Research: Where do I begin?
The search is on!
I have a topic!!
 Finding a topic that you like is the first step. Right now, it’s
pretty general, so your first step is to see what’s out there!
Starting the search
 Google and skim!
 No matter what side of
the issue you will be
supporting, it’s essential
that you see the WHOLE
PICTURE!
I FOUND IT!!
 When you find an article that you
think may be useful, get out your note
cards and put all the information that
will help you find it again.
 Include a phrase at the bottom of the
card that helps you remember where
you will use it in your paper.
 Also, include citation punctuation to
save time later.
Step One
 You have found all of the listed sources that help give you a
clear overview of the function of the United States Post
Office.
 Create a source card for each of the listed sources including a
line at the bottom of each card as to its usefulness in your
paper.
 Make sure you match the number with the correct source.
 Author, last name first (period)
 Name of article in quotation marks (period inside quotes)
 Name of publication (Underlined followed by a period.)
 Name of publisher (NP if no publisher is named followed by a comma)
 Date of article with day, month abbreviated, year (followed by a period)
 Web (if found on the Internet: Followed by a period)
 Date of access (Internet sources: followed by a period).
 Print (if found in a printed publication– followed by a period)
EXAMPLE
Gonslaves, Chris.
“Wasting Away on the Web”
eWeek.com
Ziff Davis Enterprising Holdings,
3
Aug. 2005.
Web.
12 September 2012.

(Information on the benefits of blocking social
networking sites in homes with children)
Developing a Central Research
Question
 On a note card, write out your topic in the form of a
question: What is the issue?
 Example: Over the past decade, total mail volume has
decreased as competition with electronic mail and various
package delivery companies have taken business away from
the USPS. Should the USPS be reconstructed to be less of a
financial burden to the United States and more effective to
meet the needs of the changing world?
Divide your issue into two opposing
views
 RESOLVED: The United States Postal Service is outdated
and should be reconstructed to meet the needs of a changing
world.
 RESOLVED: The United States Postal Service is an effective
and reliable means of communication and should remain
unchanged as it currently meets the needs of our changing
world.
Preliminary Outline
Statement of position goes at the top (This will be replaced with your thesis_
I.
II.
Overview of Topic
(Define your topic and give background. Your overview will end
thesis)
Concession
(points of support for opposition)
III.
Point 1 of support
IV.
Point 2 of support
V.
Point 3 of support
VI.
Conclusion and call to action
with the
Note Taking
 Paraphrase
 Put the notes in your own words
 Make sure that you put the source card number on the card
Note Taking
 Summary:
 Use summary to outline key points on a note card.
 Paraphrase– do not copy the exact words of the author
without quoting.
Sample Research Question
 The United States Post Office should be
restructured to meet the needs of the changing
world.
 The United States Post Office provides efficient and
reliable communications across the country and
should not be restructured.
Preliminary Outline Example
 The USPS is outdated and needs to be reconstructed to meet
the needs of the changing world.
I. Postal Service as it is now and the problems
II. Concession
III. Economically Draining
IV. Inefficient in the 21st technological world
V. Consolidation
VI. Conclusion and call to action
Take notes and use Slugs
 A slug is a note that tells which paragraph in your paper you
will use the information.
 Your note cards should have both a source number and a slug.
Your outline may change as you go, which is fine.
Note Taking
 Quote
 The quote should be compelling and meet the following
standards:
1. The wording is such that it is memorable
2. The author of the quote is an authority
3. It is supported with observations
Use partial quotes if the quote is long and rambling
Example of note card with slug
 Economics
2
 Heavy decrease in mail volume over the past decade
e-mail for general friendly correspondence
(thank you notes, invites, friendly letters)
Junk mail on Internet as opposed to delivered
Rough Draft Instructions
 Develop the thesis statement
 Look at the two opposing views that you have on your sheet.
Begin with the word “Although” and write the OPPOSING VIEW
STATEMENT (the opposite of your side)
 Although the postal service is dependable and offers a service to
the country, the loss of revenue and fluctuating demographics
indicate that it must be restructured to meet the needs of a
changing world.
Rough Draft
 Write your rough draft, being sure to note the source card
numbers when your reference your sources. Your rough
draft should have the following:
 1. Introductory paragraph ending with thesis
 2. Topic sentences and paragraphs that reflect your
preliminary outline and slugs.
 3. Source card numbers noted in appropriate places.
Revise your draft
 Complete a style check list
 Replace source card numbers with in-text citations
appropriately punctuated.
 Look for gaps in logic, and add more persuasion if necessary.
 Make sure that your outline reflects the revised structure
Formal Outline and Works Cited
 See formatting directions on handout