Writing skills for applications: Concept 6: Research: Grade 9 to Grade 12

Writing skills particular to the applications listed here may be taught across the curriculum, although some applications may lend themselves more readily to specific content areas. It is imperative that students write in all content areas in order to increase their communication skills, and ultimately to improve their understanding of content area concepts.  When appropriate, other content standards are referenced to show interdisciplinary connections.

Concept 6: Research

Research writing is a process in which the writer identifies a topic or question to be answered. The writer locates and evaluates information about the topic or question, and then organizes, summarizes, and synthesizes the information into a finished product.

High School: Grade 9
PO 1.  Write an essay that:

a.     incorporates evidence in support of a thesis or claim

b.     integrates information from two or more pieces of research information

c.     integrates direct quotes

d.     cites sources

Example:  Write an essay about water conservation in the desert.

High School: Grade 10
PO 1.  Write a research report that:

a.     incorporates evidence in support of a thesis or claim

b.     integrates information from two or more pieces of primary and/or secondary research information

c.     makes distinctions between the relative value and significance of specific data, facts, and ideas

d.     integrates direct quotes

e.     uses internal citations

f.      includes a works cited, bibliography, or reference page

Example:  Write a report on the Globe Theatre explaining its significance in the development of Shakespeare’s works.

High School: Grade 11
PO 1.  Write a research product that:

a.     incorporates evidence in support of a thesis or claim

b.     integrates information and ideas from multiple primary and secondary sources

c.     makes distinctions between the relative value and significance of specific data, facts, and ideas

d.     includes visual aids to organize and record information on charts, data tables, maps, and graphs, as appropriate

e.     integrates direct quotes

f.      uses internal citations

g.     includes a works cited, bibliography, or reference page

Example:  Choose a post-secondary institution and research its relevance to your future goals.

High School: Grade 12
PO 1.  Write a research product that:

a.     incorporates evidence in support of a thesis or claim

b.     integrates information and ideas from multiple primary and secondary sources

c.     makes distinctions between the relative value and significance of specific data, facts, and ideas

d.     includes visual aids to organize and record information on charts, data tables, maps, and graphs, as appropriate

e.     integrates direct quotes

f.      uses internal citations

g.     includes a works cited, bibliography, or reference page

Example:  Write a research report about inventions that were first mentioned in science fiction novels or movies and later became a scientific reality.