TP #5 Dana

      As was requested by my tutees, I brought forth as much information as I could think of concerning research papers. Before we delved into the depths of paper writing, I asked Ivy and Ariel how research papers were written in China. They explained that papers had an introduction and conclusion as well as numbers and highlighted or bold words. The numbers and stylized words were important portions of the paper. In response, I provided the similarities of an American research paper as well as the differences with the Chinese. They were shocked but very interested to learn.

       Research paper writing is a subject that has been drilled into the average American student’s brain since the ninth grade, which in many cases, were slowly perfected throughout high school and into college. Therefore, I had to simplify the subject as much as I possibly could in order to not overwhelm my tutees.

       I began with the topic. This in itself can be the easiest and hardest step in paper writing. I explained how teachers differ in their ways of assigning a topic. Sometimes they hand out a list to choose from or leave the topic extremely open ended. However, the most important decision is to make sure the topic interests you in some way. This will allow you to stay focused on your assignment and propel your research.

     Next we discussed the introductory paragraph, thesis statements, topic sentences, as well as supporting details. Ivy and Ariel understood much of this right away. It was very similar to the papers they write in class. In order for them to get a feel of research papers, I let them look at a few of my own. They were amazed by their length, footnotes, and bibliography.

     I had chosen two different research papers on purpose to display the differences in writing styles. These in particular depicted MLA and Chicago. I explained how certain papers and classes required specific citation styles. Footnotes and citing were explained in detail followed by a number of questions. I did tell them though that they didn’t have to worry about remembering all of the rules for every style. Cheat sheets were online.

    Finally I showed them how to conclude their papers, ending with a bibliography. It was a lot of information to soak in all at once, so I emailed Ivy and Ariel a list of research paper steps, helpful websites, and my own papers for them to refer to as models. And of course, they are always welcome to email me if they have any questions.