1. Criterion B - Introduction How do I write a GREAT one?

2. The Rubric Says… “Context of the research question is clearly demonstrated” key words: “context” and “clearly”“Context of the research question is clearly demonstrated” key words: “context” and “clearly” “Explains the significance of the topic and why it is worthy of investigation” key words: “significant” and “worthy”“Explains the significance of the topic and why it is worthy of investigation” key words: “significant” and “worthy” This is why you need to understand these in your investigation and knowledge (Rubrics C, D, and E)This is why you need to understand these in your investigation and knowledge (Rubrics C, D, and E) Also, why it is usually written last (second only to abstract)Also, why it is usually written last (second only to abstract)

3. Your Intro Can Include… Your research question (posed as a question or statement – think of voice)Your research question (posed as a question or statement – think of voice) Overview OR background of subjectOverview OR background of subject Defines any pertinent theories, vocabulary, or topical buzzwords that are used in paperDefines any pertinent theories, vocabulary, or topical buzzwords that are used in paper Details the scope of your investigation – sets the parameters for the readerDetails the scope of your investigation – sets the parameters for the reader

4. … continued Identifies major sources or acknowledges scholarship in the fieldIdentifies major sources or acknowledges scholarship in the field Establishes the type of argument (cause and effect, comparative, etc.) and structure of the paper (what you will be discussing in what order)Establishes the type of argument (cause and effect, comparative, etc.) and structure of the paper (what you will be discussing in what order) May or may not include thesis – WHAT?!May or may not include thesis – WHAT?!

5. More on the Thesis Inclusion Art of the Introduction – writing style is what differentiates a “2” from a “1”Art of the Introduction – writing style is what differentiates a “2” from a “1” You are encouraged to include your thesis, but many papers have scored high without a direct thesis statementYou are encouraged to include your thesis, but many papers have scored high without a direct thesis statement Science vs. Humanities – Science will have overview, problem, hypothesis, but no conclusion; that would be the THESISScience vs. Humanities – Science will have overview, problem, hypothesis, but no conclusion; that would be the THESIS You can suggest your thesis without directly stating it (besides… it’s in your abstract)You can suggest your thesis without directly stating it (besides… it’s in your abstract)

6. Nuts and Bolts Length: 150 to 1800 words! (usually 250 -500)Length: 150 to 1800 words! (usually 250 -500) Purpose of introduction is key – example of functional AP introduction (get in, get out)Purpose of introduction is key – example of functional AP introduction (get in, get out) Can be multiple paragraphsCan be multiple paragraphs RESEARCH QUESTION IS ALWAYS PRESENTRESEARCH QUESTION IS ALWAYS PRESENT

7. Activity Let’s look at some introductions and see what we can find…Let’s look at some introductions and see what we can find… The difference between a 2 and a 0 introduction is easy; but, what’s the difference between an 2 and a 1?!The difference between a 2 and a 0 introduction is easy; but, what’s the difference between an 2 and a 1?!

8. Criterion B: Introduction Achievement Level Descriptor 0 Little or no attempt is made to set the research question into context. There is little or no attempt made to explain the significance of the topic. 1 Some attempt is made to set the research question into context. There is some attempt to explain the significance of the topic and why it is worthy of investigation 2 The context of the research question is clearly demonstrated. The introduction clearly explains the significance of the topic and why it is worthy of investigation.

9. Criteria H & J – Conclusion and Abstract The what and how about these two…

10. The Rubric Says.. Achievement Level Descriptor 0 Little or no attempt is made to provide a conclusion that is relevant to the research question. 1 A conclusion is attempted that is relevant to the research question but may not be entirely consistent with the evidence presented in the essay. 2 An effective conclusion is clearly stated; it is relevant to the research question and consistent with the evidence presented in the essay. It should include unresolved questions where appropriate to the subject concerned.

11. The Power of the Conclusion This is your last chance to show your brilliance! Your conclusion is your most powerful, analytical, authentic VOICE!This is your last chance to show your brilliance! Your conclusion is your most powerful, analytical, authentic VOICE! Thus, it should be all you! The final dot on the “i” in “review”…Thus, it should be all you! The final dot on the “i” in “review”…

12. Your conclusion… Should… State conclusion clearly (your thesis) Demonstrate insight (not regurgitation) Confirm the significance of your investigation Be the end point of your research process Demonstrate the logical conclusion of your investigation May… Create a broader context for your investigation Include unresolved questions from your research - NOT, “Did you ever wonder” questions Address counterarguments Indicate future issues or implications of study (think sciences, politics, human rights)

13. The (abstract) rubric says… “The abstract clearly states all of the elements above” – Huh?!“The abstract clearly states all of the elements above” – Huh?! Elements: “state clearly the research question that was investigated, how the investigation was undertaken, and the conclusion of the essay”Elements: “state clearly the research question that was investigated, how the investigation was undertaken, and the conclusion of the essay” Needs to be NO MORE than 300 words – you will get a “0” if it is…Needs to be NO MORE than 300 words – you will get a “0” if it is…

14. The requirements for the abstract are for it to state clearly the research question that was investigated, how the investigation was undertaken and the conclusion(s) of the essay Achievement Level Descriptor 0 The abstract exceeds more than 300 words or one or more of the required elements of an abstract (listed above) is missing. 1 The abstract contains the elements listed above but they are not all clearly stated 2 The abstract clearly states all the elements listed above.

15. The Checklist THIS IS A CHECKLIST – As such, there is no need for artistry of language. An example: “This paper explores …” “The process of investigation included…” “This investigation concludes that …”

16. Criterion K and Vive Voce Holistic Review and “Exit” Interview

17. Holistic Judgment THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY 4 POINTSTHIS SHOULD BE AN EASY 4 POINTS This point value is based on “intellectual initiative, depth of understanding and insight”This point value is based on “intellectual initiative, depth of understanding and insight” Have you scored well in C, D, & E?Have you scored well in C, D, & E? Designed to give you more points (if earned) but could act as a “double deduction” (if you scored low in C, you may not get all 4 points here)Designed to give you more points (if earned) but could act as a “double deduction” (if you scored low in C, you may not get all 4 points here)

18. Vive Voce Purpose: “check on plagiarism and malpractice”Purpose: “check on plagiarism and malpractice” “Opportunity to reflect on successes and difficulties in research process”“Opportunity to reflect on successes and difficulties in research process” “An aid to supervisor’s report”“An aid to supervisor’s report” Your advisor is looking to evaluate what you learned; regurgitation is not learningYour advisor is looking to evaluate what you learned; regurgitation is not learning Included in your 3-5 hours (10 -15 minutes)Included in your 3-5 hours (10 -15 minutes)