1) Select a topic to research that is of high interest to you. Some examples of possible topics include: Fast Food and our Society Media influences Celebrity Idols- Positive or Negative role models? Body Image in America 2) Create a research question from your selected topic. What do you want to know about this topic? Some examples of possible research questions include: Are fast food companies responsible for the obesity epidemic in America? Does social media have too much influence on American culture? Does television influence body image for teens? 3) Conduct research and take notes. 4) Propose your “answer” to the research question by stating your thesis or controlling idea. 5) Draft an introductory paragraph. 6) Draft 3-5 body paragraphs. Include paraphrased and quoted information from your research to support your points. C Does not describe subtopics to be reviewed. Lacks adequate thesis statement. Maximum score20 Focus & Sequencing Occasionally Exceeds the Standards: All material clearly related to subtopic, main topic, and logically organized within subtopics. Clear, varied transitions linking subtopics and main topic. Meets the Standards: Most material clearly related to subtopic, main topic. Material may not be organized within subtopics. Attempts to provide a variety of transitions. Below the Standards: Little evidence material is logically organized into topic, subtopics, or related to the topic. Many transitions are unclear or nonexistent. Maximum score20 Support Occasionally Exceeds the Standards: Sources well selected to support the thesis. Supporting information is mostly paraphrased with quotes used to emphasize key evidence. Meets the Standards: Sources generally acceptable but not peer-reviewed research (evidence) based. Balance of paraphrasing and quoted material. Below the Standards: Few sources supporting the thesis. Sources insignificant or unsubstantiated. Overuse of quotes with not enough writing in the author’s own words. Maximum score20 Conclusion Occasionally Exceeds the Standards: Strong review of key conclusions. Strong integration with thesis statement. Discusses the impact of researched material on the topic. Meets the Standards: Review of key conclusions. Some integration with thesis statement. Discusses the impact of researched material on the topic. Below the Standards: Does not summarize evidence with respect to the thesis statement. Does not discuss the impact of researched material on the topic.
