How to do Research:

Smiley Library is a great place to start.

The library has everything you need – go check it out!

Ask the reference librarian to help you – it’s her job!

There’s information here – on EVERYTHING!

Research is not as hard as you think. In fact, it can be a lot easier if you use a few time-saving tips at the library.

Encyclopedias are the BEST, quickest and easiest source for the best information. The information inside is guaranteed to be accurate.

The more books you use for information, the better. Never rely on just one.

Encyclopedias are the BEST, quickest, and easiest way to find information on your topic. The information inside is guaranteed accurate.

The Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature lists every magazine article ever written about your topic.

All past magazines are stored in the basement; the reference librarian will get them for you.

You could also search the Internet. However, there is no guarantee the information you find there is accurate.

Step one: Choose a topic, narrow enough to fit inside 6-8 paragraphs Choose a topic, narrow enough to fit inside 6-8 paragraphs Bad topics: how a famous person once visited a place Bad topics: how a famous person once visited a place Where a famous person was born Where a famous person was born How a place was named after a famous person. How a place was named after a famous person. GOOD TOPIC= how a famous person was a leader and a pioneer. GOOD TOPIC= how a famous person was a leader and a pioneer.

Step Two: Write 5 questions about your topic, questions you would like to know the answers to….. Questions whose answers will become the 5 body paragraphs Add an introduction & conclusion = 7 paragraphs, perfect!

Step Three: Take notes on all the information you can find about your questions Take notes on all the information you can find about your questions

Step 4 Write a thesis statement (this is the MAIN IDEA of your paper) This is a great thesis= “Michael Jordan has achieved greatness in many ways.”

Bad thesis statements If I could be anyone, I would be Michael Jordan. If I could be anyone, I would be Michael Jordan. I once saw Michael Jordan play the Celtics. I once saw Michael Jordan play the Celtics. Michael Jordan was born February Michael Jordan was born February 1963.

Source cards should look like this: author of book here Title of book here Publishing company Copyright date

Index cards should look like this: Important fact you want to put in your paper here Title of book & page # here where you got this information.

She married Ben Franklin in 1887 and had 2 kids with him, Bill and Jim. Lives of Famous Women, pg. # 89 She was the most active first lady in American history. “Eleanor, My Heroine,” pg 56

Step 5 Write an outline

A good outline looks like this: I. Introduction II. Basketball star III. Businessman IV. Team owner V. Role model VI. Conclusion

Paraphrasing Practice Re-write 3 short articles from your encyclopedia---in your OWN WORDS!!! Re-write 3 short articles from your encyclopedia---in your OWN WORDS!!! CAN BE 3 VERY SHORT PARAGRAPHS CAN BE 3 VERY SHORT PARAGRAPHS