STEP 1

Print this out, and using the links, complete numbers 1-4 below:

1. Choose a research topic in the field of biology.

My topic is ____________________________________________________________

My thesis statement is ________________________________________________________ (see below)

Approved by Mr. Miller: ____________________________________(signature needed)

DEVELOPING A THESIS STATEMENT

Look at your one-word topic and ask yourself, "What do I want to say about my topic? What point do I want to make in my paper about my topic?"

A thesis statement is the central point, the main idea, the argument of your report. ( It is your--I repeat--YOUR idea!) Your whole paper will prove your argument or thesis statement. (It will be underlined in your paper.) Make sure you can PROVE or SUPPORT your thesis with researched material.

For example: If your topic were ABORTION, your thesis statement could be: Abortion is a dangerous procedure that may leave lasting emotional scars on the mother. (Then your whole paper would set out to prove that statement!) P.S. Sorry, you cannot write your paper on abortion or smoking!


2. Do a practice bibliography (typed on a separate sheet of paper)


3. Use my webside and answer the questions below (you may write in answers below)!

  1.  What do I bring to class everyday? (Name at least two items)
  2. What is a bibliography or works cited page?
  3. How do they differ (the bibliography and works cited)?
  4. How much of my grade is based on the final paper?
  5. How much of my grade is based on getting the schedule signed on a daily basis?
  6. Who is responsible for getting the teacher’s signature on my schedule?
  7. What is the format of the final paper? (Mention six items—see checksheet)
  8. Before I hand in the first draft (Step 7), what must be done to my draft?
  9. When is the final draft due?
  10. What happens if I hand it in two periods late?
  11. Where do I find all the information I need to complete this project?
  12. If I am absent, how long do I have to make up the work so it is not late?

4. Have a peer complete the Peer Checksheet for Step 1 for you (and you do the same for him/her or someone else) & submit for my signature.