Thesis statements

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/545/01/

Our thesis statements need work!  We are going to explore this link, as well as meet individually today.  You should begin class by visiting this link and reading.  Determine which type of paper you are writing, and model your statement accordingly.

NEVER ADDRESS THE READER!  This means, don't say, have you ever wondered?  Don't use "you."  Don't talk to the reader.

DON'T USE "I."  It is unprofessional.  We don't need to know that this is your opinion. 

MAKE SURE YOUR BLUEPRINT IS RESEARCHABLE.  Don't just make up 3 details.  You need evidence to support it. 

A Doll's House Act 1 - Due Tuesday, February 22

Questions
1. Does Torvald think that Nora is responsible with money?

2. What has made Mrs. Linde’s life difficult since she last saw Nora?

3. Why did the Helmers travel to Italy for a year?

4. Why does Krogstad have the ability to blackmail Nora?

5. Is Torvald likely to listen to his wife and keep Krogstad employed at the bank?

Quotes:

"Yes - some day, perhaps, after many years, when I am no longer as pretty as I am now. Don't laugh at me! I mean, of course, when Torvald is no longer as devoted to me as he is now; when my dancing and dressing-up and reciting have palled on him then it may be a good thing to have something in reserve." 

"To be able to be free from care, quite free from care; to be able to play and romp with the children; to be able to keep the house beautifully and have everything just as Torvald likes it!"

Example of Annotated Bibliography

Here is an example of an annotated bibliography.

http://library.csun.edu/kduran/mlannotbib.pdf

Research Tips

Check out these links on effective research:

http://olinuris.library.cornell.edu/ref/research/skill1.htm

http://library.newpaltz.edu/assistance/tutorials/seven.html

http://www.mesacc.edu/library/step1edp.html


Check out these links on thesis statements:

http://nutsandbolts.washcoll.edu/beginning.html

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/545/01/

http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/thesis.html

http://www.crlsresearchguide.org/13_Thesis_Statement.asp

Upcoming Due Dates and Annotated Bibliographies

Please check the due dates below on the blog.  On Monday, you need 3 annotated sources, but at least 5 sources total.  Next week, you will sign up for a meeting time with Mrs. McGrath.  After that, you should be able to locate ALL of your sources.

A draft of your thesis is due on 2/18.

Your annotated bibliography, which we will discuss this week, is due on 3/03.

On Monday, we will discuss how to critically analyze sources.  Then, we will discuss how to create an annotated bibliography.

Please have your sources with you on Monday, in order to practice critical analysis.  We will have lab days this week, as well.

If you want to get a head start, check out these links:

http://olinuris.library.cornell.edu/ref/research/skill26.htm

http://olinuris.library.cornell.edu/ref/research/skill28.htm

http://library.ucsc.edu/help/howto/write-an-annotated-bibliography

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/614/01/

http://www.umuc.edu/library/tutorials/bibliography/bibliography-text.shtml

Paraphrasing vs Summarizing

Below are links that are helpful in deciding when to paraphrase and when to summarize.  Additionally, these links will guide you through the process of paraphrasing, as well as evaluating your notes.

http://library.duke.edu/research/plagiarism/cite/index.html

http://www.utoronto.ca/ucwriting/paraphrase.html

http://courses.unt.edu/ttaylor/OLT%20Summer%202002/Research%20Basics%20Quotes%20and%20Paraphrases.htm

This last site uses very technical information in its examples, making it difficult to understand.  Use it as a last resort!

http://ori.dhhs.gov/education/products/plagiarism/9.shtml