Requirements for Sword in the Stone Research Paper

Names: ______

1. You will need to write a minimum 5 paragraph essay (introduction, sub-topic, and conclusion paragraphs) over your Sword in the Stone topic and sub-topics.

2. You will pick a topic and then through research you will develop your sub-topics.

3. You will need to have a minimum of 3 sources not counting wikipedia. You may use encyclopedias, but they will not count in your list of minimum sources. You must use at least 1 book.

4. Proof of research: You will need to show your teacher your set of note cards on the assigned due dates. Students will be graded on proper form (see attached page). Minimum note cards = 15 (5 for each sub-topic).

5. Students will be writing their report using the attached grading guide. Time will be given in your English classes to work on organizing and the beginning steps of the writing process. Kids will have to complete the paper on their own time at home.

6. Students will also be expected to include a title page and an accurate work cited page on the assigned due date.

Sword in the Stone Research Topics

Arthurian Legend
Merlin
Chivalry
Knights and Squires
Feudalism
Medieval England
T H White

How do I Start?

1. Become familiar with your topic and work on creating your sub-topics. You will do this by researching in the library here at school, at your own public library, internet and through classroom resources.

2. You will need to create 15 note cards (10 facts for each sub-topic) with 2 facts on each card. PLEASE USE 4x6 or 5x7 INDEX CARDS. You will have a total of 30 facts when the research is done.

A. Remember to fill in bibliography information for each source you use. You will need to identify on each card what source you are using.

B. It is REQUIRED that a formal work cited page be turned in with your essay. You should use to help you create the page.

While students aren't required to use all 30 facts on the note cards, published pieces must have a minimum of 15 facts.

3. Once your note cards are completed, begin to plan your report. You will need to organize your note cards. You will be given class time to do this.

The Research Process

Step 1: Find an Overview of Your Topic

Before you begin researching, get a quick overview of your chosen topic. You may only have a sketchy idea of what your topic is. Go to an encyclopedia and read the entry for your topic. Or go to several on-line websites…at this time you are just getting an overview of your topic. Pay attention to names, dates, places, definitions, and other important events. The purpose of this step is to help put your topic into the big picture.

Step 2:What do you want to know?

What do you want to know about your topic? Think of all the questions you have about your topic.. Fill out this KWL chart for what you already know about your topic, what you want to know, and then later fill in what you have learned.

K / W / L

Step 3: Generate Keywords and Questions

Begin by writing down questions about your topic that you need answered. Keywords are just words or phrases you use to search for answers to your questions. Never limit yourself to only one or two words or phrases. Make a list of at least 8 words and search repeatedly in a database for variations of these.

Write 5 questions you have about your topic

Now, write a list of 8-10 key words about your topic

Step 4: Create 3 Sub-topics

After completing your initial investigation of your topic, you will now create 3 sub-topics to focus your research.

You will then create a starter thesis. Your thesis statement should be specific and preview what you will talk about

Thesis Statement: ______

Step 5: Taking Notes on Note Cards (4x6 or 5x7 cards)

Now that you have 3 approved sub-topics, it is time to begin your main research. You will take notes on your note card – no more than 2 facts per card. Remember to identify on the note card what source you got your information. You will need to record ALL sources on your “work cited help page.”

The Sword in the Stone Planning Sheet

Directions: Place an X on the lines to the left as you complete each item.

_____ Topic and sub-topics chosen. Write them below.

Topic - ______teacher initial _____

Sub-topic

1. ______teacher initial _____

2. ______teacher initial _____

3. ______teacher initial _____

_____ 15 Note Cards (with citations) completed. TOTAL OF 30 Facts.

1st set of note cards are due ______teacher initial _____

2nd set of note cards are due ______teacher initial _____

3rd set of note cards are due ______teacher initial _____

______You have completed your KWL chart

______You have taped down and ORGANIZED your note cards.

______You have written an introduction and conclusion paragraphs.

______You have created a rough draft of your paper.

______You have edited your rough draft.

______You have typed up your final draft of your report.

______You have completed an accurate TITLE page and WORK CITED page.

_____ You have typed in Times New Roman using 12 point font.

Work Cited HELP PAGE

On the back of each note card you must include your work cited information to keep an accurate account for your work cited page OR you can number your work cited information (see attached sheets) and number your note cards accordingly.

Once you are done researching you will need to record your information from your “work cited help page” into one of the following engines to create a FORMAL WORK CITED PAGE THAT IS DUE THE DAY YOU TURN IN YOUR PAPER.

Remember that your paper WILL NOT be graded if your work cited page is not attached to your paper.

Work Cited Help Page for a WEB PAGE

Author
(Last, First, Middle initial)
Title of Web Doc.
Title of Website
Publisher/Sponsor
Date of Website/Doc.
Date of Access
Author
(Last, First, Middle initial)
Title of Web Doc.
Title of Website
Publisher/Sponsor
Date of Website/Doc.
Date of Access
Author
(Last, First, Middle initial)
Title of Web Doc.
Title of Website
Publisher/Sponsor
Date of Website/Doc.
Date of Access

Work Cited Help Page for a PRINT SOURCE

Author
(Last, First, Middle Initial)
Title of Book
Place of Publication
Publisher, Year
Author
(Last, First, Middle Initial)
Title of Book
Place of Publication
Publisher, Year
Author
(Last, First, Middle Initial)
Title of Book
Place of Publication
Publisher, Year