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Unit 5 of 6 · 8th Grade Language Arts

Field Notes

Investigate, gather evidence, and write a polished research paper on a question you actually care about.

Weeks
25–30 (February–March)
Anchor Text
Research articles + primary sources (topic-dependent)
Writing Focus
Research · Expository · Academic
Computer Tool
Google Docs · Google Scholar / library databases
Showcase
Research paper + oral presentation
Standards
OR W.8.7 · W.8.8 · W.8.9 · RI.8.6 · SL.8.4
Key Vocabulary — 5 Words This Unit
Thesis — a single sentence stating the central argument or claim your entire paper will support
Annotation — notes you write on or beside a source to track key ideas, questions, and relevance
Synthesis — weaving ideas from multiple sources into a single, unified argument in your own words
Credibility — the quality that makes a source trustworthy: expertise, accuracy, transparency, and lack of bias
Citation — a formatted reference telling readers exactly where a piece of evidence came from
W1Finding Your Question
Mon What makes a good research question? Too broad vs. too narrow Reading ▾
  1. Mom will show you three example research questions: one too broad, one too narrow, one just right.
  2. Read all three and try to explain why one of them is the "just right" version.
  3. Try narrowing the broad one — make it more specific.
  4. Try broadening the narrow one — make it answerable in more than one sentence.
💬 "This question is too broad because… This one is too narrow because… A good research question is specific enough to answer in 5 pages but important enough to matter."
✓ Done when: you've explained the differences and practiced narrowing or broadening two example questions.
Tue Generate 10 questions about things you genuinely care about Writing ▾
  1. Open Google Docs and set a timer for 10 minutes.
  2. Write 10 questions about things you actually wonder about — music, gaming, coding, engineering, sports, history, science, anything.
  3. Don't filter yourself — write whatever comes to mind, even if it seems too weird or too simple.
  4. Mark your three favorites with a star.
💬 Good research starts with real curiosity — "I've always wondered why…" or "I never understood how…" or "Why does [thing] work that way?"
✓ Done when: 10 questions are in Google Docs, with three starred as favorites.
Wed Narrow to one question; write a "why this matters to me" statement Writing ▾
  1. Look at your three starred questions from yesterday.
  2. Talk with mom about which one has the most to research — which one can you find real sources about?
  3. Pick one question as your research question for the unit.
  4. Write 2–3 sentences: why does this question matter to you personally? What do you already think the answer might be?
💬 "I chose this question because I've always wondered… My gut says the answer is probably… but I want to actually find out if…"
✓ Done when: one question chosen and a 2–3 sentence motivation statement written.
Thu Initial search in Google Scholar — evaluate the first 5 sources you find Computer ▾
  1. Open Google Scholar (scholar.google.com).
  2. Type in 2–3 keywords from your research question.
  3. Look at the first 5 results — just the titles and abstracts (the summary at the top).
  4. For each one, write: is this relevant to your question? Yes, kind of, or no?
  5. Note any that look promising to read more later.
💬 You don't need to read the full articles yet — just decide if each one is in the right ballpark for your question.
✓ Done when: 5 search results evaluated and notes on relevance written in Google Docs.
Fri Share your question — feedback on whether it's researchable Discussion ▾
  1. Tell mom your research question and your motivation statement.
  2. Ask her: is this question specific enough to answer, or too vague?
  3. Ask: does it seem like there would be real sources about this?
  4. Based on her feedback, write a revised version of your question if it needs adjusting.
💬 "My question is… I chose it because… Do you think this is specific enough to research? Is there anything you'd change about it?"
✓ Done when: question shared, feedback received, and final version of question written down.
Research Topic Starters — Pick One or Bring Your Own

Stuck on a topic? Any of these can become a strong research question with a little narrowing:

  • How does social media affect teen mental health — and does the answer differ by platform?
  • What caused a historical event you've always found confusing or surprising?
  • Is a technology (AI, gene editing, lab-grown meat) more beneficial or harmful — and for whom?
  • How does an animal's behavior or biology solve a problem humans still struggle with?
  • What's something in your daily life (food, clothing, a game, a sport) that has a complicated history?
  • Your own idea — something you genuinely wonder about and could spend six weeks investigating
Weekly Writing Prompt

Write your research question and motivation statement: Why does this question matter to you? What do you already think the answer might be? What would you need to learn to answer it properly?

"My research question is: [question]. I chose this because I've always wondered… My hypothesis is that… To really answer this, I'd need to find out…"

Length: 3–5 sentences. Be honest about why you actually care about this — that's what makes research worth doing.

