1. Research assignment1 Your task You have been given an open-ended research assignment. You will need to decide: what the topic will be and develop your own focus how you will find the information how you will present this information. Your research assignment will show: evidence of detailed and independent research ability to engage with a range of ideas and perspectives ability to produce a presentation for an appropriate audience and purpose. Overview

2. Research assignment2 Ask yourself these questions to help identify and clarify your research topic: What interests me? What social issues affect me, my family or my community? What information is available around this issue? How accessible is the information I will need to gather? Choosing a topic Brainstorming Talk with your teacher and classmates about your topic. Pose your topic as questions to be answered or a problem to be solved. Make a list of key words and phrases about your topic. Use a chart or a mind mapping software to outline your ideas. To help you generate ideas for the topic you can use Inspiration, a mind mapping program. For more information go to the Inspiration website and download a free trial. www.inspiration.com/vlearning

3. Research assignment3 A research assignment reports facts, data, and other information on a specific topic. Your assignment requires information from many different sources. You can use: an encyclopedia to get an overview of the topic and refine your focus the library catalogue to search for materials in books, magazines and periodicals print material in pamphlets, brochures and reports films, documentaries and interviews with experts the internet and CD ROMS. Finding information The internet has no standard system of quality control so it's important to be careful about which information you use and not to trust everything you read. More information on using the internet for research go to: www.vts.intute.ac.uk/detective/getonthecase.html www.vts.intute.ac.uk/detective/getonthecase.html

4. Research assignment4 You need to decide on the most appropriate way to present your research. This could be: an essay feature article report multimedia presentation like Powerpoint documentary video speech website photo story. Presentation Select the most appropriate way to present your research. For example, a visual presentation may be more powerful and interesting when showing the effects of climate change or local pollution issues.

5. Research assignment5 The research process requires a detailed search of the material and the development and organising of a structure for the presentation. Take notes Making and taking notes can help to get then information, ideas and perspectives from books, the Internet and presentations. Keep a list of references and sources for your bibliography. You must acknowledge all the sources you use. Not doing this is plagiarism and is regarded as cheating. Organising For advice about copyright, plagiarism and ethical practices, go to: Board of Studies: HSC: All My Own Work www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/

6. Research assignment6 Research assignment check list: 1.Is the topic and focus clear? 2.Is the issue or concept well developed? 3.Is the personal point of view clearly expressed? 4.Is the opening engaging and informative? 5.Is the presentation clear and logical? 6.Does the work have different points of view and perspectives? 7.Is there evidence of independent research? 8.Have you used a variety of sources? 9.Does your work have a bibliography? 10.Is the presentation appropriate to the topic? Check list