Joseph Case High School CAPSTONE Research Paper ***Absolutely NO Wikipedia as a source***
So far for your CAPSTONE project, you have submitted a proposal, an introduction with an annotated
bibliography, and an outline of your paper, as well as your continued progress on your reflective journal. The
research paper is your fourth formal part of your senior CAPSTONE experience. This is the first step in displaying
all your hard work from the past few months of your research. In addition, it should display the strong 21st century
learning skills that you have refined throughout this process, including critically evaluating web resources,
organizing your paper through successful problem solving, and using technology to acquire information.
This final paper will showcase the ability to:
• Research a topic with scope and purpose
• Synthesize information
• Formulate and express an academic point of view (not simply regurgitate information).
• Create and explore a cogent thesis using a variety of credible resources
• Formally cite sources, applying Modern Language Association’s (MLA 2009) format.*
JCHS 21st Century Learning Expectations: This senior project requires students to work independently and
collaboratively, as active learners, demonstrating innovation and adaptability. Students will apply processes of
analysis, evaluation, and creation in problem-solving. In completing the project, students will demonstrate
character through personal responsibility, ethical behavior, and cultural appreciation.
Students must use a minimum of five (5) sources, and the paper must be a minimum of five (5) full pages.**
* Please see end note about plagiarism and the Code of Student Conduct in this handbook
** Paper length may be subject to teacher discretion and course level.
Your paper must meet the following requirements (see rubric for more specific details):
ƒ Meet the Length Requirement:
• 5-10 pages with 12 point Times New Roman font, double spaced, in standard English.
ƒ Maintain proper MLA Format:
• First page should include:
1) MLA Header (Last name and page number) in the right hand top corner of the page
2) MLA Heading on the top left side of the page:
A. First Name Last Name
B. Teacher’s Name
C. English 12
D. Date (Day Month Year)
3) Title of paper centered
(Be specific. What is the point of your paper?)
4) Works Cited.
(This is an alphabetical listing of the books,
Magazines, journal, Internet sources, etc.
that you used in proving the central point of
your research paper.) You are required to
use four resources as a minimum.
• Includes proof of all prewriting and revision processes
•
1) Paper Outline
2) Rough Draft with corresponding Peer Review Sheet
A copy of one journal entry: reflect upon the writing process throughout the production of your
research paper. Consider what you struggled with, what you did well, and what you would like to
improve upon in your future writing.
Note on Parenthetical Documentation
• Any fact or idea you use to back up the central point of your paper must be documented, whether the
fact is directly quoted or in your own words, as in summary or paraphrase.
• If you do not document a fact that supports your central point, you are guilty of plagiarism.
• If you use a writer’s exact words but do not give credit and/or do not place the exact words in quotation
marks, you have committed plagiarism.
• See Owl Purdue MLA 2009 for proper citation format.
RESEARCH PAPER “YES” TEST
Use this as a resource to make sure that you are ready to hand in your paper. If you answer no to any of these
questions, your essay will be a Not Yet, so PROOFREAD in case you need to go back and revise your essay.
Yes No
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1. Paper typed (12 point font, Times New Roman)
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2. First page in correct MLA format w/ correct heading
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3. Thesis clearly stated in introduction and “wrapped” in conclusion
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4. Correct MLA documentation style used in text
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5. Citing of sources evident (parenthetical citations).
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6. Minimum five sources (primary, secondary—no encyclopedia)
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7. Works Cited page accurate and correctly formatted
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8. Paper fully justified on right side with paragraph indentation.
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9. Paper meets correct minimum length standard of five pages with bibliography
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10. Evidence of consistent and conscientious editing - PROOFREAD
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11. All notes and related process materials turned in
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12. Pages numbered correctly (top right hand corner)
Information
Literacy
Conventions
Style
Support/ Elaboration
Organization
Focus
CAPSTONE Paper Rubric
Name _____________________________
A
B
Not Yet
Presents an insightful and focused thesis
statement (or main point).
Draws strong and clear connections between
the thesis (main point) and significant related
ideas.
Effectively provides a logical progression of
related ideas and supporting information in the
body of the paper. (Develops ideas and
information clearly and logically.)
Thesis statement (main point) has
adequate insight and focus.
