Report of Information Essay

REPORT OF INFORMATION ESSAY

RESEARCH PROJECT: The Witch of Goingsnake and Other Stories

1. Select Topic:

1.  Native American Spirituality: Relationship of Man and Nature

2.  History of the Cherokees or any other tribe

3.  Modern Day Reservations

4.  Native American Rights Movement

5.  Boarding School Movement

6.  Native American Stereotyping

7.  The Issue of the Use of the Chief Symbol by Schools

8. Native American Gambling Casinos

9. Alcoholism and the Native American

8.  Other?

2. Complete the attached KWL Chart

3. Do research to find answers to your questions.

·  Internet: Ebsco and Newsbank and Gale.net

·  Check Subject on computer at Skyline and/or public library.

·  Check magazine articles on computer at public library.

o  Note: We will go to the library to do some research but you will have to spend more time on your own to complete this project.

4. Every time you find something useful write down the Title, Author's name, Publisher, Date of publishing, etc. on your note cards or half sheets of paper. (See accompanying worksheet.)

You will have an informal bibliography at the end of the paper:

I got my information from:

(Here you will have a list of Internet, book and magazine sources for your information.)

5. Formulate your thesis statement indicating your topic and, your point of view if possible.

Example: The movement to create casinos on Native American property is causing numerous problems for the Native Americans and should be stopped immediately.

6. Organize your notes to prove your thesis. Do further research if necessary.

7. Write your report of information essay.

Outline:

1. Introduction

Be sure to begin the introduction with

·  A quote

·  A surprising or impressive fact

·  A question

or

·  An anecdote or short short story related to the essay

·  Describe your topic in general terms.

·  Include your thesis statement (often as the last sentence before the body of the paper).

2. Body

Here you need three or more paragraphs to discuss your topic and prove your thesis.

3. Conclusion

·  Review briefly the points you have made and the important information you have communicated.

·  Include a thought-provoking insight or observation.

·  Conclude with a question or summarizing comment

·  A quotation

·  A final fact or example for emphasis

·  If you are taking a stand for or against something, conclude with a "call to action," a statement that encourages the reader to do something for or against the situation.

9. After the conclusion, at the end of your paper, word-process or write:

I got my information from:

Then make an alphabetical list of the sources of your information.

Note: You need at least five sources to get a passing grade.

10. Submit your essay by the due date:______word-processed on in ink. It should be from 500 to 1,000 words long. (The average typed page is about 300 words.)

Note: Include copies of Internet articles.

Don't forget:

·  Avoid the first person: I think, We have seen, I have shown

·  Avoid "Dead Words"

·  Omit "In conclusion"