✅ Weekly Checklist
W2Source Evaluation
Mon How to evaluate sources — CRAAP test and lateral reading Reading ▾
  1. Mom will explain the CRAAP test: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose.
  2. Apply each letter to one example source she shows you — is it current? Who wrote it? What's their goal?
  3. Learn "lateral reading": instead of reading the source deeply, search the author or publication to see what others say about it.
  4. Practice on one new source: do a quick lateral read and report back.
💬 "This source is [good/questionable] because… The author's credentials are… When I searched the publication, I found…"
✓ Done when: CRAAP test and lateral reading both practiced on one real example.
Tue Find and rate 5 sources on your research question Writing ▾
  1. Go back to Google Scholar or a library database and search for your topic.
  2. Find 5 sources that look relevant to your research question.
  3. For each one, write the title, author, and year.
  4. Rate each one: High reliability / Medium reliability / Uncertain — and write one sentence explaining why.
💬 You don't have to read the whole thing — just enough to judge the author, publisher, and what it claims.
✓ Done when: 5 sources listed with reliability ratings and one-sentence explanations in Google Docs.
Wed Write 5 annotated bibliography entries — citation + 3-sentence annotation each Writing ▾
  1. Open Google Docs and start your annotated bibliography.
  2. For each of your 5 sources, write the MLA citation at the top (mom can help with the format).
  3. Under the citation, write 3 sentences: (1) what the source says, (2) how reliable it is and why, (3) how you plan to use it in your paper.
  4. That's it — 3 sentences per source, no more needed.
💬 "This source argues that… I consider it [reliable/questionable] because… In my paper, I'll use it to support my point about…"
✓ Done when: all 5 annotated bibliography entries are written — citation + 3 sentences each.
Thu Organize sources in Google Docs; create a source tracking sheet Computer ▾
  1. Create a simple table in Google Docs: three columns — Source / Key Fact / How I'll Use It.
  2. Fill in one row for each of your 5 sources.
  3. This tracking sheet will save you time when you write the actual paper.
  4. Save the document — you'll need it in Weeks 3–4.
💬 A tracking sheet means you never have to re-read a source just to remember what it said — the key fact is right there.
✓ Done when: source tracking table is complete with all 5 sources filled in.
Fri Peer audit — evaluate each other's sources using the criteria Discussion ▾
  1. Share your annotated bibliography with mom.
  2. She'll pick one of your sources and apply the CRAAP test herself.
  3. Compare your rating to hers — do you agree?
  4. If she flags any concerns about a source, decide whether to keep it, replace it, or use it more carefully.
💬 Getting a second opinion on sources is what real researchers do — it catches problems you missed because you were focused on the content.
✓ Done when: peer audit done on at least one source and any flags discussed and resolved.
Weekly Writing Prompt

Write annotated bibliography entries for your five best sources. Each entry: MLA citation + 3-sentence annotation covering (1) what it says, (2) how reliable it is, (3) how you'll use it.

"[Full MLA citation]. This source argues that… I consider it reliable because… In my paper, I plan to use it to…"

Length: 3 sentences per source × 5 sources = 15 sentences total.

✅ Weekly Checklist
W3Research Notes & Outline
Mon How to take research notes without plagiarizing — paraphrase vs. quote Reading ▾
  1. Mom will show you a passage from a source and two versions of notes: one that's too close (plagiarism), one that's properly paraphrased.
  2. Identify which is which and explain why.
  3. Practice paraphrasing one sentence from one of your own sources — put it entirely in your own words.
  4. Learn the rule: if you use the exact words, use quotation marks and a citation.
💬 "In my own words, what this source is saying is… I'd directly quote it only if the exact wording really matters."
✓ Done when: paraphrase vs. quote distinction understood and one practice paraphrase written.
Tue Take organized notes from your 5 sources using a column system Writing ▾
  1. Open a new Google Doc: create three columns — Source / Key Fact or Quote / How It Connects to My Question.
  2. Read through each of your 5 sources and pull out the most useful information.
  3. For each fact or quote, fill in all three columns.
  4. Aim for at least 2–3 rows per source — so 10–15 rows total.
💬 You're looking for facts, statistics, or expert opinions that help answer your research question — not interesting stuff that isn't relevant.
✓ Done when: research notes table has at least 10 rows covering all 5 sources.
Wed Write a paper outline — thesis + 3 main sections + evidence map Writing ▾
  1. Write your thesis: one sentence that answers your research question and makes a claim.
  2. Write three section topics — the three main areas your paper will cover.
  3. For each section, write the topic sentence (what that section will argue).
  4. Under each section, list 1–2 pieces of evidence from your notes that will go there.
💬 "My thesis is: [answer to question]. My three sections will cover: [topic 1], [topic 2], [topic 3]. Each section argues… and I'll prove it with…"
✓ Done when: thesis written + three section topic sentences + evidence listed under each section.
Thu Type full outline in Google Docs; build a working bibliography Computer ▾
  1. Type your outline into Google Docs in a clean format — thesis at the top, then each section with its topic sentence and evidence bullets.
  2. At the bottom, start your Works Cited page — add all 5 source citations in MLA format.
  3. Save the document — this is your working draft structure.
💬 A good outline is basically a skeleton of your paper — every paragraph you'll write is already mapped here.
✓ Done when: full outline is in Google Docs with thesis, three section outlines, and a working bibliography at the bottom.
Fri Outline logic check — does each section support the thesis? Discussion ▾
  1. Read your outline out loud to mom.
  2. For each of the three sections, ask: does this section actually support my thesis, or is it just related information?
  3. If any section seems like it's off-topic or not clearly connected to the thesis, revise it or cut it.
  4. The test: could someone read the outline and predict the whole paper? If yes, it's working.
💬 "My thesis is… Section 1 supports it because… Section 2 supports it because… Section 3 supports it because…"
✓ Done when: outline logic tested out loud and any weak sections flagged or revised.
Weekly Writing Prompt

