Global Studies

Name:__________________________Class:____ Due Date:____________

Rating _____

Research PaperStep 4: Editing the Writing

Part A Working with a model paragraph
Directions: A paragraph is a piece of writing that contains a topic sentence
and several supporting sentences. A good paragraph presents a clear main
idea to the reader. Read the paragraph and complete the tasks below.
Peter the Great took many actions typical of an autocratic ruler, such
as using his army to expand Russias territory. Peter recognized the
weakness in Russian military power and technology left behind by isolation
under Mongol Rule, and he looked to build a new type of army and navy for
Russia. By the time of his death, he had created a standing army of 210,000
soldiers and a navy of 48 fighting ships (Document 6). The Czar also
concentrated on improving his artillery and disciplining his troops (Document
4). These visionary military actions helped achieve Peters goal of creating a
route to Western Europe. The autocrat then built a new capital, St.
Petersburg, on the Baltic Sea to mark this achievement.

1) What begins every paragraph? Hint: Look at the ! Why?

2) Underline one supporting detail that helps prove the topic sentence.
3) There is one word used in this paragraph to indicate analysis. Circle it.
4) What is the main idea of this paragraph? Try and summarize without
copying directly from the text.
Part B Working with your paragraphs
Directions: Now look at the paragraphs that you wrote for your research
paper and check each paragraph:
Does the paragraph include

an indent at the start of the first sentence

a topic sentence that previews the paragraph
2-3 supporting details based on the research
a word or sentence that attempts to analyze the evidence
a concluding sentence that finishes the paragraph

1
Curriculum created by Joel Troge The International High School at Lafayette 2015-2016

Global Studies

Name:__________________________Class:____ Due Date:____________

If you dont have these in your paragraphs, what should you do?

2
Curriculum created by Joel Troge The International High School at Lafayette 2015-2016

Global Studies

Name:__________________________Class:____ Due Date:____________

Part C Reviewing the research paper with a writing checklist
Directions: Polished writing goes through a drafting phase in which you assess your own work, have others look at
your first drafts, and then revise that writing based on the feedback that you received. Use the questions below to
check your own work, and then have a friend and the teacher assess the writing for you using Yes and No.

Writing Checklist
Is the leader that you researched presented clearly?
Is the introductory paragraph included?
Does the introduction preview the evidence?
Do the body paragraphs include evidence taken from the research?
Is there evidence from all of the sources that are in the bibliography?
Is the bibliography included at the end of the research paper?
Does the evidence demonstrate multiple viewpoints on the topic?
Are the connections between the viewpoints clearly explained?
Are the gaps in the viewpoints or evidence analyzed?
Does the paper have a structure similar to Part B in Step #3?
Are topic sentences and transitions included in every paragraph?
Does the conclusion synthesize or connect the evidence in the paper?
Does the writing have a distinct writing style? (i.e., Not just copied!)
Does the writing attempt to use precise academic language?
Does the writing show a command of basic writing conventions?

Myself

Friend

Teacher

For the teacher only:

One thing that you are doing well is

One thing that you want to improve

is
3

Curriculum created by Joel Troge The International High School at Lafayette 2015-2016

Global Studies

Name:__________________________Class:____ Due Date:____________

4
Curriculum created by Joel Troge The International High School at Lafayette 2015-2016