Essay Prep: Research and Citation is a foundational class to learn the skills of digital research and citation of expert sources in writing projects. In this class, students
- Engage with controversial topics and formulate interesting questions to be explored in a research project
- Explore efficient techniques for information searches
- Investigate sources to determine if they are appropriate for use in research
- Keenly observe what they already know and think about a topic and uncover their own biases and loyalties
Class culminates in an original research project with accurate citations using MLA format guidelines.
Syllabus
Week One
Digital Exploration. Students navigate digital research as professional researchers do, including understanding the ways content writers present information that may be misleading or heavily biased.
Week Two
Research and Observation. After uncovering a controversial question, students research it, exploring their own thinking and that of people who hold opposing views.
Week Three
The Story of a Source. Two important skills in research writing are learning how to examine sources for credibility and giving credit to experts when students use their ideas. We'll build both skills this week.
Week Four
Map Making. The student’s question, sources, thoughts, and notes will all inform their final writing piece. They create a map of their topic, giving readers a way to investigate it on their own in an informed way.
Common Core and Academic Standards Support
What follows is a word bank and set of skills associated with this class. Use them to craft your own learning narrative for use in year-end evaluations, charter school reports, or any other accountability source.
Word Bank
- Argument
- Citations
- Editing
- Credible sources
- Fact-checking
- Keen observation
- Idea generation
- Multiple viewpoints
- Notetaking
- Opening hook
- Paraphrase
- Perspective
- Research
- Revision
- Writing voice
Core Skills
- Argue with support for multiple points of view
- Cite expert opinion or sources
- Craft a compelling opening hook
- Edit writing for standard English usage
- Employ strong verbs to create clear images
- Employ vivid detail to engage readers
- Evaluate credibility of a source
- Generate topics for nonfiction writing
- Maintain distinct writer’s voice
- Paraphrase source material accurately
- Research and absorb material for writing
- Revise writing for clarity, flow, order, interest, and economy of language
- Write detailed, organized, structured original narratives
- Write for a particular audience
