HMEC 2000 Course Guide: Assignment #2

Read through the entire document with the guidelines for Assignment #2. As you read, consider the following:

What is the purpose of this assignment?

If I do everything that is asked of me in this paper, how many sections will my paper have? What will those sections be?

What resources do I need to complete this assignment?

The Anatomy of a Research Paper: Navigating Through a Journal Artiicle

As a novice reader of a research paper, it is very common to feel overwhelmed with its content.  It is useful to recognize that many research papers consist of the five organizing sections described in this section.  Knowing this will help you trace the information you are asked to refer to in your review paper (Assignment #2).

Abstract:

• Gives you an overview of what the paper is all about.
• Explains why the authors conducted the research, how they did it, and what they found out. 

Introduction:  

• Explains the relevance of the research that the authors undertook in terms of prior research and what the accepted understanding of the field is.

Methods:

• Provides detailed descriptions of how the research was set up and carried out.  Read through this section and try to get the basic methods used. 

 Results:

• Presents the data the authors used to reach their conclusions.

Discussion/Analysis/Conclusion:

• This is where the authors connect the dots and explain how they came to their conclusion.

The thesis statement is a sentence or two, usually located at the end of the introduction. The purpose of a thesis statement is to

1. focus your reader on the main point of your paper

2. provide a roadmap of the major sections in the paper for the reader

Some writers plan their papers extensively before they begin to write; they create an outline and a working thesis statement that introduces their main point and includes a roadmap. Other writers find it easier to start with smaller chunks; they might begin by writing up one section of the paper at a time. Through this writing process, they discover what their thesis statement is and write their thesis statement when they have completed a first draft of the body paragraphs.

For many writers, the introduction is one of the last sections of a research paper that they write. It is only after writing up the body sections of the paper that they know what background information they should include in the introduction to lead their readers to the focus of their papers. 

In a review of an article or book, the following background information is often included:

- name of the author(s)

- title of the article or book

- overall purpose of the book

The body of a paper is often made up of several sections. One way to help your reader move through your paper easily is to (1) roadmap the major sections of your paper in your thesis statement and (2) incorporate the key words from your roadmap into topic sentences at the beginning of each section of your paper.

Example

Thesis statement:

This paper will examine the benefits of serving locally grown food in government cafeterias, namely the health benefits for patrons and the economic benefits for local businesses including farmers.

Topic sentence for section 1:

Several health benefits of eating locally grown food have been documented in the literature.

Topic sentence for section 2:

In addition to the health benefits for patrons, serving locally grown foods in government cafeterias could make a significant contribution for local businesses.

1)    Thesis Statement Part A– 1 point (Due: March 23 by 9:00am)

At this stage of preparing a review for the assigned journal article, you will have completed most of your reading and analyzing for your paper.  Post your thesis statement for your review paper in Angel.

You will receive 1 mark for posting your thesis statement AND if you post by March 23 at 9:00am.  

The Folder will shut down at 9:00 a.m., March 23, and reopen again midnight March 24 for you to continue on to Part B posting.

Go to Angel

2)    Thesis Statement Part B – 1 point (Due: March 27 by 9:00am)

Review the thesis statements written by the peers in your Angel group, and select ONE thesis statement that you find effective in introducing the key point the review intends to make. Reply to the post containing this thesis statement, by explaining what you see in the thesis statement that makes it effective.

Acceptable post:  I find this thesis statement effective because it …. and it …. 

Poor post:  This thesis statement is clear.

You will receive the 1-point mark value if you make an acceptable post AND if you post by March 27 at 9:00am.

Go to Angel            

Note: The link to Angel only works when you are accessing the Guide outside of Angel.  

If you are already in Angel, go toCommunicate => Thesis Statement Part A or Thesis Statement Part B.