As you do your research, you should keep organizing it in a way that makessense. If you are using note cards, you can easily do this by puttingcards into stacks that belong together. You could have a stack on fuelseconomy, or you could have a stack on a specific model. If you are takingnotes on a computer, you could keep using copy/paste to move materialaround into groups.
You may want to make tables that look something like this:
Model Avg. Cost Mileage Repairs (1-5) Safety (1-5)
Spectrum $6,500 23,25 3 4
Basilica $7,000 27,30 4 5
As you do this, you can't help but analyze what you are reading. This will lead you to an important decision--your thesis.
The Thesis Statement:
Your thesis statement will reflect the results of your research. In the case of a used car purchase, you may want to write a thesis that suggests choosing from 1-3 specific recommended models, leaving the final decision to what is actually available. In the case of electronics, TV's, or computers, you may want to recommend a specific model at a specific store or online source.
The Research Paper:
Remember that you are trying to convince your target audience that you have made the best possible decision on this project. Every effort should be made to make this work. In making this paper, consider everything you have learned this semester. That means reviewing the 6 + 1 Trait rubric.
•Ideas and Content: Is your thesis clear? Is your research thorough enough to be convincing, or have you left out important considerations?
•Organization: Have you brought everything together in a way that makes sense and is easy to follow, or are your ideas scattered, perhaps in the order in which you found information rather than in the way that communicates best?
•Sentence Fluency: Do your sentences flow smoothly and make the reading interesting?
•Conventions: Do errors in conventions distract the reader and make the audience doubt your ability to make a good decision?
•Voice: Is your personal conviction clear, and does your personality and style shine through?
•Word Choice: Have you used the most effective words in your presentation?