Research Paper: A 20-Day Writing Journey
Genevieve Pollock
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(64)
This 20-day, step-by-step, process writing class guides learners on the journey to build daily thinking skills with the ultimate goal of composing an informative, expository essay in an MLA style formal research paper.
Class experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner - Advanced Level
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
My learners (and children) seldom smile when I announce a writing assignment, especially if it is a longer, more formal essay like a research paper. It can be overwhelming to think in terms of the final product, and we are often discouraged before we even begin. I understand; I created this class for you, and for me, to walk this journey together. This flex class is a 20 day journey of daily steps that we will walk together. Although learners can pace themselves and walk several "days" at...
20 lessons//4 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1Let Go and FlowTap into curiosity and personal interests to brainstorm essay topics through guided questions, while letting go of writing blocks.Lesson 2CommitThink of topic in broader and narrower terms to decide on scope of research. Choose a thesis statement.Lesson 3GatherFind external resources as references, through (parent-approved) internet searches, library trips or research, or books already available in the learner's home. Evaluate usefulness of resources.Lesson 4ReadReview topic and main idea concepts. Begin reading research material to gain understanding of topic and main idea.Lesson 5PlanChoose a research paper plan from the teacher-provided templates. Organize ideas into an outline or mind map to guide the structure of the research paper.Week 2Lesson 6SimplifyPractice summarizing and simplifying reference material to take notes and quotes while doing research.Lesson 7SequencePractice sequencing ideas in a logical order. Revisit and remodel outline according to logical order.Lesson 8ArrangeUse plan to structure and organize ideas into paragraphs.Lesson 9IntroduceUse reflection questions to check in with writing blocks and brainstorm ideas for the introduction. Communicate a big idea and intention for the paper.Lesson 10RhythmBuild effective body paragraphs using gathered research facts.Week 3Lesson 11ConnectReview and identify transition words and phrases. Compose concluding and transitory phrases for the paper.Lesson 12PerspectiveRevisit outline and answer reflection questions to gain perspective on the topic and write the conclusion.Lesson 13AcknowledgeLearn and practice citing sources in a reference list, using the MLA style.Lesson 14ReviseAnswer questions to identify areas for revision. Read and remodel the paper in its first full draft.Lesson 15AskUse a teacher-provided form to get someone else's feedback on the research paper. Use this feedback to improve the paper.Week 4Lesson 16AlignLearn and practice MLA style rules to write the header, heading, title, works cited page, and other elements.Lesson 17ClarifyReview and practice grammar rules. Proofread and clean up punctuation, grammar and spelling errors.Lesson 18ManifestRewrite the paper in its final form.Lesson 19PresentPublicize or share the research paper with other readers.Lesson 20ReflectEvaluate the journey and affirm progress. Receive congratulations and certificate of completion!
Learners will build daily thinking skills that will contribute to the ultimate goal of writing a research paper.
As a masters-level psychology graduate, research papers were my bread and butter for many years. I am also the author of the "Emotebook" and a freelance writer (for over 20 years). For three of those years, I worked full-time as an associate editor, which helped me gain real-world expertise in the nuances of English language arts and experience in guiding other writers to improve their work. I am walking the English language arts journey with my three children while homeschooling them, as well as with several other students in various grades. I have taught hundreds of students worldwide through the great connector (the internet). I look forward to this writing journey with you!
Homework Offered
Each "day," learners will be given a 5-10 minute video to watch and a worksheet or typing template to complete (depending on the learner, this may take anywhere from 15-60 minutes). On Day 3, learners will be given the assignment to obtain external resources for their research, which may include a library trip or an internet search.2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Learners will have 20 worksheets to complete to progress through this 20 day course.Grades Offered
A certificate of completion will be offered to learners who complete all 20 days of the journey.
1 file available upon enrollmentPen or pencil Daily downloaded worksheet Day 3: reference materials for research Optional: Binder or folder to keep worksheets for reference
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Learners will be encouraged to find external resources to in order to effectively write their research papers. This can include internet searches, library trips or research, or books already available in the learner's home. Please be available to guide and support learners on Day 3 for this task. Learners who do not have the ability to obtain external resources can ask the teacher for an assigned topic with teacher-supplied photocopied articles.
No external source material will be used for this class, except for the resources (e.g. library books, personal books, internet articles, etc.) that learners themselves will find (with parental guidance) to support their research. This is an important step in learning how to write an effective research paper, and will be assigned on Day 3. However, learners who do not have the ability to obtain external resources can ask the teacher for an assigned topic with teacher-supplied photocopied articles.
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(64)
Thank you for visiting my profile! I combine quality virtual education with uplifting, encouraging interaction to teach classes on language arts, basic and creative writing, emotional awareness and mindfulness, and art. Connection defines my...
Self-Paced Class
$15
weekly or $60 for all content20 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher feedback
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 11 learners
Ages: 10-15
