English 11

Quarter 3 Research Project: An Overview

Part 1: Annotated Bibliography
Part 2: Research Based Infographic
Part 3: Persuasive Oral Presentation

If you could make one, specific change to improve the

way school is done in YCSD, what would it be? What
would make school more enjoyable? More effective?
More valuable? More engaging? More relevant? More
productive?

Part 1: Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography is a list of sources used to answer a research question. For each source
selected, the researcher evaluates the credibility, relevance, and contribution of each source.
1. Narrow your research question.
a. Non-example: Why dont we have more online classes?
b. Example: Does online learning improve student achievement in core classes for
American high school students?
2. Find sources that provide evidence or commentary about your topic.
a. Student Portal GALE Research Database Student Edition (InfoTrac)
b. Student Portal eLibrary (Big Chalk)
c. Google.com
i. site:gov (Only government-sponsored sites)
ii. site:org (Only organization-sponsored sites)
iii. site:edu (Only sites sponsored by an educational institution
iv. filetype:doc; filetype:pdf; filetype:ppt (Documents, PDFs, or PowerPoints,
respectively)
3. Cite your sources in MLA format
4. Discuss the nature, content, credibility/bias, relevance, and contribution of each source.
Part 2: Research Based Infographic
An infographic is a visual image used to represent a compilation of research and information.
Researchers combine data collected through primary research with information located in published
research.
1. Conduct a primary research study.
a. Survey (SurveyMonkey.com)
b. Interview
c. Observation (Only for observable behaviors)
2. Interpret your data, and select data that supports your position on the research question.
3. Select information from your annotated bibliography that provides evidence (or a
counterargument) that helps support your position.
4. Design your infographic.
a. Examples: http://dailyinfographic.com
b. Design Tool: http://infogr.am

Part 3: Persuasive Oral Presentation

The persuasive oral presentation should reflect the collaborative efforts of both team members.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of persuasive strategies, presentation technology, and
visual aids. The persuasive presentation should address the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

What is the issue or problem that you have identified?

Why is this problem pressing or relevant?
Who should be responsible for implementing the solution?
What is the ultimate goal of your plan?
How would you get it started, check its progress, and monitor its impact?

You should frame your presentation is if you are trying to convince a principal or school board
member that they should support the implementation of your idea. (For example, we should all
install basketball backboards on the trashcans at all YCSD middle schools to discourage students
from littering.)