The Research Paper
Which revision uses a transition most effectively to clearly combine these sentences? All day long Kadeem's stomach growled. He was hungry.
All day long Kadeem's stomach growled because he was hungry.
Which source would offer the most credible information about exciting new discoveries in the field of astrophysics?
An online academic article written in March 2015
Which resource might provide a student who is just starting a research project with a list of credible sources of information to consult?
An online encyclopedia article or wiki
Mark is investigating the research question "What kinds of spiders are found on different continents?" He has read an entry for "spiders" in the online encyclopedia Wikipedia. How should he use the information he has found in this entry?
As a resource for locating credible sources for him to consult
Which passage most effectively uses transitions?
We humans are self-centered creatures and consider ourselves to be the center of the world. Given this, even from the point of view of human selfishness, animal welfare is vitally important, for the simple reason that the way we treat animals is also the way we treat one another.
Which question would form the best basis for a quality research paper?
What impact does air quality in cities have on respiratory health?
When should an essay writer provide a source?
When an idea is being directly quoted
Which sentence summarizes, rather than evaluates?
When people complain about "suffering from global warming" on a hot summer day, Smith says, they have little idea what they are saying
Gene is writing a research paper about child nutrition around the world. He has located a source he wants to use: a blog written last year by a college student as part of a class project on child nutrition. Why might this source not be credible?
its author is not an authority on the subject
A student can _____, or express ideas from a source in one's own words, when the wording of the source is unimportant.
paraphrase
Research papers should _____ in order to show the writer's own point of view.
synthesize ideas from sources
Which sentence is most clearly informative rather than argumentative?
A career in air traffic control can be exciting and challenging at the same time.
In a student paper, what would require the author to cite a source?
A direct quote by someone else
Which source would be the most credible to use in a research paper about a controversy over hormones given to cows to help them produce more milk?
A government study about hormone use in animals
Which source would offer the most credible information about updates to traffic safety laws?
A magazine article printed in July 2014
Which source would offer the most credible information about changes to international trade laws that might affect companies doing business overseas?
A newspaper article written in January 2013
Which source would be the most credible to use in a research paper about vegetarianism?
A published scientific study from a research community
For which information should a writer of an essay provide a source?
A statistic that supports a claim
Which source would be the most credible to use in a research paper about the environment?
A study published by the United Nations environmental committee
Which sentence summarizes, rather than evaluates?
According to Jones, his proposals are aimed at all Americans
What type of resource material requires a writer to note the date the information was accessed when putting together an MLA formatted works-cited list?
A website
Which sentence is most clearly informative rather than argumentative?
Both supporters and opponents of nuclear energy have some compelling arguments.
Which sentence is the best example of a summary, rather than an evluation?
Davidson claims that, despite what we believe about our own behavior, we are not very good at predicting what we will do in a given situation
Which sentence would best support the claim that, in order to be healthier, teenagers should avoid sodas and snacks made with sugar?
Dentists cite a sugary diet as one of the primary causes of tooth decay.
Marcus is revising a research paper and has received feedback that his paper needs stronger transitions. Which question should he ask himself to evaluate his paper's transitions?
Does each section logically follow the previous one?
Which statement uses the correct MLA in-text citation?
Dr. Joseph Badeem, author of the book Sensory Insights, says that newborn infants are better able to distinguish color than most people believe (25).
Which statement uses the correct MLA in-text citation?
Dr. Juan D'Souza, author of the book The Path to Mozart, says that young children who learn an instrument are more likely to do well in math and science classes when they are older (25).
Laquina is revising a research paper and has received feedback that her paper is not transparent enough. Which question should she ask herself to evaluate her paper's transparency?
Have I cited sources for all claims?
Ian has written a research paper and is now compiling his Works Cited list. He has written this entry: "Why I Support the Mayor." John Smith. New York Herald-Tribune, 12 Nov. 1958, p. A2. What mistake has Ian made in his works-cited entry?
He did not place the author's name at the beginning of the citation.
Michael is writing a research paper about human suffering in Macbeth. In one source, he finds the quotation: "Macbeth is, above all, a testament to the dangers of ambition." Should he quote this directly or paraphrase it in his paper? Why?
He should quote it because it includes distinct wording.
Which question would form the best basis for a quality research paper?
How does exercise improve heart health?