Draws adequate connections between
thesis (main point) and related ideas.
Thesis statement (main point) has
minimal to no insight and focus.
Draws insufficient connections
between thesis (main point) and
related ideas.
Provides a poorly organized
progression of ideas and supporting
information in the body of the paper.
(Ideas and information are not
always clear and logical.)
Does not use transitions to connect
supporting information.
Effectively uses transitions to connect
supporting information clearly. (Connections
between supporting ideas and main point are
clear and easy to follow.)
Arrives at a well-documented, logical conclusion,
involving critical thinking. (The reader finds the
conclusion directly follows and results from all
information leading up to it.)
Effectively synthesizes complex ideas from
research sources. (Uses research sources to
skillfully integrate a variety of ideas as support
for main point.)
Demonstrates exceptional selection of
supporting information clearly relevant to the
thesis (main point) and its related ideas.
Provides a meaningful presentation of multiple
perspectives. (Gives readers a clear and broad
view of many perspectives on the topic.)
Adequately provides a progression
of ideas and supporting information
in the body of the paper. (Mostly
develops ideas and information clearly
and logically.)
Adequately uses transitions to connect
supporting information.
Arrives at an adequately-documented
conclusion.(The reader finds the
conclusion mostly follows and results from
all information leading up to it.)
Synthesizes ideas from research sources.
(Uses research sources to competently
integrate a variety of ideas as support for
main point.)
Demonstrates sufficient selection of
supporting information clearly relevant to
the thesis and its related ideas.
Provides an adequate presentation of
multiple perspectives. (Gives readers a
mostly clear and broad view of many
perspectives of the topic).
Effectively balances use of quotations and
Adequately balances use of quotations
student paraphrasing.
and student paraphrasing.
Skillfully integrates
Effectively integrates student-generated
student-generated visual aids
visual aids (i.e. diagrams, charts, graphs,
(i.e. diagrams, charts, graphs, pictures, graphic pictures, graphic organizers) to clarify
organizers) to emphasize important content.
content
Exhibits skillful use of language, including
Exhibits good use of language, including
effective word choice, clarity, and consistent
some mastery of word choice, clarity, and
voice.
consistent voice.
Demonstrates exceptional fluency through
Demonstrates sufficient fluency through
varied sentence structure, paragraphing, flow
sentence structure, paragraphing, flow of
of ideas, and transitions.
ideas, and transitions.
Demonstrates a sophisticated use of the MLA
Demonstrates adequate use of the MLA
format.
format.
Consistently uses standard writing conventions Generally uses standard writing
in grammar, spelling, capitalization, and
conventions in grammar, spelling,
punctuation.
capitalization, and punctuation.
Effectively employs (uses) an extensive variety of Adequately employs (uses) a sufficient
primary and secondary sources, including a
variety of primary and secondary sources
significant amount of current information.
including a sufficient amount of current
information.
Demonstrates strong evaluation skills in
Demonstrates sufficient evaluation skills in
determining resource credibility and reliability.
determining resource credibility
(Sources are very reliable.)
(believability) and reliability.
Arrives at an insufficiently
documented conclusion.
Does not synthesize ideas from
research sources. (Does no integrate
ideas from research sources as
support for main point.)
Fails to demonstrate selection of
supporting information clearly
relevant to the thesis.
Does not provide multiple
perspectives. (Gives readers a
somewhat clear but narrow view of
perspectives on the topic).
Insufficient use of quotations and
student paraphrasing.
Does not use student-generated
visual aids to clarify content.
Exhibits ineffective use of language,
including weak word choice, limited
clarity, and inconsistent voice.
Demonstrates limited fluency through
sentence structure, paragraphing, flow
of ideas, and transitions.
Demonstrates limited to no use of the
MLA format
Minimally uses standard writing
conventions in grammar, spelling,
capitalization, and punctuation.
Employs (uses) a limited variety of
primary and secondary sources
including an insufficient amount of
current information.
Demonstrates limited evaluation skills
in determining resource credibility
(believability) and reliability.
Hood 1
How to Write an Introduction
1. Begin with an exciting fact, quote, or statistic about your topic that will attract your
reader’s attention and make him interested in your paper.
