Grade 8 Research Paper
List of Steps
Choose a subject.
Follow these criteria to choose a subject (person) for your paper.
An American from one of these time periods
Westward Expansion (1840-1890)
Civil War (1861-1865)
Great Depression (1930’s)
World War II (1941-1945)
Showed greatness by contributing to our society/country in an important way.
You will need three areas of support.
Is interesting to you.
You can find adequate information, at least four sources. You should use at least one primary source.
2. Read about the person so you can decide the important areas to cover in your paper.
3. As you read, make bibliography cards. Follow the format Ms. Doyle gives you.
4. Make an outline. Follow the format.
5. Take notes. Remember to:
Paraphrase the information. (Put it in your own words)
Be clear about where the information fits in your outline.
Make note of the bibliography source and page number where you found the information.
If you use exact words from a source, put them in quotation marks. You should have very few notes like this.
Steps 1-5 are due by October 28, 2011 and will be part of your first quarter grade.
6. When you have enough information, write your paper.
Use the information you have gathered on your subject AND your understanding of the historical time period (Historical Context) to write in a variety of genres. Through these genres you will demonstrate your understanding of the importance of your subject to the people of his/her time. Make sure you write about all three reasons for greatness, but they shouldn’t be all in one genre.
Follow the steps of the writing process for each of your genres.
Write a draft
Have a conference – either in person or via Google docs.
Use the feedback from your conference to revise your paper.
Make sure the content is clear and self-edit.
Ask for help as much as needed then write a final draft.
7. You may choose to begin with any listed genre – required or personal choice.
8. Required Genres: (must do ALL)
A factual report providing support for your subject’s greatness
An obituary or eulogy
A journal/diary entry or a letter to a significant figure. This must include evidence of important events or decisions faced by your subject. It must be written from the first person perspective. In other words, you pretend you are your subject.
A newspaper article or script from a fictional newscast concerning your subject
9. Personal Choice Genres: (choose two)
Resume
Poem
Advertisement
Brochure
Interview
Speech
Book review
Dedication
Short historical fiction story
Other genres are possible BUT must be approved by Ms. Doyle.
10. Once all your writing pieces are complete, decide on the best order of presentation. Your factual report will be first. Add appropriate art work to enhance your overall presentation. Make a cover page, final outline and final bibliography.
The final copy of your completed multi-genre project is due November 18, 2011.