I-Search Research Paper
The I-Search Research Paper is about your search for information on a topic which you can argue that YOU
choose. For the purposes of this class, the topic you choose for your I-Search paper must deal with some aspect
of your life (something you are passionate about which you can argue).
Think of the I-Search Paper as a story. You are not only telling the reader about your detective work in the
research process, but you are also discussing sound, logical support to prove your claim. In addition, you will
analyze the quality of your sources used when forming your argument.
Start with a claim. What is your opinion regarding your topic and argument?
Don’t make your topic too broad as you won’t have forever to write. Plan on only a couple weeks (both in and
out of class) to complete this paper. Is your argument too big to answer in that time span? If it seems too
broad, think of a way you can narrow it.
At the same time, don’t be too narrow in the argument of your topic. Make it worthwhile. Pick something for
which you are really interested in researching and for which you hope to find more in-depth information about
to strengthen your argument---or better yet select a topic that will generate more questions which will force you
to think of your argument in different ways.
Your paper will have 7 sections
● Each part must be separated in your Google Doc
1. Each section will begin on a new page
2. Each section must be titled, in bold, with the section name.
● Include a title page with, centered:
1. Title (no bold, italics, or underline)
2. Your name
3. Class
4. Period
5. Date
● Sections for I-Search Paper
1. The Claim
2. What I Know and Why I Am Writing About This Topic
3. The Search
4. What I Found Out
5. Summary
6. Works Cited
7. Appendix (Will be submitted as hardcopies… no need to upload documents to Google Doc)
● In addition to the paper, you will create a flier within your Mass Communications class that correlates
to your research and argument. You will submit a hardcopy of this. Instructions will follow.
Make sure that your paper is placed in your Google Folder for this class. Please title the Google Doc: I-Search
Research Paper. Please follow MLA Guidelines in writing this paper:
● Times New Roman font, size 12
● 1-inch margins all around
● Double-spaced throughout
● Page numbers, top right corner (Last Name, #)
1. No page number on title page
You will present your research and argument to the class, as well as your flier.
I-Search Research Components
The Claim(One – Two pages):
- Provide a brief introduction of your topic telling the reader what to expect through their reading.
- Make sure you clearly state the topic, your claim(s), and what opposing claims are out there.
- You do not need to refute the opposition here, just acknowledge their thoughts.
What I Know / Why I am Writing About This Topic (Two – Three pages):
- Explain what you already know about your topic, or what you think you know.
- Let the reader know why your selected topic is important to you.
- Remember, nothing is right or wrong. Be thorough and reflective.
The Search (Three – Five Pages):
- Discuss how you went about collecting your information and what problems and dead ends you
encountered when researching to flesh out your argument.
- The description of all the problems you have in finding your information can be very entertaining.
- Be reflective!
- Discuss and analyze the quality of your sources used when forming your argument.
- Tell what your feelings were during the research process.
- Share your doubts and successes.
- Discuss how your argument changed throughout this process or how you had to rethink your claim(s).
- Be thorough in your discussion using personal examples, and connections to your research, to
illustrate your thought processes.
What I Found Out (Four – Five pages):
- What information did you find out as a result of your search?
- This is where you argue your claim(s) through discussion of all of your sources and what you
learned from each.
- You want to tie things up for the reader in this section and prove your argument.
- This is where you will also refute opposing arguments and research.
- This should be the only section where you have parenthetical documentation (in-text citations).
Summary (Two - Three pages):
- Bring your I-Search Paper to a clear closure.
- Summarize by rephrasing each section above.
Works Cited:
- Use as many sources as possible in finding the answer to your question. Use the following as a start:
- Books, online databases / journals, magazine articles, interviews, and reputable websites (.gov,
.edu, .org—be wary of .com). Wikipedia is a good springboard into other research.
- You must have at least five resources—no more than two may be websites (unless they are online,
scholarly journals or books).
Appendix:
- Include all research in your appendix (print out online resources / photocopies of what you find in
books/magazines.
- Highlighted and with your annotated notes on them, transcribed interviews, etc, etc).
- Anything that you use goes here.
I-SEARCH
PLANNING AND TIMELINE
(SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
TOPIC AND QUESTION:
Your topic and/or question is due on the date below. Prior approval is a must before you can begin any
research. Topic and questions must be in writing. After approval, you may sign up for your presentation.
Due Date: 13 April 2022
THE QUESTION AND WHAT I KNOW:
Due Date: 19 April 2022
THE SEARCH / WHAT I FOUND OUT:
Due Date: 5 May 2022
SUMMARY / WORKS CITED / APPENDIX:
A rough draft of your Summary, References, and Appendix is due.
Due Date: 9 May 2022
FINAL PAPER / FLIERS / PRESENTATIONS:
The final paper with all parts included. Congrats! You’re finished! Now on to presentations… Papers due at
the beginning of class. Class time given to work on presentation.
Due Date: 11 and 13 May 2022
PRESENTATIONS:
Presentations will begin on 19 May 2022 and end on 25May 2022.
- Leftover projects and/or missed projects (lateness and/or absences) will be conducted after school unless
time permits.
- Presentations will be no less than 10 minutes and no more than 15 minutes.
1. Not including sharing of your flier.
2. Any video clips included may not total more than one minute total for the entire presentation.
- Your presentation must discuss each part of your I-Search project.