North Hunterdon High School Media Center

Research Paper Organizer
 
Fill out Big6 #1-5 before you begin to take notes and write your paper.
Fill out Big6 #6 before you turn in your assignment.
You will need to print this form before exiting the page.
Click here for a PDF version. (You will need Adobe Reader to view it.)
 
Name:
Today's date: Class:
Big6 #1 Task Definition
Determine a purpose and need for information
In order for your paper to be more than a rewrite of the facts you find about your topic in print and online sources, or a summary of someone else's ideas, you need to develop an thesis statement for inquiry. If written correctly and thoughtfully, the essential question will ensure that you critically and creatively process the information you find.
Write your thesis statement here. You should have already had a draft of it approved by your teacher.

What questions should you ask to support your thesis statement?
You should consider writing supporting questions from each of the four categories: Memory, Convergent, Divergent, and Evaluative.
List below the questions that you feel you need to answer at this time. You will most likely find interesting additional information as you use print and online resources.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Big6 #2 Information Seeking Strategies
Examine alternative approaches to acquiring information. List the best sources to find this information. Don't forget traditional print and human sources as appropriate.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Make sure to visit the Media Center's paid subscription electronic databases for authoritative, accurate and relevant sources of information.

If using web sites, who will evaluate them for relevancy, accuracy, and authority?
I will use only those evaluated by and provided by my teachers or librarian, including the databases to which the school subscribes

I will find free web sites and use a web site evaluation guide for each that I use in my project
If you need help at any time, please see Mrs. Konefal!
Big6 #3 Location & Access
Locate sources and access the information within them—Where will I locate these sources?
school library
public or university library
personal library
provided by my teachers
Internet
other:

If using a search engine list likely key words.
Big6 #4 Use of Information
Use a source to gain information—How will I record the information that I find?
take notes using cards
take notes on notebook paper
take notes using a word processor
take notes using a data chart or other graphic organizer
illustrate concepts
use a tape recorder, video, or digital camera
other:

How will I give credit to my sources?
use the Media Center Research Manual web site for citing Internet resources
use the Media Center Research Manual  for citing other resources
Big6 #5 Synthesis
Integrate information from a variety of sources—How will I show my results?
written paper
 
How will I give credit to my sources in my final paper?
include a written bibliography
 
Timeline for assignment
Idea for topic (task definition) completed by:
Information searching (note taking) completed by:
First draft due:
Completed paper due:

Include here any additional information needed to successfully complete the paper:
Big6 #6 Evaluation
Before turning in my assignment, I need to check off all of these items (on the printed Organizer, which needs to be turned in with my paper):
my final paper is a thoughful presentation of my essential question and represents my ideas and conclusions
I have not represented others' ideas as my own
credit is given to my sources, written in standard MLA format
my work is word processed
my work is complete and includes a title page and bibliography
I would be proud for anyone to read this paper
Big6™ copyright 1990, Michael Eisenberg and Robert Berkowitz.
Big6™ Assignment Organizer copyright 1999, Barbara A. Jansen.
Links used with permission.

 

Hit Counter