________________. What is your thesis?
Do your images keep your attention throughout the video? _______________________________________________________________ If you were to do this video over how could this aspect be improved? ie. more pictures, pictures from a different source? More graphic images?
Does your documentary have video clips interspersed throughout? Are there seamless transitions or do the videos come across as clunky? Explain.
Now that you have watched your video again od you feel the narration works well with the images? Why or why not? Explain.
Do you feel as though you are an "expert" in the field that you decided to study? Explain your answer.
If you were to give yourself a grade, what would you give your documentary? Why?
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