The Senior Thesis

6-8 page research paper accompanied by an Works Cited page◦ Notes, draft, works cited composed in Google

Docs

5-10 minute class presentation◦ Composed in Google Docs

Requirements Overview

The goal of this project is to research a topic or an experience of interest to you and to write about and present your findings to the class.

The Goal

To give you the opportunity to learn how to write a long research paper in a structured setting.

To demonstrate a post-secondary level of proficiency writing and speaking informatively and persuasively. In other words, it’s a graduation requirement.

Why, o why, are we doing this?

History, politics, the arts, health, science, mathematics, business, finance, technology, medicine, philosophy, psychology, education, automotive technology, local politics, legal policy, the judicial system…

Basically, anything goes (so long as it’s school appropriate).

Some topics ARE better than others.

Topic Options

An inquiry is an investigation or the act of asking.

The best papers are ones that seek to answer REAL questions.

Your thesis is the short answer to the question you ask.

Your paper supports and proves your thesis.

What is an inquiry?

A thesis is a paper that works to prove a statement (including an opinion) true.

You will have to pick a topic, form an opinion on the topic, and use evidence to prove your statement true.

Thesis

Shea’s Performing Arts Center is an important historical monument that represents and reflects Buffalo’s various struggles through history.

Example Thesis Statement

With all these medications available, and the influence of drug companies, doctors are prescribing drugs without thinking of alternative therapies, which is leading adults, children and the elderly to be overmedicated.

Example Thesis Statement

Essential QuestionsFrom idea to thesis.

An essential question directs the course of research.

The answer to your essential question is a direct measure of your learning.

◦ The answer to your essential will also become your thesis statement.

Definition and function

It is not a question that can be answered with yes or no.

It is not a question that can be answered in one sentence.

It is not a question that has already been answered.

It is not a vague or large question that requires a five-pound book to answer.

What is NOT an essential question?

Guide your research. Give research a frame and focus. Are clear and concise. Tells your audience what your project will

address. Has no single “right” answer.

Good essential questions…

Examples Poor example:

◦ What is cancer?

Strong example:◦ What is the best plan

that could be developed that would reduce the likelihood of developing cancer?

Can fiction reveal truth? Can a story teach its reader something?

How does an organism’s structure enable it to survive in its environment?

How are form and function related in biology?

How does where we live influence how we live?

Is pain necessary for progress in athletics? Who wins and who loses when technologies

change?

More good examples:

So…What do you want to know more about?

What will your topic be?