Page 72 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade8_Flipbook

ACTIVITY 2
Constructing a Research Presentation Together
1. As a class, brainstorm some possible topics for a research project that involves multiple positions. Consider a local, national, or international issue that has more than one side. It may involve a disagreement, or it may involve multiple solutions to a problem (for example, how to help solve an outbreak of hunger in another part of the world).
2. With your teacher, you and your classmates will choose a research topic, develop possible questions to guide your research on this topic, and create a research plan.
• What topic has the class chosen to research?
• In small groups, compose at least three open-ended questions that could be used to investigate the topic the class has chosen. Then, as a class, you will decide which questions you want to pursue.
3. To collect information about a topic, researchers use either primary or secondary sources.
• A primary source is an original document that provides firsthand information
about a subject. Examples: historical documents, scientific studies
• A secondary source summarizes or interprets information from a primary
source. Examples: history textbooks, articles about scientific studies
You will also use print and electronic sources. Consider these questions as you choose resources for your research.
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of each type of source?
• In general, why are print sources such as encyclopedias and books more reliable
than Internet sources?
• Why might electronic sources be more valuable for certain topics?
• How will your topic help you determine whether primary or secondary sources,
or a combination of both, will be more relevant or important to your research
question?
Your topic will help determine the relevance of each type of source to your research question.
4. Use the following graphic organizer to develop a plan for conducting the class research. Decide what information you will need in order to answer your questions and what sources would best give you the information you need.
Writing Workshop 6 • Research Writing 5
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