1.1. Define the problem

1.2 Identify the information requirements

Task: Research paper based on American literature.

2.1 Determine kinds of sources

2.2 Prioritize sources

Books, Internet, databases, newspapers, tv (news)

Books: have older, but more carefully researched, information

Databases: current and reliable information - depending on your topic, may be too limited

Internet: more current information, but need to be careful; look for credentials

3.1 Locate actual resources

3.2 Locate information

Books: Historical & American literature criticism

Databases: Facts on File Ancient and Medieval World History Online + Modern World History Online +World Geography & Culture Online; Gale

Internet: Google, but be careful of credentials

(Remember that Wikipedia is NEVER academically acceptable.)

4.1 Engage (read, view, interview)

4.2 Extract (make notes)

Take notes electronically, making sure to capture info for citation.

When copying pages from a book, make sure to copy the TITLE PAGE and VERSO. The verso will often have edition and publication information, like the year.

Citation generator

5.1 Organize information

5.2 Present information

The Works Cited page will be the last page of your notes - page 3at a minimum. Remember that the header (name, course, date, etc.) is ONLY on page 1.

Make sure that your Works Cited page is following MLA formatting:

• 1" margins
• Name and page number in header, not on page body
• 12 point Times New Roman font
• resources in alphabetical order
• hanging format
• Use proper MLA date formatting:
  • Heading: 29 January 2015

For Facts on File, click on the MLA format style and copy the citation.

Technical Help with MS Word

Parenthetical citations and other MLA concerns

MLA Basics for HS Students

6.1 Judge the product

6.2 Judge the process

Did you use credentialed sources? Did you paraphrase correctly, putting ideas and facts in your own words?

What did you learn about research?