Your Final: The Multi-Genre Research Project

Greetings, 6th block!

As you draft, conference, and revise your second genre, it is important to keep in mind the entire research project. How do the pieces fit together? Are they logical? Creative? Do they provide multiple perspectives to your topic or issue? Do you think your readers will gain new information based on your project? Is your effort obvious?

In class today you will receive a rough idea of what is expected of your final project for this class, which will also act as your final. It's worth a pretty impressive amount of points, so it would do to be present in class and complete your work, regardless of school-related absences.

Because graduation is approaching, this project may be kicked into high gear. Our tentative schedule looks a bit like this...
This week (March 23-27): Genre Two.  
Next week (March 30-April 3): Genre Three.  
The week after next (April 6-10): Genre Four.
And then? Revision!!

Your genres should add to the quality and interest level of your topic. Please read the comments on the grading rubric that you have been given and take the comments made on your research and genres in account when you revise.

A SHORT PRESENTATION will be required at the end of the revisionary period, but you can handle it.

Be calm. Breathe. You graduate soon. We wouldn't want you to hyperventilate about such a simple matter as Grammar and Composition. ;)

Best of luck!!

Pick a genre, any genre!

Today, you will pick your second genre (your first was your research paper) to begin further exploration of your topic. Wednesday, we spent the block writing and picking possible genres for the project. Some of you may have discovered some genres that you would like to use and expand upon, while others may have simply eliminated certain possibilities from the list.

We will begin your first drafts today. Because of our schedule next week, your first drafts of this particular genre are due Monday, March 23rd. We will conference that day. The final draft of your second genre will be due Friday, March 27th by the end of the hour.

Also note that a "Reader's Note" MUST be included for each genre that you complete. This is simply a paragraph or two of explanation of your choice of genre, the perspective that you have chosen to explore using the genre, and how the particular genre fits the topic that you have chosen.

Each day, we will freewrite for the first 10 minutes or so using a new genre so that you may constantly be thinking of ideas for your projects. Remember that your goal is to represent your chosen topic in as many forms and perspectives as possible.

So, pick a genre, any genre! Enjoy this freedom to write and create in ways that will challenge and interest you. Party on.

P.S. The absolute last day to turn in your research paper packet (see prior blog posts about requirements) is the end of the day Monday. If you experienced circumstances which prevented you from turning in your paper, talk to me.

Fourth Quarter Begins...

Here's a riddle:  what's blonde but evenly balanced, two-footed, one-armed, and usually a part of our class?  Another hint:  she's disappointed that her physical therapy keeps her from returning till next Wednesday.  Yay for Ms. Reaves!

Stay tuned and bring your favorite writing utensil to each class.  We'll be exploring writing workshop and providing opportunities to practice your craft.

For a bonus, put the answer to today's riddle on a piece of paper and hand it to Ms. Reaves before the bell rings.

P.S. Please keep this to yourself. These bonus points should be reserved for blog readers only. Congratulations for reading the blog!

The Final Stretch

What's life without a Star Wars reference? ;)

Here's what the next few days should have looked like, prior to our "snow" day:

Wednesday: our last official conference block. Share your paper with AS MANY PEOPLE as possible. 

Multiple perspectives are key when writing and drafting a research paper. Make sure to look at the guiding questions that have been posted on the board. These will help you make constructive and HELPFUL comments to your classmates. 

Comments that merely correct grammar or only compliment a paper are not very useful.

Friday: final project is due by the end of the day. The packet should include

• Significantly different drafts (at least two)
• Correctly formatted works cited page (last page of paper)
• Evidence of conferencing (at least three people)
• Revised annotated bibliography (see handout)
• Letter of reflection about process, change of topics, ideas about other multigenre writings, etc. 

The snow day did not affect our schedule, so your papers should be ready to turn in by the end of the hour today. IF YOU NEED MORE TIME, keep in mind that you did have all day yesterday, time in Endeavor if you wanted it, and many, many days spent in class. Feel free to use Spring Break to work on it, but points will be deducted from the total process grade for the final packet.

Good luck!

