Research Skills 2000: Intermediate Grades

---

Define My Task

• What do I know? What is my main question?
  
  
• What general questions do I have, and what specifications questions will help me answer those questions?
  
  
• How and to whom will I present my findings?

Plan

• Where can I find the information I need?
  
  
• What kinds of resources might have the information I need (books, electronic resources, and expert)?
  
  
• How have I planned my time to meet my deadlines?
  

Gather and Record Information

• How can I best answer my questions?
  
  
• How can I keep track of the information I find?
  
  
• Have I kept track of my sources for my Works Cited list or Bibliography?

Evaluate Resources/Information

• Does the information make sense?
  
  
• Have I used a dictionary to understand new words?
  
  
• Does this information help to answer my questions?
  

Organize Information

• What am I missing?
  
  
• Am I keeping track of my sources?
  
  
• Have I checked and verified a third source if the first two sources gave me conflicting information?

Think and Apply

• Can I answer my research questions?
  
  
• As I prepare a draft, have I introduced my topic? Used my own words? Used my resources to answer my questions in the order that make sense? Combined similar ideas? Formed a conclusion?
  
  
• Does my conclusion contain a summary, an opinion, and an evaluation?
  
  
• Have I revised and edited my work?
  
  
• Do I have a complete Works Cited list or Bibliography?
  

Reflect On My Work

• Have I followed all directions?
  
  
• Is my work the best it can possibly be?
  
  
• Have I evaluated myself as a researcher?