7 pages essay

MyAnalysis: Research Guide for the Critical Thinker

Step 1 – Pick a Topic

Name: ___________________________ Due Date: ____________________________

Review the Leading Issues list in SIRS Issues Researcher. Consider the following
questions when deciding on a topic:

1. Which topics are of interest to you?

What is the purpose of your project?

Writing to persuade
Writing to inform
Writing a speech
Preparing for debate

Who is the intended audience?

Peers

Community Members

Other

Parents or Teachers

Does this issue have a personal or geographic appeal?

Does this issue relate to my personal life?	YES	NO
Do I know someone affected by this issue?	YES	NO
Has it affected my community?	YES	NO
Has it affected communities in other states or countries where my family or friends live?	YES	NO

Step 2 – Develop Basic Knowledge

My Research Topic: ________________________________________________________________

Develop basic knowledge about the topic you have chosen.

What terms do you need to know to better understand this issue?

Who is affected by the Leading Issue?

What are the main controversies associated with the issue?

Who are the key figures and organizations surrounding this issue?

What significant events have occurred related to this issue?

Step 3 – Selecting a Focus & Separating Fact and Opinion

N My Research Topic: _____________________________________________________________________

Read the Essential Questions, answers and related viewpoint articles to help select a focus
and to understand the points of difference related to the issue.

Which Essential Question associated with the issue are you interested in answering?

Which viewpoint do you most strongly agree with? (PRO [Yes] or CON [No])

List 2-3 articles containing arguments related to the side of the issue in which you most strongly agree.

List 3 facts from your research that support your viewpoint on the issue.

Supporting Facts

List 3 opinions from your research that support your viewpoint on the issue.

Supporting Opinions

Step 4 – Writing a Thesis Statement

My Research Topic:_____________________________________________________________________

Write the thesis statement for your paper. Your thesis will state your stance on the issue
and illustrate how you intend to support your position.

List 3 arguments that support your viewpoint on the topic. You may refer to the facts and opinions provided in STEP 3.

My Viewpoint:

Supporting Arguments:

1.

2.

3.
Compose your thesis statement. Follow this formula to help compose your thesis:

Clearly Stated Opinion + Specific Supporting Arguments = Thesis

___________________________________________________________________________________

Step 5 – Supporting Evidence & Drawing Conclusions
Thesis Statement:_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
List each of the arguments you are making to support your thesis. Then, list 2-3 documented facts to support each of those arguments. Record the type of evidence you have gathered. Refer to key below.

Argument 1 Supporting Evidence		Type of Evidence
	1. 2. 3.
Argument 2	Supporting Evidence	Type of Evidence
	1. 2. 3.
Argument 3	Supporting Evidence	Type of Evidence
	1. 2. 3.

Step 6 – Apply Your Knowledge

Synthesize the information you have collected and organized to complete your project. Refer to the guidelines as set by your teacher to ensure you meet all the requirements for the project.

If your project is a written report, ask the following questions as you write and proofread your paper:	YES	Needs Improvement
Is my paper well organized with an introduction, thesis, body and conclusion?
Have I used supporting evidence to defend each point related to my thesis?
Do I have a conclusion?
Does every paragraph contain clear opening and closing sentences?
Are transitional words or clauses used to separate ideas?
Have I used vocabulary that is appropriate for my intended audience?
Is all punctuation correct?
Have I cited my sources in the proper format required by my teacher?