The Secret to Your Heart's Desire...(not really)

The Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University is one of the most useful sources when writing a research paper. Since a research paper is the first writing component of your multigenre project, you might want to take a look.

I've divided up the links here as to what kind of help you may need.

1. In-text Citations: These are references to the works cited page, which will be included as the last page of your research paper. Anytime you quote, paraphrase, or use any information that you did not know prior to your research, give credit to the original source.

2. Formatting Quotations: You need to include quotations in your research paper. Remember that you are giving credit where credit is due, while also writing your own take on the research based on your findings and even your personal opinion. Using quotes is great; however, they can easily take over your paper if you let them.

3. Works Cited Page: This page acts as the last page of your research paper. Basically, it is an alphabetical list of all the sources that you used to write the paper. Any information that you use outside of your own personal knowledge should be represented here.

That was a lot of information. Now, read this to make yourself feel better:

Writing a research paper is tough business. You have to find a topic, narrow or broaden it depending on the length requirement, find sources that support your topic, and write a paper that is both interesting, informative, and credible. That's a lot of responsibility.

Effort in this venture is key. Attempt to follow quotation directions. List the sources to the best of your ability on the works cited page. Remember all the MLA guidelines that we have practiced. Lastly, don't fret too much about the in-text citations. This will take practice.

I believe in you. 

Writer's Block Blues...

Here's my best shot at a one-handed pep talk!  I have corresponded with a few of you about how and where to search for sources and even how  to find a point or direction in your search.  Take heart!  Don't give up!  Attitude is crucial to success!

First, remember that before you can begin drafting, you have to do a lot of reading.  That's what researching is all about:  searching, reading, searching again and more reading, and so on.  It isn't until I begin to dig into a topic that I know which of my books and articles are useful.   Don't forget you can also use other kinds of sources, like film, interviews, and more.

Don't cut this part (reading and searching) short so you can begin writing the paper.  Knowing how to efficiently search is a talent that you'll use in the future.  Some of you who are having trouble finding sources will benefit by playing with the words you type in the search bar, both on Google and our databases.   Remember the tips our librarians gave us about making advanced searches, and also their presentation about how to "Search Like a Boss" on Google, if you use that site.  Sometimes it takes a lot of patience and perseverance.

That said, please give Ms. Reaves a warm welcome.  This portion of the project is her forte!  We will be in close communication to serve you our very best!  You've had quite a bit of class time to work on this project, but it takes discipline to stay on task.  This also takes time outside of class.  I am hoping that with a quiet, diligent group of students in class, you can draft and conference and revise and so forth.   I hope in the next three classes before spring break, you can finish up your research papers.  Won't that be something to celebrate?

Guidelines for Research Paper, Due Dates, and a Bit of Regrouping! Teamwork!

I hope this post and the post before this help clear up concerns you may have about grades and due dates for our upcoming project.   Because some of you have missed class due to activities that have caused your absence from class, and because of snow days and my absence,  the first area of concern is due dates.  I hope this helps, but I'm extending due dates for the annotated bibliography. 

I'll give bonus points to those of you who moved heaven and earth to hand in your annotated bibliography on time, and I'll accept and grade bibliographies next week in an effort to provide enough time for reading.  I'll ask the substitute to mark those that were turned in this week.  You'll need to hand in bibliographies before the next due date, which is the first draft of your research paper due Thursday, February 26th.



Guidelines for the research paper:

• 4 to 5 pages MLA format
• Minimum of three sources used with at least one citation for each of your three sources. This could be a paraphrase or direct quote for each.  Aim for a minimum of one direct quote.  You will no doubt use more.  Remember, you will write other pieces which can be informed by your other sources.  Your minimum is five sources for the whole project. 
• Paper to include an introduction, supporting body, and conclusion.
• First draft conference on Thursday, February 26th.  Must be a complete paper, although it will be rough.
• Second draft conference on Monday, March 2.  This draft should include your citations.
• Third draft final packet due Wednesday, March 4.

Because I've been grounded until the cast comes off (right after spring break), I've been worrying about how to help you with the writing.  Great news:  Ms. Reaves has agreed to come back on Wednesday, February 25th until my return, and she is looking forward to working on this project with you! 

Have fun researching, my friends!