Thesis-Based Research Paper
Competency #2: Critical Thinking & Creativity
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What's a Thesis-Based Research Paper?
What's a Thesis-Based Research Paper?
A "Thesis-Based Research Paper"...
A "Thesis-Based Research Paper"...
Presents a Defendable Claim/Thesis
Presents a Defendable Claim/Thesis
As the writer, you must review/synthesize the sources you discovered in your research for this paper. This includes the original work (speech, poem, artwork, song), novel, play, short story, etc.), class website resources related to the original work, and database resources you identified in your personal research.
You then develop a single, clear argument - a thesis that you can defend with your research
Uses Multiple Sources to Support an Argument
Uses Multiple Sources to Support an Argument
Summarizes Accurately
When you summarize, focus only on the main points that are relevant to your essay. Always double-check to make sure your summary stays true to the author’s original meaning. AND don't forget to mention the author and title of the work you're summarizing.
Paraphrases Accurately
Paraphrasing requires you to rewrite the idea in your own unique sentence structure. When you put an author’s idea into your own words, it proves you truly understand the material and helps you maintain your own "voice" throughout the essay. AND don't forget to parenthetically cite what you have paraphrased.
Includes Passages/Quotes
Only use passages/quotes from a source when the wording is truly memorable, significant, or impactful. CAUTION: If you use too many passages/quotes from a source, it can create the impression that you don’t have your own ideas.
Provide your reader with clear transitions to passages/quotes. Let reader know the context for it - who said what and why their statement(s) are credible. See this resource for help: http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/transitions/
Includes Commentary
Includes Commentary
Your evidence should flow naturally into your own ideas. After presenting a fact or a quote, always explain how it supports your claim/thesis. This is called commentary—the more evidence you provide, the more explanation you need to give to keep your message unified.
Keep in mind...
Keep in mind...
As with all summative assessments, you are required to demonstrate the authenticity and originality of your work through the creation of a "breadcrumb trail" throughout the development of this summative.
Creating Your Thesis-Based Research Paper
Creating Your Thesis-Based Research Paper
Craft and Draft...
Craft and Draft...
The resources on this page will guide you through the process of writing your paper. Keep in mind that writing is hardly ever a linear process, and if you need help at any point in the process, sign-up for a conference.
NOTE: Use of AI is limited to the tools and steps identified below.
Overview
Overview
2026_Overview- Research Paper.pdfStep #1: Craft a Defendable Claim/Thesis
Step #1: Craft a Defendable Claim/Thesis
In this step, you will use not use AI. As the writer, you must review/synthesize the sources you discovered in your research for this paper. This includes the original work (speech, poem, artwork, song), your prompt response to this work, class website resources related to the original work, and database resources you identified in your personal research.
Using a mind mapping/sketchnote technique, you'll develop a single, clear argument - a thesis that you can defend with your research.
Step #2: Develop the Argument
Step #2: Develop the Argument
In this step, you will use not use AI. You will use the resources referenced in Step #1 as you create:
a handwritten "outline" (see Mrs. Juster for this)
a handwritten "weaving-in passages" doc (see Mrs. Juster for this)
This analog step is completed in-person and in-class. Once you have completed it, show Mrs. Juster.
Step #3: Create a Full Rough Draft
Step #3: Create a Full Rough Draft
In this step, you will use not use AI. You will use the guide (below) and your work from Step#1 and Step #2 to complete a digital rough draft within the specific Google Classroom posting for this summative assessment.
Note: All digital draft work - rough to final to revisions - must be completed on this doc to ensure proper time-date stamps and a complete bread-crumb trail to authentic the originality of your work.
Step 6- Rough Draft Guide.pdfAND Don't Forget a Works Cited Section
Step #4: Edit, Revise & Submit
Step #4: Edit, Revise & Submit
In this step, you will not use AI. Although you will have the opportunity to create a trend through revision, take the time to edit and revise your rough draft as fully as possible now. It will pay-off in the long run and save you time. Once you submit this draft, it becomes your final draft.
How do you format a formal paper? Click here to review.
All done? Not yet. Be Prepared to Demonstrate Your Breadcrumb Trail
All done? Not yet. Be Prepared to Demonstrate Your Breadcrumb Trail
Once you have submitted your paper to the indicated assignment in Google Classroom, be prepared to demonstrate the authenticity and originality of your work by sharing every step of your "breadcrumb trail" in a 1:1 conference with Mrs. Juster. If you are not able to share a full and complete "breadcrumb trail" your summative is invalid and you will have to start this whole process - from research to final draft - all over again.
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