The first step to writing a research paper is coming up with a strong thesis statement. This thesis statement will be the focus of your paper and will convey what you ultimately want your reader to know. What point do you want to make in your paper? What argument are you trying to present to your reader? A thesis statement is a strong, direct statement that identifies what your paper is about and what the message is that you want readers to take away from your writing. This will also give clear direction for yourself as you are writing the rest of your paper, as you’ll want to stick within the topic identified in your thesis statement and avoid jumping too far outside of your topic. Once you have your thesis statement, you are ready to complete this assignment. In this step you will create an annotated bibliography for your paper. For this portion of the assignment, you will create and submit the annotated bibliography to support the thesis of your research paper. In addition, identify each source as a primary or secondary source, and show how they relate to the chosen topic and thesis. The goal of an annotated bibliography is to provide a list of primary and secondary resources that support your thesis . A primary resource is one that provides direct evidence or information. This might include interview transcripts, statistical data, or another means of supplying direct information . A secondary resource is one that does not supply direct evidence, but rather relies on “hear-say”such as second -hand information or simple commentary on something for which the author/interviewer was not a part of The annotations should be clear and well-developed . The reader should be able to identify from the summary how the source links to your thesis. For more information about writing an annotated bibliography , click here The grammar and vocabulary should communicate meaning to the reader with clarity and should be appropriate for academic writing. Please double check for grammar or spelling errors. You must have a minimum of five sources for this assignment and use scholarly research to support your thesis. Read below to see an annotated bibliography example . Date paper was submitted (month day, year) Composition Title Weinberg , Gerhard L. A World at Arms . New York : Cambridge , 2005 . 1] This is a secondary source of Weinberg’s analysis of the social and economic climates of Eastern Europe through public records and documents . In this book , Weinberg discusses the major events and causes of World War , focusing on the world climate after World War I leading to the start of World War . This source will help support my thesis that World War started long before Germany’s invasion of Poland on September 1 , 1939 , by providing a context of the social , economic , and political challenges facing Eastern Europe post -World War I. You must use the MLA Style notes and annotations. For MLA Style formatting please refer to the associated lesson in the orientation module. Each citation should have a 125-200 word descriptive and evaluative paragraph and should do the following : 1. Include the source in MLA format . 2. Identify the source as primary or secondary . 3. Summarize the source’s information . 4. Explain how the source relates to your topic . 5. Explain how the source relates to your thesis. Other Considerations: Use scholarly sources . Make sure the sources support your thesis . Stay on topic . Summarize the theme of the source. Do not give a book report, but rather a short summary of the source. For this portion of the assignment, you will create and submit an outline for your research paper. The goal of this outline is to organize your thoughts and determine the best approach to writing your research paper. You have already completed your annotated bibliography, so be sure to include the sources you found in order to assist you in this assignmentRemember that everything in your outline should relate to your thesis statement. This outline should be written in full sentences with evidence from your sources and correctly cited using the notes-bibliography system. This will allow you to practice using the system before your draft and final paper . Example Outline Format: Introduction A. Opening statement B. Narrowing statement C. Thesis statement Major Point A. Support major point 1. Supporting evidence (source) a) Evidence (source) b) More evidence (source) 2. Supporting evidence (source) B. Support major point 1. Supporting evidence ( source) 2. Supporting evidence (source) . Major Point A. Support major point 1. Supporting evidence 2. Supporting evidence (source) 3. Supporting evidence (source) B. Support major point 1. Supporting evidence (source) . Major Point A. Support major point 1. Supporting evidence ( source) 2. Supporting evidence ( source) ConclusionV. A. Opening statement/restate thesis B. Summary of research C. Final statement Other Considerations : Use full sentences. Make sure that each item focuses on the thesis. Use the notes -bibliography system . You don’t need to write an essayonly sentences to complete your outline . Use past tense. Avoid first and second person .