Example
If you are writing a paper on healthy eating, diets, and nutrition, you may want to use a
startling fact to open your paper.
Example Starter Sentence: “Today, over 60% of adults in the United States are
overweight or obese” (Martin 137).
Take NOTE! The above information in parenthesis is the documentation for
where I found that quote. I got that information directly off of my source card.
Sample Source Card for Above Source:
Martin, Esther. America Today. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 2005.
Note: You always want to follow up that quote or shocking statistic with an explanation
of the quote in your own words.
Example Follow Up: This startling statistic shows the rising problem that plagues the
majority of the population of America.
2. The next three to five sentences provide background information on your topic. You may
like to provide some historical background to your topic. You could explain why you are
interested in this topic (without saying, “I care about this topic…”). You might also
include some of those interesting facts from your note cards that you felt didn’t really fit
into the major parts of your paper.
Example Filler Information for your Research Paper on Healthy Eating, Diets, and
Nutrition:
Additionally, “Ten percent of children between two and five years of age are overweight,
and 15% of children and teens six to nineteen years of age are at risk of being
overweight” (Smolin and Grosvenor, Basic, 138). Clearly, weight awareness is
something with which Americans struggle. The fact that this problem has begun to
trouble and to affect the youth of America emphasizes the seriousness of the issue at
hand. There are numerous theories as to the causes of this problem.
3. Finally… You will end the introductory paragraph with a THESIS STATEMENT!
Your Thesis Must:
- Include the main topic and the three-four major focuses of your paper in one
sentence.
Example:
Body image and body weight are issues that plague many Americans; choosing a healthy
diet requires a close look at nutrition, supplements, current body weight and fat, fad
diets, and, above all, must result in balance.
In the above example, the underlined information is the main topic of my paper, the bold
information shows the major topics of my paper.
Hood 2
Introduction Sample
“Today, over 63% of adults in the United States are overweight or obese” (Smolin and
Grosvenor, Basic, 137). This startling statistic shows the rising problem that plagues the
majority of the population of America. Clearly, weight awareness is something with which
Americans struggle. The fact that this problem has begun to trouble and to affect the youth of
America emphasizes the seriousness of the issue at hand. There are numerous theories as to the
causes of this problem. However, most researchers will agree that the problem stems from the
American’s lack of balance in his/her diet as well as a lack of control of portions. For instance, a
study was conducted on the serving sizes of food distributed in restaurants. The results were
startling in that the amounts provided customers were often times double if not eight times the
appropriate serving size (Smolin and Grosvenor, Basic, 138). With consumption rates this high,
it is almost inevitable that Americans become obese. Body image and body weight are issues
that plague many Americans; choosing a healthy diet requires a close look at nutrition,
supplements, current body weight and fat, fad diets, and, above all, must result in balance.
How to Write a Body Paragraph
1. Start with a topic sentence. Your topic sentence should include words from your thesis
that lets your reader know the focus of your paragraph.
Example Thesis:
Body image and body weight are issues that plague many Americans; choosing a healthy
diet requires a close look at nutrition, supplements, current body weight and fat, fad diets,
and, above all, must result in balance.
Note: The above underlined information is the first topic of my research paper. My
topic sentence, therefore, must look like the following:
First Topic Sentence: In order to create a healthy lifestyle, one must have a good
understanding of nutrition.
2. Once you write your topic sentence, you need to incorporate your note cards on this
topic.
- You should have quotes or paraphrases in each body paragraph. Otherwise, one
may question if this is truly a research paper or just a common knowledge report.
- Remember, you must document after each quote and each paraphrase- author’s
last and page number or the first two words of the title of an unsigned article.
- Also, you need to include your own explanations of these quotes and paraphrases.
Please, however, don’t say, “I” “me” or “you”…
Example Body Paragraph Content:
Nutrition “…is the overall pattern of dietary intake combined with lifestyle factors that
determines the relationship between your diet and your health” (Smolin and Grosvenor,
Basic, 133). In other words, nutrition is not simply eating healthy, it is a combination of
Hood 3
multiple factors that influence what a person may eat and how he/she will burn the
calories. Additionally, nutrition is understanding the impact of nutrients and calories on
the body (Smolin and Grosvenor, Basic, 1).
