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Creating Your Research Paper

Use this guide to help you create your research paper from start to finish

Research Grid-Researching and taking notes on one page!

Writing an Thesis Statement

1. Take the Main Ideas from your columns

2. Create a Thesis statement that has:

Subject + Each Main Idea + What you want to prove

For example, "What I want to prove is how one should choose a puppy and train it, so the dog fits into the person's family and lifestyle."

 Dogs + Breeds + Getting a New Puppy + Training

Working Thesis Statement: 

When choosing a new puppy, families need to determine the best breed and training of the animal, in order to have a happy home.

Note: It is okay to revise the thesis statement as needed.

3. Audience - determines details to put into your paper

My audience are parents who want to get a new puppy for their children and family.

The importance of audience - Say you went to a great party one weekend. The next week you meet:

  • Your 10 year old cousin
  • Your grandma, grandpa or an older person you love and trust
  • Your best friend who could not make the party

What are you going to tell a 10 year old about the party?

What are you going to tell the older person about the party?

What are you going to tell your best friend about the party? Everything!

Apply this idea when developing your papers and projects. Who is your audience? This help you make decisions about what research, notes, examples, statistics, quotes, etc. to include.

Determining your Audience determines the details you select and use!

Created by Kathleen M. Buttermore

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