QUALITY SOURCES AND

THE PROCESS

Writing the Research Paper

Quality Sources

Literature as a primary source.The best sources (and those you should use)

have identified authors.LHS website databases are a great resource.

littleton.littletonpublicschools.net

Wikipedia is NOT a valid source; it can give you a general overview and provide ideas for other sources, but this should not be where you stop.

The Process

1. Identify your topic.2. Gather information.3. Categorize information and narrow your

focus.4. Write a working draft.

1. Identify your topic.

This should be done already.Remember that you are answering the

question, “What are the realities of war?”Do not be overly broad. Destruction, death,

and loss are realities that elicit a “No kidding” response. Dig deeper.

2. Gather information

Find sources Remember the previous info about sources. Think beyond what you’ve been handed in class.

Dig Take notes on information you find related to your

topic.

Dig Look for more specifics, and less obvious information.

Dig Start noticing trends in your data and pick one or two

of them to find more info and more depth.

3. Categorize information and narrow your focus

Use an organizational method that works for you to categorize – highlight in different colors, recopy on different papers, use note cards, etc.

Look for a narrower focus. You CANNOT use all of your data.

Write your thesis statement. Potential format: (Topic) is the (qualifier) reality of

war [through (A), (B), and (C)].

4. Write a working draft

Write only your thesis for now for your intro. Dehumanization is the inevitable reality of war through

mental instability, loss of self, and revival of animal instincts.Body paragraphs should still follow RQE.

Topic Sentence: War causes mental instability leading to dehumanization.

Reason– Introduce sub-topic Soldiers are unable to have normal relationships.

Quote/Reference – Use your data/information from your research A contestant on “The Amazing Race” is hoping to reconnect

with his wife after his time fighting in Iraq (Source author). Explain – Link the data to your topic sentence

When soldiers are unable to connect with the people around them, this impacts their mental stability because as humans we need to be able to relate to others for mental health.

4. Write a working draft (cont.)

Reason 2 – Introduce sub-topic In addition to not relating to loved ones, people who return

from war are unable to complete daily tasks others don’t think about.

Quote/Reference 2 – Use your information from your research For example, in the movie Hurt Locker, the main character,

Sgt. James, cannot pick out cereal at the grocery store (Bigelow).

Explain 2– Link the data to your topic sentence Little tasks that others take for granted, like finding

something to eat, become overwhelming for soldiers, causing them to question their own sanity and even their humanity.