Thesis Statement:
A thesis statement is a central idea-a concise idea that you try to prove, expand on, or illustrate in your writing. This statement will give your project a focus from start to finish.
Model: Providing fun and free after school activities for youth in our community will reduce illegal drug use.
Problem + Solution = Thesis Statement
Bibliography/ Source Cards:
For each suitable source of information that you find for your project, record the publication information on a three-by-five-inch index card (you will need at least 6 source cards). You will refer to the information as you complete the process of completing your thesis, product, and presentation. You'll refer back to your source cards when preparing your works-cited page. Different types of sources will require that you record different information. Look for publication information on the title and copyright pages of books and magazines, and use the handout on citing sources for other types of sources.
Example: (book, 1 author) (items in parenthesis explains what you need to write-you will not write this on your source card)
(see attached files)
Sources:
At least:
* 2 books
* 1 periodical
* 2 web sites (credible-if questions, see Ms. Edwards)
* 1 reference book (encyclopedia, dictionary, etc.)
******* All sources MUST have a source card & be referenced on your works cited page!!!!********
Reference Materials:
* Primary Sources (interview, letter, etc)
* Periodicals (magazines, newspapers, journals)
* Reference books (encyclopedia, etc)
* Non-fiction books
* Essays
* Web pages
Reliable Sources: As you conduct research, think critically about your sources. Make sure that they are authoritative, reliable, and up-to-date, reflecting the most current thinking on your topic. Newspaper tabloids, for example, are not considered appropriate sources for reliable information. Also watch for author bias. Ask yourself whether the author might have a hidden purpose in presenting his or her point of view. Is the author a qualified expert? Does the author fail to give evidence for certain claims? Is the author reliable on some points and not on others? Does the author only offer one side of the story?
Outline:
An outline will be due with your final presentation. You should complete a "working outline/sloppy copy outline"-one that you continue to write and revise as you conduct your research.
Bibliography (MLA style): See link on works cited. MUST be typed! Product:
* PowerPoint presentation
* Display
* Bulletin Board
* Video
* Brochure
* Web Site
* Other
(Your group will give a presentation, show your product to the class, and answer questions by the panel and your classmates. Make sure that your product is eye-catching & able to be seen by everyone in the room. Please notify your teacher of which product your group chose on your thesis.)
Proposal:
Your group will submit a 1-3 page proposal paper on the day of your presentation. This will be your stand on how to fix the social issue of your choice. You should provide proof of what your group actually did to solve the problem. This may serve as a frame of reference for your presentation, but you should not read it to the class. Notecards with spoken parts may be helpful, but all members of your group should be experts on your topic by the time of the presentation.
Extra Credit Option!!!
Letter to the Editor:
Each member of your group will write an individual letter to the editor of a local newspaper (Lexington Dispatch, Winston-Salem Journal). Your letter should mention your opinion on the issue, how you think the issue could be solved, and why it should be solved. The word limit is 250 words if you would like to send your letter to the Journal. Otherwise, try to limit your letter to about a page. If you would like to send in your letter to be published, please include your full name, including middle initial, and a daytime telephone number.