3. To end your body paragraph, you need to end with a summary statement. In other words,
you need to wrap up the paragraph and/or you can lead into your next paragraph.
Sample Closure Sentence:
By understanding nutrition, people are then able to evaluate their diet to suit their needs.
Complete Body Paragraph Example
In order to create a healthy lifestyle, one must have a good understanding of nutrition.
Nutrition “…is the overall pattern of dietary intake combined with lifestyle factors that
determines the relationship between your diet and your health” (Smolin and Grosvenor,
Basic, 133). In other words, nutrition is not simply eating healthy, it is a combination of
multiple factors that influence what a person may eat and how he/she will burn the
calories. Additionally, nutrition is understanding the impact of nutrients and calories on
the body (Smolin and Grosvenor, Basic, 1). By understanding nutrition, people are then
able to evaluate their diet to suit their needs.
Incorporating a Student-Generated Visual
into the Graduation Project Research Paper
1. If you are incorporating a picture into your research paper, consider the following:
- In order for this to be “student-generated,” you must take the picture.
- Pictures would be good to use to show examples of “green” industries within your
community, the compost area you began to supply soil for an elementary school’s
butterfly garden, or other items that are easier to see in a picture as opposed to
using words.
- When incorporating a picture, find the section of your paper that would benefit
from this visual.
- Insert the picture close to the textual information that you are explaining.
- Beneath the picture, provide a brief description of what is being displayed.
Quigley 2
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but, above all, no matter the size, dogs provide humans wonderful
companionship. Different types of dogs can provide different benefits. The Chihuahua, for instance, is
very loyal and protective (Yappy 32). The Boston terrier, on the other hand, is fu-n and whimsical and can
provide its owners laughter and lighthearted joy (Terriers). Some would argue though that a rescue dog
from the pound will provide endless love and gratitude.
Figure 1
Hood 4
These pictures show the variety of sizes and personalities available in the mixed breed, Boston terrier, and
Chihuahua.
No matter, which dog a person chooses, they are almost guaranteed endless love and companionship.
2. If incorporating a table into your research paper, consider the following:
- In order for this to be “student-generated,” you must create the table.
- Tables will be used if you have completed/taken a survey or if you have a large
amount of information to display.
- When incorporating a table, find the section of your paper that would benefit from
this visual.
- Insert the table close to the textual information that you are explaining.
- Above the table, insert the heading “Table 1.”
- Beneath this, create a heading or title for the table.
- Insert the table. You can do so by clicking on “Table” and then “Insert.” Choose
the number of columns and rows you need.
Hood 5
Quigley 5
There are a different variety of cameras that one can choose from when considering a
career in photography.
Table 1
Camera Options and Camera User Preferences
Types of Cameras
Nikon
Canon
Sony
Kodak
Number of Digital Users
20
98
12
18
Number of 35mm Users
15
5
62
34
(Smith 34)
This table clearly shows that the favorite camera among beginning photographers is the
Canon digital. However, the Sony is also an excellent choice for a 35mm.
3. If incorporating a figure (chart or graph) into your research paper, consider the following:
- In order for this to be “student-generated,” you must create the chart/graph.
- Charts/graphs are used if you have a smaller amount of information to compare.
- When incorporating a chart/graph, find the section of your paper that would
benefit from this visual.
- Insert the chart/graph close to the textual information that you are explaining.
- Above the chart/graph, insert the heading “Figure 1.”
- Insert the chart or graph. You can do so by opening an Excel spreadsheet, typing
in your information into the first few cells like this:
Year 1999
Year 2005
85
63
- Next, in your Excel sheet, at the top click on the little bar graph image. Choose a chart
or graph and hit “Finish.” Once your graph appears, copy and paste it into your word
document.
Hood 6
-Give a brief explanation of the material and document your source underneath the figure.
Quigley 5
Eating is a burden Americans face daily. There are so many options that meal time can
happen anywhere and can include any type of food. When considering a healthy diet, one
must consider the trends in meat.
Figure 1
90
80
70
60
50
Series1
40
30
20
10
0
Year 1999
Year 2005
This graph shows that in the year 1999 85% of Americans were consuming beef; whereas,
in 2005 that number had dropped considerably to 63% (Smith 58).
