Research Paper Subject And A Scratch Outline Early Uninforme

Research Papersubjectand Ascratch Outlineearly Uninformed Tentative

Research paper subject and a scratch outline [early, uninformed, tentative]—examine and copy “scratch” outlines—how extensive? Did it inform the reading? Did the reading inform the scratch outline? How many wrote a scratch outline without doing any preliminary reading? Preliminary reading: encyclopedia—broad survey of subject [may be used as minor sources], reference works—any suggestions? Consider the area and make adjustments… remember periodical, magazine, and newspaper indexes scanning material [easy reading]—Note-taking: notes on encyclopedia article. What to look for…only facts that are unknown previously to you—weed out unnecessary highlighting [only significant]. Outline will focus notes [each area of outline requires specific notes—keep separate]. One book/one page; one magazine article/one page; one periodical/one page; one newspaper/one page; one internet/one page. Focus: note card or page requires: “fact or idea/source of information”—summary/paraphrase. Separate fact from opinion. Outline: scratch outline to rough outline—differences [extensiveness, logical relationships, patterns]. Thesis and supporting points: writing the introduction. Thesis or “supporting point”—what is the significance of the introduction? What will it contain? Why important? How long? [see p. 463 for “formal outline” and thesis statement: what would intro look like?] Will discuss three main points with sound and clear and useful method of introduction. By today all should have subjects and some form of scratch outline. This weekend is when you finish essential preliminary reading and begin to form a “rough” outline from a “scratch” outline.

Writing the introduction steps:

1. Method of introduction [longer than normal—a general overview and discussion of the topic].

2. Basic thesis statement or “purpose”—what do you want to say about the subject?

3. Supporting points [major divisions]—expressed clearly and with some specificity. The introduction is the most important “area” of the paper—it sets up the “frame of reference” and the entire paper will turn on it. It contains your main idea (subject), your understanding or opinion (thesis or purpose), and your introduction to the major divisions of the essay.

Research paper writing tips:

- Know your audience: Is the subject specialized? Will the audience have some prior knowledge? If not, consider a lengthier introduction.

- Understand the occasion: This is an academic paper. Remain objective. Be clear, forceful, and direct. Set the appropriate tone—appropriate to purpose, audience, and occasion.

- Explore a subject: Use methods such as “free writing,” listing, questioning, or applying different perspectives to develop ideas.

- Limit and focus your subject: Exploration will suggest productive strategies for development, focus, and direction.

- Establish a thesis: Your controlling idea or thesis guides your content and approach. It ensures coherence and focus.

- Choose an appropriate method of arranging ideas (organization). Use an informal working plan based on preliminary reading, followed by a rough outline, which will be refined into a formal outline.

Paper For Above instruction

Developing a research paper begins with selecting a manageable and focused subject, followed by comprehensive preliminary reading. Initial research often involves consulting encyclopedias and reference works to acquire a broad understanding of the topic, which can inform subsequent note-taking and research efforts. This foundational step helps identify gaps in knowledge and directs specific areas for further investigation. When conducting research, it is essential to take notes selectively, focusing solely on new facts or ideas, and maintaining clarity by highlighting significant information. Organizing these notes systematically—each source on separate pages or note cards with facts, ideas, sources, and summaries—facilitates effective synthesis later in the writing process.

The process of creating a scratch outline is an early, tentative plan derived from preliminary reading and notes, which is less structured and more exploratory. As research progresses, this scratch outline can evolve into a rough outline, reflecting a clearer logical order, patterns, and relationships among ideas. The refinement from a scratch to a rough outline incorporates the identification of main points, supporting details, and the overall organization of the paper. This structural planning is vital for developing the thesis statement, which encapsulates the main purpose or argument of the paper.

Crafting an introduction begins with a comprehensive overview that contextualizes the topic for the reader, followed by a clear thesis statement articulating the central argument or purpose. The introduction should outline the main points to be discussed, setting the tone and establishing the significance of the research. A well-structured introduction functions as a “frame of reference,” guiding both the writer and the reader through the upcoming sections of the paper. It should be engaging, informative, and succinct, spanning enough length to set the stage without overwhelming.

Effective research writing also necessitates consideration of rhetorical factors—purpose, audience, and occasion. Understanding the audience's background and expectations influences tone, depth of explanation, and complexity. For academic audiences, objectivity and clarity are paramount, while the tone must match the seriousness of the subject. Researchers should explore their topics using various methods—free writing, listing, questioning, or considering multiple perspectives—to generate ideas and identify the most relevant and compelling points.

Limiting and focusing the subject is crucial; exploration will naturally produce a range of ideas, from which only the most pertinent should be selected. The thesis serves as the guiding beacon, shaping the scope of the paper and ensuring coherence among supporting points. Organizing ideas into a logical structure—be it chronological, thematic, or by importance—is essential for clarity and flow. Creating an informal working plan based on initial notes leads to a rough outline, which can then be refined into a detailed formal outline suitable for drafting.

In sum, the development of a solid research paper involves initial planning, thorough preliminary reading, note-taking, outlining, and clear articulation of the main idea through a carefully crafted thesis statement. The introduction sets the tone and defines the conceptual framework. Throughout, the writer must remain attentive to the rhetorical situation and purpose, ensuring the paper is objective, clear, and well-organized. Revising drafts before producing the final version enhances clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness, resulting in a strong academic work.

References

• Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2008). The Craft of Research (3rd ed.). University of Chicago Press.
• Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2018). They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing (4th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
• Lunsford, A. A., & Ruszkiewicz, J. J. (2016). Everything's an Argument (8th ed.). Bedford/St. Martin's.
• Pechenik, J. A. (2018). A Short Guide to Writing About Biology (8th ed.). Longman.
• Turabian, K. L. (2018). A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (9th ed.). University of Chicago Press.
• Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2018). They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing (4th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
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• Harris, R. A. (2017). The Publishing Game: Publishing, Publishing, and the Academic Community. Wiley-Blackwell.