1. Researching Topics A Guide
English 1

2. Bell-Ringer: Friday, April 6
Please sit with other students who have your same topic in class.
As a group discuss your prior knowledge of your topic - DO NOT Google your topic!
Be prepared to share your insights when the timer goes off!

3. Categorize Your Topic Determine if your topic is: A person
A group or organization
An event
An item

4. Narrow your Topic
Consider researching the following aspects of your topic:
How _______ caused _______
_____’s influence on government/culture
_____’s views on government/culture
_____’s role in the Russian Revolution
How _____ rose to power or popularity
The importance of _______
A critical analysis of _______
Pros and cons of ________

5. Search Engines
Utilize our library’s databases! Follow this link to our CHS Library website: CHS Library
ANY database on the CHS Library site has the same username and password: learn
Best Databases:
Research Matters - Gale PowerSearch
General OneFile
Student Sources in Context

6. Saving Sources
Once you find a reputable source you wish to use in your annotated bibliography, copy and paste the URL of your source into a Google Doc or an addressed to yourself.
Saving your source in this way will allow you to return to the link to print your sources when we go to the Library Lab next week.

7. Begin Bibliography-ing
Use these videos to help you start creating your annotated bibliography on your rough draft sheet!

8. Research Project Expectations
Independent Assignment #1: Cornell Notes & Annotated Bibliography (due Thursday, April 20)
3 credible sources* in the bibliography
1 page of Cornell notes per source
*You may NOT have the same sources as another student in your class! You MUST use 3 different websites for your sources!
Independent Assignment #2: In-Class Short “Significance” Response (due Monday, April 17)
10-12 sentence response over the prompt: “Why is the information you found important? How does it apply to our society today? Why is it significant?”
Group Project: Museum Exhibit Poster (due Monday, April 24)
Project will be completed on a half-poster board containing:
Name of your research topic and research question; 3-5 pictures of your topic with captions or labels; 3-5 easy-to-read descriptions of people, places, or concepts associated with your topic; 1-2 powerful quotes connected to your topic
Extra Credit: Political cartoons, Maps, Modern connections

9. Where Do I Begin?
Find your sources FIRST! Utilize the CHS Library databases! (
Read them.
Create a research question.
Fill out your “Evaluation” form over your sources.
Fill out 1 Cornell Notes sheet per source (Pre-AP = 3 total, Eng 1 = 2 total)
Mr. if you have questions!