Red meat is a different source of protein than white meat, and one must be able to
understand the different nutritional values they offer the body.
Hood 7
How to Write a Conclusion
Note: Your conclusion is a reversal of your introduction.
In other words…
1. Start with your thesis statement. However, you need to re-word it. Say essentially the
same thing, but put it in other words.
Example Thesis Restatement:
In order to get to a point where a successful healthy weight can be maintained, one must
understand the complexities of nutrition, supplements, current body weight and fat, and
the dangers of fad diets.
The underlined portion is the restatement of my thesis.
2. After your restated thesis, you will have a summary sentence or two for each major
section of your paper.
Example Summary Sentences:
Balance provides stability and variety in eating. When eating in a healthy and balanced
way, one is able to choose from a variety of foods that will provide him/her with the
nutrients needed to maintain a healthy body. When taking an extreme approach to weight
loss, it is almost definite that frustration and failure will occur.
3. Finally, you will end with an exciting statement that keeps your reader wanting to know
more about the topic.
Example Clincher Statement: The diet needs to be evaluated, and balance and nutrition
instead need to be encouraged.
Sample Complete Conclusion:
In order to maintain a healthy weight, one must understand the complexities of
nutrition, supplements, current body weight and fat, and the dangers of fad diets. Balance
provides stability and variety in eating. When eating in a healthy and balanced way, one
is able to choose from a variety of foods that will provide him/her with the nutrients
needed to maintain a healthy body. When taking an extreme approach to weight loss, it is
almost definite that frustration and failure will occur. The diet needs to be evaluated, and
balance and nutrition instead need to be encouraged.
Hood 1
Adrianne Hood
Ms. X
Capstone Project
5 April 2011
Creating a Healthy Life: An Exploration of Diets and Nutrition
Leading researchers, Smolin and Grosvenor claim that “over 63% of adults in the United
States are overweight or obese” (Smolin and Grosvenor, Basic, 137). This startling statistic shows
the rising problem that plagues the majority of the population of America. Clearly, weight awareness
is something with which Americans struggle. The fact that this problem has begun to trouble and to
affect the youth of America emphasizes the seriousness of the issue at hand. There are numerous
theories as to the causes of this problem. However, most researchers will agree that the problem
stems from the American’s lack of balance in his or her diet as well as a lack of control of portions.
For instance, a study was conducted on the serving sizes of food distributed in restaurants. The
results were startling in that the amounts provided customers were often times double if not eight
times the appropriate serving size (138). With consumption rates this high it is almost inevitable that
Americans become obese. Body image and body weight are issues that plague many Americans;
choosing a healthy diet requires a close look at nutrition, supplements, current body weight and fat,
fad diets, and, above all, must result in balance.
In order to create a healthy lifestyle, one must have a good understanding of nutrition.
Nutrition “is the overall pattern of dietary intake combined with lifestyle factors that determines
the relationship between your diet and your health” (133). In other words, nutrition is not
simply eating healthy; it is a combination of multiple factors that influence what a person may
eat and how he/she will burn the calories. Additionally, nutrition means understanding the
impact of nutrients and calories on the body ( 1).
Hood 2
By understanding nutrition, a person is then able to evaluate his/her diet to suit his/her
needs. “The body is more than 60% water” (3). Over half of the human body is made up of
water. Water is very important for hydration and digestion. Despite the prevalent role of water
in the body, several other nutrients are key to a balanced diet. In fact, “there are over forty
nutrients that are essential to human life” (2). Without these forty nutrients, a healthy balanced
diet cannot be achieved. Furthermore, the forty nutrients come in six different classes“carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, water, vitamins, and minerals” (6). Each of the different classes
of nutrients serves a different function in the body, meaning “some nutrients provide energy,
some provide structure, and some help to regulate the processes that keep us alive” (2). Without
these nutrients and these processes, life and reproduction would be impossible.
All forty nutrients are necessary; however, they need to be consumed in moderation.
