Sample MLA Paper:  For correct formatting, check out the sample paper. You'll have to scroll to the end to see the Works Cited page.

Check out this ABC news video on SExting.

2A Research Project PageDAY 2 DIRECTIONS

Today, you must complete two tasks:

1. Narrow the topic to define your research focus.
2. Create an outline.

Narrowing Topic

As a class we're researching sexting. But, there are many aspects on sexting which you might choose to focus. You need to decide on what, particularly, you want to focus your argument:

• You need to formulate a research question. Here are some examples of questions formulated on other topics:
  • Topic: Book Banning
    • Should high schools ban books?
    • Is book banning a violation of rights?
    • Should  The Great Gatsby be banned from high schools?
    • Who should decide whether books are banned and what books are banned?
    • What content should warrant a book being banned from a high school?
• You can see the questions above allow a writer to take a position. Different questions lead to very different approaches to the same topic.
• Our task is to formulate research questions for our topic, Sexting. Remember, the question should be one that leads someone to take a position--to argue a point--not just explain information about sexting.
  • Each of you should formulate a research question, and post it here. 

Writing an Outline

Our next step to craft a thesis sentence (in this case your position) in response to your research question. This is the claim you're making--your position on the topic.

• Reseach Question: Should high schools ban books?
  • Thesis:  Banning books in high school is a serious act. Schools should only ban books after careful consideration by a committe of students, parents, and educators.
• Research Question: Should  The Great Gatsby be banned from high schools?
  • Thesis:  Because of its literary merit and its relevance to our time, The Great Gatsby deserves a place in the high school curriculum.
• Now, return to the etherpad, and write a thesis sentence for the research

Now that you know exactly what you want to argue. Complete an outline.

• You may use the online persuasion map (a visual way to organize your ideas).
• Or, you may skip directly to the outline template.
  • Each individual person must submit this outline to me via e-mail (lhuff@batesvilleschools.org) BEFORE the next class period.

You start your research today! Remember, the entire class is researching sexting.

Today--each of you must find 2 ARTICLES on sexting.

1. Begin by checking understanding that we'll be writing an ARGUMENT.

•  Check out a sample outline of an argument. Note, the EVIDENCE will come from your research!
• You might want to use this online persuasion map: It walks you through setting your argument-- one step at a time. If you prefer a paper copy, see this one.

    2. Find two articles from trustworthy sources--ones you know are reliable and credible.

• Using your group's etherpad (in chart below), put the name of the article and the address so that others can find the article.
• READ THE ARTICLE.
• Pull key phrases (like you would highlight on a paper copy) from the article and copy and paste them under the article title. Be sure to put them in quotations so that we know they are quotes from the source.
• Then, add your comments (like you would write notes in the margins of a paper copy).

WORK TODAY. WE HAVE ONLY FIVE (5) CLASS PERIODS TO FINISH THIS PROJECT!

Use the etherpads below: