Congrats Home Fries. You've just turned in your first high school research paper. You made it. It must feel... well, just how does it feel?
I would like two posts.
Post 1: Please summarize your experience writing this paper. What did you learn about the process? What did you learn about the demands of an honors class? What did you learn about yourself as a student? What will you change next time. How do you think you will change when you get to next year's English class? Let it spill
Post 2: Please respond (with details) to the post of another students.
As always, posts must evidence authenticity, reflection and original thought. Please spend some time with this.(20 points)
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I would like to start this post by saying, "Woooo first post."
ReplyDeleteAnyways, the creation of a formal research paper was a new experience for me. There is a large difference between a research paper and a literary analysis type paper: rhetoric. The use of rhetoric is key in the writing process, but it tends to be a more opinionated thing. And since there is no opinion in a research paper, I had to completely rely on my sources to give the opinions for me. So I pretty much took what I had and "made it roll."
I learned that I use the word 'should' too much and I use too many being verbs. I am also a very opinionated person and it was hard for me to get my point across without saying all I wanted to say. However, I feel confident that my sources and quotes were good enough to set the stage for my commentary, in which I got my point across by analyzing the quote and making it say what I wanted it to.
I feel that next year's research paper will still be challenging, but it will be slightly easier because I have a feel for what is expected. Knowing the expectations and goals of writing a research paper is going to make the process feel a little more natural when I have to write another one next year.
Wow! Where to start! I thought writing the research paper was...different. It took a lot of time and work, because it is not easy to find very effective quotes. I learned from the research paper that opinions and facts can go side by side, but with effective backup. I believe the whole process of demonstrating a point to an "Audience" is quite amusing, because I like to argue. Although, I believe if I managed my time better and listened and understood parenthetical citations more, my paper would flow more smoothly. Although I believed compassionately in the point I was trying to get across, I found myself to be putting in too many emotions, instead of facts. So I had to change a lot of stuff, which was very time consuming.
ReplyDeleteIn English 10 Honors, I will know that time management is key to a smooth, effective research paper. Although I put time and effort into this research paper, my best is yet to be demonstrated. I will also pick a topic which I know I can argue with facts, instead of emotions, because facts are what really gets a point across. And...I think that I will plan out the research paper, instead of just writing things down on paper. Hopefully, while writing the next research paper, I will understand what is needed and what should not be done...(cough, cough) procrastination.
So, about James. I also learned that a research paper is definitely different from a literary analysis, because it is a whole different set up and style. I believe the research paper is a weakness of mine, because I rely on rhetoric and opinion to get me through essays, and opinions don't fly in research papers.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I found myself using "To be" verbs and gerunds, but these things are very, very hard to get rid of, so I just kept them in. I feel my sources demonstrated strong and efficient opinions, but I believe I might have slipped a few opinions in the paper!
Lastly, I definitely agree that the research paper will be easier next year, because I have the tools and education to write an effective, MLA-Formatted research paper.
First off I would like to say I am glad I accomplished the 1,500 word research paper. I remember the first day draft with only 500 words and I thought it would be impossible. But a research paper takes time to write because you have to find quotes to support your topic. This is a long paper that takes time to complete. I cannot even remember when started because a research paper is a long process. I have learned that in an honors class the writing, grammar, and word choice has to be advanced. Words like, like, to be, ings, and first person are unacceptable. Although the demands are tough, they taught me how to expand on my vocabulary and word choice making my writing rich. Next time I will try to be more prepared with all the ten quote requirements because I found it hard to find quotes. If I were more aware about them then I would have a better layout of my essay.
ReplyDeleteNic I agree with you on time management. Basically if I want a good grade on an essay time needs to be put in. I cannot procrastinate or just wing the paper. I often found that when I procrastinated on the research paper I felt stressed because I had to get it done. Then my paper did not flow and I actually fell out of my usual writing skills. I felt like quotes were excellent because they provide excellent ethos for the paper. They also make me have to write more because of the SMM which takes up space. So with all the quotes 1,500 was not difficult to reach because of SMM. James, I agree. I think next year will be easier especially with a research paper. We now have a feel of what a research paper is all about. I am glad I know how to do it now because I would not want to stress about it next year.
The research essay: the bane of my existence. As hard as I worked on this assignment and as much pride I felt in a job well done, I breath a sigh of relief and let out a cheer of celebration that it is out of the way until next year. As tedious as it was, I did learn a great deal about MLA and rhetoric. For example, the in depth class time on every aspect of a research essay helped raise my understanding of works cited, in text citations, and so much more. In addition, this beast of a paper gave me more insight into ethos in the last few weeks then in the other portion of the school year. As well as learning about the essay, I learned much about the nature of an Honors class. Obviously, it is much harder then CP English. What I came to realize though, is that English Honors is not a class that can be taken because of the opportunity of a challenge. To be in English Honors, there has to be a desire to learn. The only way I survive in this class is because I want to be there, not be there to receive a higher weighted GPA. In this sense, I learned how sincerely dedicated I am, because if my heart was not 110% into the research essay, it would not have been as thorough. In fact, my desire to learn more about English is what drove me to write that essay with gusto. The next research essay I write, I plan to improve what I learned, especially the use of ethos. I felt I had used less ethos then desired, and hope to avoid that problem in the future. In this future, I hope to be even more determined and stronger in the art of rhetoric. I also hope to have a stronger passion for the English language. That Sophomore research paper is going done!
ReplyDeleteWriting this research paper was definitely challenging. Writing the say/mean/matters, perusing the internet for articles, and keeping out my opinions were large obstacles to overcome. My main problem was trying to find quotes and articles that specifically fit to what I wanted to say. But, at the same time it was not as bad as it could have been, because I am genuinely interested in the topic I chose and the more I read, the more I learned about new points that I could make in my paper. This process taught me that I am not an arguer. I had many things to say about the subject but finding the words to put them in was a challenge for me. So, the use of quotes really helped me as I could manipulate what it was saying to get my point across.
ReplyDeleteHey Dom, I completely agree. The research paper was a task that took up a vast amount of my time. As for the word count, I found not as arduous. All I had to do was elaborate on my thoughts and the 1500 words just came along. As for the word choice and vocabulary, I concur. I found myself repeatedly using "to be", "ing's", and other not-so-special words. But, like you, I expanded my vocabulary and found creative ways to rewrite the taboo areas. Additionally, I had a little trouble with the quotes, but I believe I did a reasonable job elaborating. And for anyone who comments on my post, I apologize in advance.
ReplyDeleteIt was an interesting experience. If I could use two words, they would be time consuming. We had a total of five drafts, and each night before they were due, I spent a couple hours on it. Th process involves the writer to be patient, and to work methodically. The writer has to search for the quotes, that an actual expert wrote, that prove their point. I learned that if I focus and expand my thoughts, I can express my feelings, and write a 9 Honors level research paper. I think next time, I will spend more time looking and compiling sources. I will also make an organizer to make sure I prove my thesis. I am glad I survived this class, and I think next year I will be ready for the rigorous course load. I will be a more seasoned writer, and I will have already found my voice, making it easier to express myself.
ReplyDeleteThis paper was definitely more difficult than all of the other previous essays. If i had to summarize my experience with this research paper I would say it was confusing at first, then i completely understood it, then i was confused again, i found myself working for a couple of hours for each draft and spent almost my whole day yesterday to make sure that everything was how i wanted it to be. i did not learn anything about the demands of an honors class that i did not already know, this is an honors class,there are high expectations. If i had another chance at this paper I would take more time to expand on every side of my topic, i thought i did that, but i definitely could have done more.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I just want to say that the research paper was like an adventure. I began the process not knowing where I would end up, but finally found my way. The process of writing this research paper took a little more effort and time than usual. If we are talking about MLA formating, the process is complicated. I believe this is what an honor's level is supposed to be like. It should feel a bit stressful at times, but also exhilarating. I learned that I put out the best effort if I takes things slow and really focus. Something I would change next time we write a research paper would be that I would give myself more time to focus and remember to let my dad read it to make sure I proved my side of the arguement. After all of the succulent gossip I have heard about Ten Honors, I believe I will make sure I do not procrastinate and make sure to ask any questions when they come up.
ReplyDeleteI definetly have to agree with Dom in the fact that my first draft was extremely short, and I needed like another thousand words. This was easy by the final, becuse I mor than doubled my sources and quotes,pages, and paragraphs. I also agree with everyone that stepping up the vocab was challenging and that the deletion of ing verbs was difficult. I also agree with James in the facy that I had to take out my opinions, and instead fill in quotes from experts. I think that when Ms.Gerber went over the Intro and Conclusion, it was helpful, because I changed my boring intro and conclusions into little stories. I also was able to greatly improve my thesis, I changed it from a list, to a couple of sentences that were broad enough to funnel, but also had everything I was Going to prove. Like Tyler said, I learned much about MLA and how to properly cite websites. I also learned how to make parenthetical citaitions for the quotes. I feel like I learned new writing tips that I could use the rest of my Honors career, and also definetly in college.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Arman, this was time consuming, at first I was stressing pretty hard over the 1500 word mark, but once i had in all of my quotes and my say/mean/matters, it was easy to reach that mark. Although i did not have trouble with the 1500 words i did have trouble eliminating my paper of opinions, it was a cold task but i had Dom's sweater to keep me cozy through it all and overall, it was an enjoyable learning experience.
ReplyDeleteWow this assignment was arduous. I probably spent more time one this one assignment then i did on all of my essays from last year combined. This is going to sound cliche and hackneyed, but I believe that i learned much about my self while I was writing this essay. I learned that if i really plan it out and if I carry out the plan that it will actually turn out much better than if i didn't. Part of this is that I have been grounded for the last three or so weeks and I had tons of time on my hands but hey if it works i guess there's nothing wrong with it. I also kno that if I take this approach to 20 honors that I will do well. I am happy to know tat after eading everyone elses' posts that I was not the only one getting ready to jump off of a cliff when i saw the minimum word count. Before this i had only written one paper with more then 1,000 words and that was the vignette project, which was easier because it was made of many different stories. But after the peer reviews started the word count jumped from 400 something all of the way to 1600 which for me is a legitimate accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteJames, I definitely agree, it was extremely difficult for me to change my opinion into argueable evidence too. Nick, I also used a plethora of gerrunds in my essay. When you edited my paper, you caught many of them, but it was quite difficult to eliminate them. I think we should practice taking gerrunds out of sentences. Tyler, I am with you on this one: once I began to reflect on my evidence, the words kept flowing. I also support the fact that with one research paper under our belts, the next should not be as difficult because we will already know what we need to do to write a successful research paper.
ReplyDeleteI had almost the same experience as Buck with his essay. When it was first assigned i was so unhappy that i tried to just shut it out of my head and completely let it go and focused on my social life for a while. But that got me grounded and it seemed to be a turning point for my highschool career. When i first started writing i was so confused with this that i actually got so angry with myself that i broke my desk. So i got in trouble and that actually set me on course my dad would get me to make a scheduale for when i would do my work over the weekend and what i would get done. After that I really felt like I knew what was doing but after the peer reviews i saw my mistakes and couldn't motivate my self to work so hard. Then finishing the essay was almost as hard ast starting it, because I thought i was close to the end but then I would find more mistakes that I made while I was fixing previous ones. And like Buck i knew there are high expectations for an honors essay so i did my best to finish hard and learn from this experience.
ReplyDeleteWriting this paper was a new and different experience for me. The research paper requires a much more fact-based argument then other types of papers such as literary analysis and personal narrative. The thesis in a research paper is always an arguable statement. This statement must then be followed by facts that prove it. The use of only facts and no opinion makes this style paper one of the more difficult to write.
ReplyDeleteI learned that it is crucial to write about a thesis you truly believe in. During the early writing process I learned the topic I truly believed in was considerably easy to write about because I actually felt a part of the writing.
I feel next year this essay will be less overwhelming because I have previous experience and understand how to manage my time. This way I will be able to more realistically plan out its’ writing because I will not be learning as I go along.
I can relate to James because I relied a lot on my sources to make my points and opinions for me. I also had the same experience with the length of my essay that Dominic did. My paper started out a couple of pages short, which really made me nervous, but gradually it grew into a 1,500 word paper that I am both relieved and proud to have finished.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with Buck, this essay process was misleading. At the very beginning I was nearly clueless. By the first draft I felt as if I had it down. By the second draft I was again lost. My works cited was wrong, and I was missing critical components to my essay. Then by the time I completely got that part together, I realized I was lacking commentary and lead-ins to my quotes. By the end I feel I understand how to write a research paper, but it was a long and arduous learning process.
ReplyDeleteThe research paper, where should I begin? I think I need to start with how long it took us to develop an essay. It only took a few days to write it, but a few weeks to make it satisfactory. Finding out the rules later on, was more difficult than if we had got them in the beginning. After the second draft, I had to find different sources that met requirements which left my paper a mess. My arguments were no longer valid, because my evidence was deleted. Staying up in those late hours, helped me realize how demanding an honor's level class is. Each night is never short of an hour's homework. The research paper was several weeks of late nights and losing hair. From this experience I learned that I can take on an honor's level class. Next time I will have the tools that I need to ease some of stress brought upon by a research paper. If this paper was this difficult, I cannot begin to predict what is in store for next year.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Tyler when he says it is a relief to be over with. This paper has drained the living souls out of us and has turned us into Ms. Gerber's zombies. This paper has made me want to never argue again because it has now taken the fun out of the comeback, because I said so. I know that this paper is just the beginning and it will get harder with every year, but I can honestly say that tonight I can finally fulfill my current goal and rest in peace. Of course more lively than those with tombstones.
ReplyDeleteI have never written a 9 English Honors reaserch paper before. I have written research papers, but not to such high standerds. I learned that you have to be comitted to your topic. If you are not then your trying to fight an up hill battle. Writing the research paper helped pound MLA format into my brain. One thing that I learned was In-text citations. I had never heard of these before I wrote this paper. For starters I learned that in Honors it is all or none. If you do not aply yourself, then the outcome is not to pretty. I learned that if I aply myself, then I can succed at what I am doing. The next time I have to write a research paper I will defiitly get the hard work done first. In next years English class I will only change for the better. If what I have heard is true, then next year will be almost the same. Except for the vast amounts of homework.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ciran and how he said that the research paper requires a much more fact-based argument then other types of papers such as literary analysis and personal narrative. This is so true because you have to prove your point with the cold hard facts. Then you have to use ethos and persude your reader. Tyler stated it best when he said "The research essay: the bane of my existence." This sums it all up. I threw many hours at the research paper. Doing this has caused my brain to turn to mush. I can not wait for the next time I get to write such a magnificant piece of writing.
ReplyDeleteHey Nicky, Well I agree with you . I also had to change many things in my essay. It was like when you're sleeping, you change positions until you find what's right for you. Me, being new to the Honors world, I didn't know what to expect at all. I had many errors. I also agree that it was time consuming. Thankfully, this research paper has given me the correct tools to move forward to English 10 Honors. Just as Ms.G-Bear explained that in English 10 Honors, "Homie dont play". This shows that I can't procrastinate and wing the paper, becuase it will sooner or later catch up with me and bite me like a pitbull on a human. I also learned that I can't be lazy as I usually am(Gasp), I have to buckle done and get to work.
ReplyDeleteHey Judge Tyler, I also agree with you. It's good to finish with this research paper. I think Ms.G-Bear was right to use Freshman nuts as an example, because this research paper made me nuts. I stressed, because I wanted it to be perfect. Well, nothing is perfect, but I'm happy that I tried my best. I feel that a 1,000 pound has been lifted off of my body. it's good to know that as a freshman I achieved this 1,500 word count research paper and even added more words.
And to all the other Whiz Kids of Period 5! We did it :)
To begin with, completing the research paper was not a huge problem. I love writing and expressing my feelings. Racial profiling was a topic that I was always passionate to express that this topic was unjust to all citizens and show how it was exactly. Although, I had a good time exploring through the facts of racial profiling, I also have things I didn't enjoy. Well, since I'm a new person to the English Honors world, it was difficult for me to adjust to the demands and factors of the research paper. Most of the things that Ms. G-Bear covered and talked about was very confusing and twisted my brain like a pretzel.I made some mistakes with the research paper, but I learned from my mistakes. I learned that I am good at expressing my point even in a formal paper. In the future, I will change how long my paper was and exceed the expectations! I will change by being more experienced with the whole writing thing. I will be more responsible, achieve more, and strive for the best!
ReplyDeleteOh that research paper... the assignment I stayed up til 3am editing for four school nights... I found this research paper quite fascinating and to be honest, pretty fun because of the fact that I was writing about celebrity culture.