One way to measure the amount of a substance being consumed is by looking at the food guide
found on the product, which explains the breakdown of foods. There is a simple breakdown of
this formula:
Each gram of carbohydrate we eat provides the body with four calories. A gram of
protein also provides four calories; a gram of fat provides nine calories, more than twice
the calories of carbohydrate or protein. (3)
Knowing then that higher fat content produces more calories, it would be easier to create a plan
for eating in moderation. An additional source for help in creating a meal plan that is based in
moderation is the food labels, which “often highlight specific characteristics of a product that might
be of interest to the consumer, such as foods that are ‘low in calories’ or ‘high in fiber’” (12). Also,
when looking at the food labels, it is important to consider the percent of the daily value of an item.
Researchers say that if it is less than 5% of the daily value then it is low, and if it is 20% or higher
Hood 3
than the daily value then it is a high percentage (13). By watching these figures, a dieter will be able
to better see, and, therefore, better control and moderate what he/she is eating.
When trying to moderate a diet, calories are an important number to follow. “Ten percent of
children between two and five years of age are overweight and 15% of children and teens six to
nineteen years of age are at risk of being overweight” (138).
Figure 1
70
60
50
40
Series1
30
20
10
0
Adults
Children 2-5
Teens 6-19
This graph shows that the percentage of American’s struggling with weight problems is beginning to
affect the youth of America as well (137-138)
The human body needs calories for energy and every day functions. However, many of the nutrients
supply calories and if careful consideration is not made with food choices, the calories can become
too much and a weight problem will inevitably occur. If a person eats more calories than he/she is
able to burn off in a day, those calories become body fat. If a person eats the same calories as he/she
uses up in daily energy, then his/her weight will remain the same. However, if a person consumes
fewer calories than he/she burns off in a day, he/she will lose weight (3). Keeping track of calories
can be a tedious process. However, “A healthy diet is one that provides the right number of calories
to keep your weight in the desirable range; the proper balance of carbohydrate, protein, and fat
choices; plenty of water; and sufficient but not excessive amounts of essential vitamins and minerals”
(132). Balance and moderation seem to be key pieces of advice that researchers provide dieters. By
creating balance there will be less of a chance of an excess of any of the essential nutrients.
As previously mentioned, supplements, like vitamins, can be a great resource for someone
who is dieting. Yet again, everything must be consumed in moderation because “although most
Hood 4
people can meet their nutrient needs without them, supplements can be useful for maintaining health
and preventing deficiencies” (2). Furthermore, when dieting, because some of the nutrients may be
coming into the body in a smaller portion, it is important to consider adding a supplement.
Smolin and Grosvenor note that “with energy intakes of fewer than 1,200 calories per day, a
multivitamin and mineral supplement is recommended to ensure that nutrient needs are met”
(Smolin and Grosvenor, Nutrition, 93). Furthermore, women, in particular, need to be aware of
their calcium intake. Many women when on a diet are not willing to waste calories on a glass of
milk, suggests Beverly Fishel, a dietician (Fishel). Because they do not want the extra calories,
they are now not getting the calcium they need. Because of this lack of nutrients, Fishel
recommends a calcium supplement to help prevent osteoporosis, another rising problem in
America (Fishel). Fortunately, as America begins to become more health conscientious, we are
seeing a rise in fortification, a process by which nutrients are added to the foods we eat (Smolin
and Grosvenor, Basic, 143). Vitamins and supplements can be great assets to a diet by providing
necessary nutrients; however, as with all things, moderation must be maintained and an excess
supply of nutrients can be very harmful.
Eating healthy is not simply important so that Americans can look nice, it is also
important because most scientists would agree that food consumption directly affects health. For
instance, “Scientific evidence suggests that diet plays an important role in development of
chronic diseases” (Lee and Gerrior). In other words, what one eats and how much one eats can
directly correlate with overall health. Furthermore, “A healthy body weight is associated with
health and longevity” (Smolin and Grosvenor, Basic, 133). By learning to control body weight,
a person can, therefore, be in better control of his or her long term health. In addition, Smolin
and Grosvenor estimate “that a pound of body fat provides 3,500 calories” (Smolin and
Grosvenor, Nutrition, 90). In other words, in order to lose one pound of body fat, a dieter would
Hood 5
need to drop 3,500 calories from his/her diet (Fishel). When looking into body fat and fat
consumption, “The goal is to choose fats that are mono or polyunsaturated and minimize your
consumption of saturated fat, cholesterol, and trans fat” (Smolin and Grosvenor, Basic, 142).
