Question about research papers...

[Michelle in AL]

I'll be teaching my co-op students how to write a research paper. The topics are to prepare them to become more familiar with the middle ages so they'll get the context they need before they read the books.

 

My question is, some of the topics don't lend themselves to thesis statements. Topics like....

Hunting in the Middle Ages

Falconry in the Middle Ages

What is feudalism and how does it work?

 

If a paper requires the student to do research and sources must be documented, but the topics is more explanatory, than what kind of paper is this?

 

I want the papers to be 3-4 pages long.

Edited August 28, 2009 by Michelle in AL

[Michelle in AL]

:lurk5:

 

Anyone?

 

I don't want to tell them they're learning how to write a research paper, when in actuality they're not.

[TravelingChris]

All papers that are not creative can have a thesis sentence. Say the topic is Hunitng in the Middle Ages. Well, what about that? Possible thesis statements could be Hunting in the Middle Ages was an important way of adding food to a peasant or Hunting in the Middle Ages in Europe was mainly practiced by the landed gentry who had hunting rights and most peasants ate vegetarian diets primarily. I have no idea really about hunting in the middle ages but am just showing how you can have a thesis statement.

[periwinkle]

All papers that are not creative can have a thesis sentence. Say the topic is Hunitng in the Middle Ages. Well, what about that? Possible thesis statements could be Hunting in the Middle Ages was an important way of adding food to a peasant or Hunting in the Middle Ages in Europe was mainly practiced by the landed gentry who had hunting rights and most peasants ate vegetarian diets primarily. I have no idea really about hunting in the middle ages but am just showing how you can have a thesis statement.

 

Yes, this type of research paper is called an expository paper, instead of a persuasive paper (which is what we more commonly expect in a research paper). I always have my kids write an expository paper first, because it is generally easier and more familiar (like an expanded report). Chris is right that it will certainly be based on a (factual) thesis statement. Try googling expository paper and you may get some more ideas.:001_smile:

 

hth!

[Michelle in AL]

Thanks Chris and Periwinkle, I can see how to do this now. Possible thesis statements could be:

Hunting in the Middle Ages was vastly different than today.

Feudalism supplied a stable economy for the commoner of the Middle Ages.

Falconry, while a rare activity now, was a significant sport in the Middle Ages.

 

Yeah, I can do it :party: