Reference no: EM133472278 , Length: 3 Pages
Assignment:
Planning and Writing a Research Paper
In this activity, you'll write a two to three page research paper that makes an argument about the future of the English bulldog breed using current scientific evidence.
Follow the steps provided to research, plan, and write the paper. Use this information about the research process and other links throughout the activity as a guide.
Part A: Ask Questions
Begin by making a list of questions that will help you conduct research on the topic. To get you started, here are some questions that may lead you to a better understanding of the topic:
- How does artificial selection differ from natural selection?
- How did modern dogs evolve? Who are their ancestors?
- What is a dog breed? What is a pedigree?
- What methods are used to breed dogs? Are there any ethical issues with these methods?
- What are the benefits and consequences of dog breeding?
- What are bulldogs like? What traits does the English bulldog have?
- Are bulldogs more healthy or less healthy than other breeds?
- What is genetic diversity? What is the current genetic diversity of the English bulldog?
- How does the genetic diversity of the English bulldog relate to the breed's future viability?
Now write down four more questions about bulldogs that will help you strengthen your arguments in your research paper.
Part B: Find Credible Sources
When writing a research paper, look for credible sources. Science doesn't show bias, but humans do. Avoid sites and articles that provide facts without citing proper scientific evidence. You must be able to identify reliable sites so that the data in your research paper is credible.
Use sources that end in .gov. These government sites are reliable sources. You can also use sites ending in .edu.They're generally trustworthy, but sometimes students, not scientists, write content for .edu websites. Always identify the source's author before proceeding. Some .org and .com sites are credible, but it's important to verify their authenticity. When reviewing a source, ask these questions:
- Who authored the document?
- Is the author a genetics expert?
- What is the document's purpose?
- Does the document state facts that scientists can prove with evidence?
- Does the document include opinions?
- How old is the document?
- Do other credible sources support the document's statements?
Search for credible websites and note the information they contain. Write down two sources that you'll use for your research paper, and cite them using Modern Language Association (MLA) citation methods.
Part C: Take Notes
In a separate location, take notes from the sources you have identified. The notes will provide details for your paper. While taking notes from texts and websites, use these reading strategies. In the space provided, write four pieces of information that you intend to use in your paper.
Part D: Organize Your Information
After you've gathered your research and answered all your questions, create an outline for your research paper in the answer space. Following these guidelines for writing a five-paragraph essay may help you structure your outline. Be sure to account for the claim you're making in your introduction, and include a works cited page at the end with the authors and websites you consulted.
Part E: Write Your Paper
Write this research using your outline and the research you've collected. Be sure to proofread and revise your writing to catch any errors in grammar, spelling, logic, or cohesion. Remember that you must add a works cited page at the end of your paper to give credit to your sources.
When you have completed your paper, submit it to your teacher along with this activity.