Additionally, along with choosing the right fats to eat, it is important to consider the value of
exercise. Exercise enables muscle development, which is important during weight loss because
muscle is metabolically active tissue; it uses more calories to maintain itself than fat does” (Smolin
and Grosvenor, Nutrition, 93). Body fat and fat intake are important factors to consider in overall
health. By trying to keep fat intake low and working instead on exercise and muscle development,
fat build up in the body will be minimal.
There have been and there will continue to be numerous “popular” diets that promise
consumers fast and easy results. However, many have tried these plans and failed. In order to be an
informed consumer, one must first explore the information about each diet before choosing what
might be the best approach. One of the most predominant problems with diets is that “even when
you lose weight, when you stop dieting and resume your previous eating pattern, you will most likely
gain the weight back” (98). Keeping this in mind, it is possible that a diet is not the solution but
instead a hindrance. In order to better understand why many diets fail, it is necessary to evaluate
some of them and the claims that are being made. Some diets like the infamous “Grapefruit Diet” set
dieters up to believe that only certain foods can be eaten and even then only at certain times (103).
This is a spurious claim that makes dieters believe they can eat larger quantities of food as long as it
is the right food and at the right time. Sadly, large food consumption will result in weight gain.
Other diets, like very low calorie diets and liquid diets, are not very effective either because they are
difficult to maintain long-term or they carry more risks from a lack of nutrients (103-104). Low fat
and fat free diets provide dieters a false sense of security. For example, “not so long ago, dieters
assumed that ‘fat-free’ on the package meant ‘fat-free’ on the body. Lo and behold, they found that
Hood 6
you can get fat on fat-free ice cream” (Liebman, “Cashing,” 8). Fat free does not mean calorie free,
and, no matter what, if one does not burn more calories than are taken in, weight will not be lost.
Even other diets, like those with prepackaged foods and those that have no carbohydrates or low
carbohydrates in some ways give dieters a false sense of security. Many dieters now are looking at
low carb and no carb diets. Many believe that “All dieters have to do is eat ‘good’ carbs (like whole
grains, vegetables and beans) instead of ‘bad carbs’ (like sugar, white bread, and potatoes). Yet most
obesity experts, including those who believe in that advice, agree that the research cupboard is bare”
(Liebman, “The Sure-Fire,” 3). Unfortunately, when it comes to dieting, people are hoping for an
easy fix. They do not fully explore the diet plans and are quickly disappointed by their lack of
immediate results.
One of the main pit-falls of diets is that they limit food options and, in time, people become
bored and seek new and exciting food, abandoning the diet. However, “Because of the wide variety
of foods available to us today, there are many ways in which you can choose [a] healthy diet”
(Smolin and Grosvenor, Basic, 132). Having variety in a healthy eating plan will allow a person to
stick with the plan. Furthermore, a University of Texas study shows that dieting leads to greater
weight gain. The study found that when people would diet, they would lose weight. However, when
they began to eat normally again, they quickly regained the weight (“Dieting’s”). This study
confirms what researchers and nutritionists have been promoting all along; it is important to have a
healthy balanced diet. In order to achieve balance, “… a healthy diet should include plenty of
unrefined grains, fruits, and vegetables; be limited in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol; and
provide adequate protein” (Smolin and Grosvenor, Basic, 145). By sticking with a plan made up of
the above items, anyone can stay balanced. Sadly, however, “Despite their health benefits, many
people don’t consume enough fruits and vegetables” (Duyff 12). When people are not eating enough
fruits and vegetables, they are not getting the proper vitamins and minerals that are important for
daily nutrition. Additionally, if people are not consuming fruits and vegetables, then there is
Hood 7
something else that they must be eating in order to get the calories they need for energy. Without
eating fruits and vegetables, more protein, fat, and carbohydrates are being consumed causing an
imbalance in the diet and potentially, significant weight gain. One of the best ways to find balance in
a diet is by using the food guide pyramid because it can “provide the structure necessary to plan a
balanced low- calorie diet” (Smolin and Grosvenor, Nutrition, 101). By following the food
guide pyramid, the options of foods to eat are endless. Paying careful attention to portion size
and then eating the proper number of servings will naturally cause a person to eat less fat, less
calories, and, instead, more healthy foods like natural foods and fiber-filled nutrients. Above all,
when approaching weight loss, it is important to seek balance in one’s diet and work towards a
slow weight loss.
