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 Choose a topic, narrow enough to fit

inside 6-8 paragraphsinside 6-8 paragraphs Bad topics: how a famous person once Bad topics: how a famous person once

visited a placevisited a place Where a famous person was bornWhere a famous person was born How a place was named after a famous How a place was named after a famous

person.person. GOOD TOPIC= how a famous person was GOOD TOPIC= how a famous person was

a leader and a pioneer.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:Step Three: Take notes on all the information you Take notes on all the information you

can find about your questionscan find about your questions

Step 4Write 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 statementsBad thesis statements If I could be anyone, I would be If I could be anyone, I would be

Michael Jordan.Michael Jordan. I once saw Michael Jordan play the I once saw Michael Jordan play the

Celtics.Celtics. Michael Jordan was born February Michael Jordan was born February

1963.1963.

Source cards should look like Source cards should look like this:this:

author of book hereTitle of book herePublishing companyCopyright date

Index cards should look like this: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 5Write an outline

A good outline looks like this:

I. IntroductionII. Basketball starIII. BusinessmanIV. Team ownerV. Role modelVI. Conclusion

Paraphrasing Paraphrasing PracticePractice

Re-write 3 short articles from your Re-write 3 short articles from your encyclopedia---in your OWN encyclopedia---in your OWN WORDS!!!WORDS!!!

CAN BE 3 VERY SHORT PARAGRAPHSCAN BE 3 VERY SHORT PARAGRAPHS