Which question would form the best basis for a quality research paper?
How have Americans' attitudes toward affirmative action changed over time?
Wendy is revising a research paper and has received feedback that her tone is not formal enough. Which question should she ask herself to evaluate the paper's writing quality?
Is the word choice specific enough?
Which question is the most useful to ask when revising a research paper?
Is there enough supporting evidence for the claims?
Tom is writing a research paper about the use of nuclear energy around the world. He has located a source he wants to use: an article on the website of a nuclear power plant, written by Dr. Jane Nelson in 2016. Why might this source not be credible?
It is likely to be biased
How might using an online encyclopedia, or wiki, benefit a student conducting research?
It provides some basic background on the subject.
Janet is writing a research paper about the use of radiation in cancer treatment. She has located a source she wants to use: an article published in a peer-reviewed journal focused on cancer research, written by David Sparks, M.D. in 1976. Why might this source not be credible?
Its information may be out of date
Which revision uses a transition most effectively to clearly combine these sentences? Kadeem did not eat breakfast. He didn't have time.
Kadeem did not eat breakfast because he didn't have time.
Which statement uses the correct MLA in-text citation?
Lenore Westerberg, author of the book Monkey in the Middle, says that young children who participate in sports are more likely to understand the value of teamwork (25).
Which passage most effectively uses transitions?
Many people think that self-esteem is the most important gift a parent can give a child; however, the truth is that self-esteem can't be given, because it is something that individuals must achieve for themselves.
Which sentence would best support the claim that, in order to be healthier, teenagers should avoid sodas and snacks made with sugar?
Medical studies have recently demonstrated that consuming too much sugar is a risk factor for some diseases.
Which sentence is most objective?
Most jobs in teaching require a teaching certificate.
Which sentence is most objective?
Most potatoes should be harvested in the fall.
Focusing on a writer's _____ would be most helpful when providing feedback for revision.
Oranization
What is one way to use a research source without quoting it directly?
Paraphrase the key information in the source.
What is paraphrasing?
Restating ideas from a source in one's own words
Vivian has written a research paper and is now compiling her Works Cited list. She has written this entry: Silverstein, Janice. "Lost in Los Angeles." 10 Aug. 2012, www.lablog.com. Accessed 15 Sept. 2012. What mistake has Vivian made in her works-cited entry?
She did not give the title of the overall source.
Georgia has written a research paper and is now compiling her Works Cited list. She has written this entry: Caffin, Caroline. Roughing Them Up. 1912. What mistake has Georgia made in her works-cited entry?
She did not include the name of the publisher.
Catie is writing a research paper about Romeo and Juliet. In one source, she finds a quotation: "Romeo and Juliet seems to be the most popular of Shakespeare's plays." Should Catie quote this directly or paraphrase it in her paper? Why?
She should paraphrase it, because its exact wording is not creative or unique.
Shanna is writing a research paper about the themes in Hamlet. One source she is using includes the quotation: "Hamlet taught us all how to be human." Should Shanna quote this directly or paraphrase it in her paper? Why?
She should quote it because the wording is creative and unique.
Which revision uses a transition most effectively to clearly combine these sentences? Kadeem stayed up late studying. He slept late the next morning.
Since Kadeem stayed up late studying, he slept late the next morning.
Which sentence would best support the claim that, in order to be healthier, teenagers should avoid sodas and snacks made with sugar?
Studies show that high-sugar snacks can cause fatigue and increase hunger.
When writing a research essay, what is the best strategy to avoid an excess of quotes?
Synthesizing ideas from sources
Which information is not necessary when listing a print book in an MLA formatted works-cited list?
The address of the publisher
Which sentence is most clearly informative rather than argumentative?
The first close-up photos of Pluto reveal some surprising facts about the solar system.
What type of information does not need to be included on an MLA works-cited list?
The specific chapter consulted
When writing a research essay, why is synthesizing sources important?
To support the author's own ideas
Focusing on a writer's _____ would be most helpful when providing feedback for revision.
Use of support
Which passage most effectively uses transitions?
We humans are self-centered creatures and consider ourselves to be the center of the world. But even from the point of view of human selfishness, animal welfare is vitally important, because the way we treat animals is also the way we treat one another.
Which sentence is most objective?
Your employee handbook includes some safety tips.
