Name:
Research Paper Planning Sheet
I. Topic: Copy down the topic that you’ve chosen for your research paper.
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II. What interests you about this topic?
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III. What You Know: What do you know about this topic already? What ideas do you already have about this topic? Write a short paragraph on any and all background knowledge you have.
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IV. Thesis Statement: Write a thesis statement that is arguable. (Example: In order to improve the learning environment for students, schools should enforce wearing uniforms as part of the dress code.)
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V. Subcategory # 1: You need to divide your research paper into 3 subcategories (main ideas) so it is organized and easy to follow. (Example: If you chose to write about enforcing uniforms as a dress code to improve the learning environment, your three subcategories could be 1. avoiding wardrobe distractions, 2. decreasing fights with students, and increasing student attendance in class by avoiding/decreasing dress cuts. These would become your three body paragraphs and main ideas. **These are the three main arguments in your paper that show HOW the learning environment would be improved through uniforms in schools.)
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VI. Subcategory # 2:
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VII. Subcategory # 3:
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VIII. Things to Research: Make a list of things you will need to look up in order to have a well-rounded research paper. What more will you need to know/research about your topic to prove your thesis?
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