ReplyDeleteI found that the process into writing this research paper was very helpful! Starting off with the simple basics, and branching off of it helped me cycle through my thoughts on what I really wanted write and elaborate on. Even though the process was a slow one, I felt it helped me discipline myself into help writing a wonderful 2,100 word essay.
I learned that sitting down and working my way slowly and thoroughly on any assignment is the way to go when in an Honors class, knowing the fact that the assignments are much more rigorous than an average CP class. As a student, I learned that if I keep myself motivated, I could do anything I want, whether I have to work for an hour, or for three days straight running on three hours of sleep each night. With this research paper, I have proven to myself that I can do anything, and that anything is possible, if I just believe and keep myself motivated.
The next time I write a research paper, I hope to lay out a schedule. In this schedule, I will tell myself to do certain things [i.e. taboo sweep, vocabulary check, jerrands, etc] on separate days, so that I will not have to worry about overwhelming myself with so much information.
When entering next year's English class, I know that I will become a better writer because of the rich vocabulary I have learned in 9Honors. I will also have had great experience with doing this research paper, so I hope that my sophomore research paper make my freshman essays look like a rough draft [not literally]. I also hope to receive a topic I find arguable and something I feel strongly about.
Annie, we're on the same page. The Say/Mean/Matter was quiet difficult, but I have to admit that it was not as difficult as doing it on literacy where we had to find rhetoric. However, keeping my opinion throughout my paper felt pretty easy because it was about a subject I felt strongly about. I found this research paper entertaining because as I read articles about this, I was also keeping myself updated with our society's media and where they stand. I, too, had problems with putting words together to prove what I was trying to say, but I felt that I got pretty much all of my thoughts down on the research paper. Using quotes helped me a lot throughout the paper because it helped prove my point from an "expert's" point of view, and it allowed me to elaborate my thoughts on the subject.
ReplyDeleteThis paper was an adventure!
ReplyDeleteHowever, I did enjoy it. I restarted my paper at least 3 Times to make it the paper that I wanted it to be, and I think that it turned out perfect. I was a little nervous since it was the first research paper that I have ever written, but I think that Ms. Gerber gave us a great base for the next few years. She showed us the expectations of the 9th grade English Honors classes.
I was excited to be writing this paper, because i was writing about a topic that I enjoy. I never knew how difficult it could be though. I think that the Say/Mean/Matter was the most difficult part for me, and to not use I when I was writing, because i felt so passionatley about the subject.
Yay! It's finally over! I thought that the whole process of a research paper would last forever and would never end. Towards the middle of the draft, I started to ask myself- why am I even doing this subject? That was when I reread my essay and realized that it basically sucked. I had to rewrite half of it and rearrange certain paragraphs!
ReplyDeleteI learned how to use only quotes to support my argument. Really, the entire essay was just seven pages of quotes with a few commentary here and there to make the text flow. To me, the research essay felt more like a robotic thing when compared to a literary essay.
To me, the literary essay was so much easier because it allowed for opinions. I am so used to stating my opinion and then backing it up with the evidence that at first, the research paper felt impossible. I had to rethink the whole process of writing and essay. The habit of using rhetoric was not easy to break during the essay. It only made it harder. For some reason, I also felt that forming a thesis statement for a research paper was more difficult that forming one for a literary analysis essay.
I learned that being in an Honors class is a little harder that I had originally thought starting the second semester. For the future, I need to learn more patience and constantly reread my work. I also need to make sure that I stay on topic with my thesis. For next year's Honor class, I need act a little more humble and work more diligently.
I have To agree with Savannah. This paper was extremely demanding, but that excited me, because it made me push my limits. I was also up quite late for several nights in a row, but I think that in the end those late nights were worth it. I too showed me part of what to expect for next year, and for the rest of my life. I am excited and nervous to be moving on the 10 Honors next year, but I know that I will be able to complete a better research paper next year that I did this year. Miss Gerber lead us along the way, and she helped us realize what we had to change and what was good in our essays, I think that this helped. But next year, I know that she will be more hands off, and now I know that I am ready for it!!!
ReplyDeleteKelly, I feel the same way about the S/M/M. For some reason, it seemed harder. I also agree with you on the instruction Ms. Gerber gave us. It was extremely informative and helped a lot. There is so much in a research paper. The process was overwhelming until Ms. G broke it down for us. I do not think I would be able to do the research paper if it was not for Ms. Gerber's guidance.
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