In order to maintain a healthy weight, one must understand the complexities of nutrition,
supplements, current body weight and fat, and the dangers of fad diets. Balance provides
stability and variety in eating. When eating in a healthy and balanced way, one is able to choose
from a variety of foods that will provide him/her with the nutrients needed to maintain a healthy
body. When taking an extreme approach to weight loss, it is almost definite that frustration and
failure will occur. With 63% of the adult population being obese, the diet push needs to be
evaluated, and balance and nutrition instead need to be encouraged (Smolin and Grosvenor,
Basic, 137).
Hood 8
Works Cited
“Dieting’s Downsides.” Daughters. November/December 2005. Professional Development
Collection on-line. EBSCO Publishing. Web. 7 March 2006.
Duyff, Roberta Larson. American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide. 2nd
edition. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2002. Print.
Fishel, Beverly. Personal interview. 9 March 2006.
Lee, Helen and Shirley Gerrior. “Consumers of Reduced Fat, Skim, and whole Milks: Intake
Status of Micronutrients and Dietary Fiber.” Family Economics & Nutrition Review 2002.
Professional Development Collection on-line. EBSCO Publishing. Web. 7 March 2006.
Liebman, Bonnie. “Cashing In On the Low Carb Craze.” Nutrition Action. March 2004: 8.
Print.
---. “The Sure-Fire, Lightning-Fast, Hunger-Free, Easy-As-Pie, Jus-4-You, Permanent-WeightLoss, Health-and-Happiness Diet.” Nutrition Action January/February 2004:1. Print.
Smolin and Grosvenor, Lori. PhD. and Mary B. Grosvenor. Basic Nutrition. Philadelphia:
Chelsea House Publishers, 2005. Print.
---. Nutrition and Weight Management. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 2005. Print.
Author__________
Editor________
Directions: Read your peer’s paper, writing comments as you read. Then, answer these questions.
Please hand them in with the final draft of your paper.
Introduction:
1) Does the writer include a hook (an opening sentence that grabs your attention)?
____ yes ____ no
2) Does the writer include the title of the book AND the author's name?
____ yes ____ no
3) Does the writer give a context (background information) for his/her thesis statement?
____ yes ____ no
4) Is the thesis statement solid (does the author take a clear position)?
a) Is it something that must be proven, not just a statement of fact?
____ yes ____ no
b) Is it something that CAN be proven and is not too broad or general?
____ yes ____ no
5) Are there specific details to support position: Can the editor cite three specific details to support
the author's position?
Body:
1) Are there THREE supporting details to back up the thesis statement?
____ yes ____ no (If no, indicate on the essay where the problem lies.)
2) Does each piece of evidence actually back up the thesis statement?
____ yes ____ no (If no, indicate on the essay where the problem lies.)
3) Does each supporting detail include a quote or example to further reinforce the writer's ideas?
____ yes ____ no (If no, indicate on the essay where the problem lies.)
4) Is each quote properly cited?
____ yes ____ no (If no, indicate on the essay where the problem lies.)
Conclusion:
1) Is the thesis statement restated using DIFFERENT words?
____ yes ____ no
2) Are each of the supporting details restated using DIFFERENT words?
____ yes ____ no
3) No new arguments presented in the conclusion? _____ Yes
____No
4) Paper has a smooth conclusion?
____ yes ____ no
Overall Reflection:
1) Is there logical organization: Easy flow of ideas from one point to the next? Paragraphs arranged in a logical
manor? What would you suggest?
2) Sentences varied as to form and length? _____ Yes
3) Transitions are used effectively? _____ Yes
4) Language/vocabulary appropriate?
____No
____No
_____ Yes
____No
5) Spelling, punctuation, grammar used accurately? _____ Yes
6) Title: Appropriate, needs improvement? _____ Yes
____No
____No
What did you like about this piece of writing?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
What does the author need to improve?
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Other constructive comments?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________