Your goals for today

• Complete the topic clarification assignment for today.

• Start your actual research / start filling out your notecards AFTER the clarification assignment is done. This PowerPoint includes examples of completed notecards.

• If you haven’t already completed it, the topic comparison assignment from last week needs to be completed first. (if you are still working on it, you really need to catch up)

Why are you required to do these clarification assignments?

What does the following question mean?

What are some of the themes or major points that keep popping up while conducting your research? (You should be able to identify at least five.)

What are common reasons why people would agree with your opinion? (at least three)

What are common reasons why people wouldn’t agree with your opinion? (at least three)

Please write five questions connected to your topic. What should you or other people know to truly understand the issue? You should write questions that elicit a deeper understanding of the topic. Perhaps they will reflect the information you will need when writing your paper.

Your paper needs to include:

• An overview of how your topic currently stands (explain the topic)• An overview of the major opposing

arguments • Your position and why you feel that way• Your proposal • Your response to 2-3 common points of

opposition

60 notecards minimum

• 15 notecards from each of the following categories

• Paraphrase cards• Quote cards• General facts• Points of opposition

• You will have an advantage if you have more than the minimum requirement.

• You won’t use every card when writing your rough draft

• Pick the best facts/evidence

When should I use quotes?

Accuracy: You are unable to paraphrase or summarize the source material without changing the author’s intent.Authority: You may want to use a quote to lend expert authority for your assertion or to provide source material for analysis.Conciseness: Your attempts to paraphrase or summarize are awkward or much longer than the source material.Unforgettable language: You believe that the words of the author are memorable or remarkable because of their effectiveness or historical flavor. Additionally, the author may have used a unique phrase or sentence, and you want to comment on words or phrases themselves.(University of Houston)

When should I paraphrase?

You will want to paraphrase or summarize when the wording of the source is less important than the meaning of the source. The paraphrase and summary allow you to maintain continuity of style in your paper and show your mastery of source material. A paraphrase may be preferred to a summary because paraphrases are more detailed and specific. (University of Houston)

Paraphrasing is good for the following reasons:

To change the organization of ideas for emphasis. You may have to change the organization of ideas in source material so that you can emphasize the points that are most related to your paper. You should remember to be faithful to the meaning of the source.

To simplify the material. You may have to simplify complex arguments, sentences, or vocabulary.

To clarify the material. You may have to clarify technical passages or specialized information into language that is appropriate for your audience.(University of Houston)

Paraphrasing continued

* To change the organization of ideas for emphasis. You may have to change the organization of ideas in source material so that you can emphasize the points that are most related to your paper. You should remember to be faithful to the meaning of the source. * To simplify the material. You may have to simplify complex arguments, sentences, or vocabulary. * To clarify the material. You may have to clarify technical passages or specialized information into language that is appropriate for your audience.

(University of Houston)