2.1 Overview of Research Papers

Outline of this lesson:

• Describe a general process of writing a research paper and analyze the order and interdependence of the steps of research process
• Explain the purpose and approach to using sources of two common types of academic research paper: argumentative and analytical
• List common analytical designs for an analytical research paper (e.g. compare/contrast, cause/effect, problem/solution, hypothesis/proof, change over time)
• Determine the type of research paper you will be writing based on the writing prompt

A.  Warm up activities

Video 1: Sponge Bob Write an Essay

Discussion questions:
1. Have you ever done a research or written a research paper?
2. What makes doing a research exciting?
3. What if other people have already written a paper on the same topic in the past? What's your value as a writer?

Video 2: (first 42 seconds) Interview with Professor Janelle Scott


B. Research Paper: What's the order?

Handout 1: Ordering activity (key: research paper overview)


C. How to write a research paper?

PowerPoint: Research Paper Writing