How to write a research paper

Writing Workshop with Lisa Clark-Burnell

This is the research paper class. January 2024. Next May 2025

Writing Workshop: Research Paper Version Overview

Students will learn how to write an academic high school research paper

  • How to effectively choose a topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow

  • How identify reputable sources

  • How to take notes effectively (summarize vs. paraphrase vs. quote) and track sources

  • How to sort information, order it and develop a working thesis or controlling idea

  • How to synthesize information from multiple sources

  • How to write a first draft with correct parenthetical citations

  • How to revise for clarity, and craft effective beginnings, transitions, and endings

  • How to proofread

  • How to create a works cited page

A deep dive into what intrigues you

Pricing, Dates, Ordering

My vendor name is “Lisa Clark-Burnell”

The class title is “Writing Workshop”

Price $200

Next class is May 2025 - I haven’t decided if this will be the research paper workshop or the timed writing workshop this year. Probably timed writing but we’ll decide in February.

2024 Supplies & Resources for the Research Paper Version of this class

  • Textbook: Models for Writers: Short Essays for Composition by Alfred Rosa & Paul Eschholz, 13th edition published 2018.

  • Access to a library in December to find print sources (books and magazines) to augment their online sources for their chosen topic.

  • Lap-top for in-class for writing is highly recommended.

  • A place to store writing notes & handouts.  A section in a binder with a pocket is fine.

Prerequisites & Homework for the Research Paper version of this seminar

Prerequisites

  • High school reading ability

    We use the college textbook Models for Writers: Short Essays for Composition, which is designed for first year college students.

    Students need to be able to read 10-15 pages a week from this writing textbook with sample essays. Students reading at a high school level will be fine.

  • Moderate to fast typing skills

    We do much of our writing in class, but students who are slow typists will have more writing to do at home

  • Recommended minimum age: 12-13 although precocious readers who are younger are welcome on a case-by-case basis.

    This class is designed for 8th graders through 12th graders, but younger precocious students who are willing and able to do the work are welcome.

Homework

Weekly homework in December: students are simply reading Models for Writers: Short Essays for Composition, brainstorming, gathering sources and then reading those sources.

Weekly homework in January following classes on January 10th, 17, 24, & 31

  • Reading: 10 to 20+ pages a week from the college textbook Models for Writers: Short Essays for Composition. Occasionally students answer questions about the model essays they read, but mostly they implement the writing strategies they read about in their own writing.

  • Finishing notetaking: gathering and reading sources during December

  • Some writing: We set aside about 45-60 minutes in class to write most weeks so a significant part of writing the rough draft work happens in class (provided students bring their sources, notes, current version of the draft on a laptop or a hard copy each week.) Students will write their introduction and conclusions at home as well as implement revision suggestions from instructor’s feedback and editing and proofreading.

I am an independent vendor with

  • SCSA - SoCal Scholars Academy

  • CPA -Cabrillo Point Academy,

  • MVA - Mission Vista Academy,

  • PCA - Pacific Coast Academy,

  • Freedom Academy,

  • Dimensions Collaborative School.

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