Write your thesis statement — one sentence answering your research question with an arguable claim. Then write topic sentences for your three body sections — each should advance the thesis.

"My thesis: [one-sentence answer to your question]. Section 1 argues… because… Section 2 argues… Section 3 argues…"

Length: 1 thesis + 3 topic sentences = 4 sentences total. These four sentences are the backbone of your paper.

✅ Weekly Checklist
W4Drafting the Paper
Mon Write your introduction and background section Writing ▾
  1. Open a new Google Doc titled "[Your Research Question] — Draft."
  2. Write a hook: one interesting sentence that makes a reader want to know more.
  3. Write 2–3 sentences of background: what is this topic and why does it matter?
  4. Write your thesis sentence at the end of the intro.
  5. Aim for 4–6 sentences total for the intro paragraph.
💬 Say the intro out loud first: "What I want to tell someone before they read my paper is… and the point I'm going to prove is…" — then write it.
✓ Done when: intro paragraph written with hook + background + thesis.
Tue Write Section 1 — first main point with integrated evidence Writing ▾
  1. Start with your Section 1 topic sentence from the outline.
  2. Write 2–3 sentences explaining the point in your own words.
  3. Add one piece of evidence — either a paraphrase or a short quote in quotation marks.
  4. Write one sentence explaining how this evidence proves your point.
  5. End with a transition sentence to the next section.
💬 "This section is about [point]. I know this because [evidence]. This matters because [explanation]." — then transition.
✓ Done when: Section 1 paragraph is written with a topic sentence, explanation, evidence, and transition.
Wed Write Sections 2 and 3 — continue building the argument Writing ▾
  1. Use the same structure as Section 1: topic sentence → explanation → evidence → how it supports thesis → transition.
  2. Write Section 2 following the same pattern.
  3. Then write Section 3 — this one often includes a counterpoint (someone who disagrees) and your response to it.
  4. Don't worry about perfection — getting the ideas down is the goal today.
💬 If you're stuck, say the section out loud: "Section 2 is about [point]. The evidence I have is… and that matters because…" — then type what you said.
✓ Done when: Sections 2 and 3 are drafted with topic sentences and evidence.
Thu Type full draft in Google Docs with MLA format and citations Computer ▾
  1. Make sure all sections are in one Google Doc in order: intro → Section 1 → Section 2 → Section 3 → (conclusion to come).
  2. Add an MLA heading at the top: your name, mom's name, course name, and date.
  3. Check that every quote or paraphrase has a citation (author's last name + page number in parentheses, if available).
  4. Make sure your Works Cited is still at the bottom and matches what you actually used.
💬 MLA format is just a set of rules that makes it easy for readers to find your sources — follow it even if it feels tedious.
✓ Done when: full draft (minus conclusion) is in Google Docs with MLA heading and citations.
Fri Rough draft peer review — thesis clarity and evidence use Discussion ▾
  1. Have mom read your draft (or read it aloud to her).
  2. Ask her: after reading, can she state your thesis in her own words?
  3. Ask: which section felt most supported by evidence? Which felt weakest?
  4. Write down two specific things you want to improve before the final version.
💬 "Can you tell me what my paper is arguing? Which section felt least convincing to you?"
✓ Done when: peer review done and two specific revision goals written down.
Weekly Writing Prompt

Practice integrating a quotation: take one quote from your research. Write it three ways: (1) dropped in with no context, (2) introduced with context, (3) paraphrased. Which version is strongest and why?

"Version 1 (dropped): '[quote]' (Author). — Version 2 (introduced): According to [Author], '[quote].' This means… — Version 3 (paraphrase): [Author] argues that… The strongest version is [#] because…"

Length: three short examples + one sentence of analysis.

✅ Weekly Checklist
W5Revision & Citation
Mon Read your draft aloud — mark every sentence that sounds unclear or choppy Writing ▾
  1. Open your draft and read the whole thing out loud.
  2. Every time you trip over a sentence or it sounds awkward, highlight it or put a star next to it.
  3. Count how many you marked — that's your revision list.
  4. Fix the two worst ones today. Save the rest for Tuesday.
💬 Reading out loud catches problems your eyes miss — if you stumble when reading it, a reader will too.
✓ Done when: draft read aloud, unclear sentences marked, and two revised.
Tue Revision workshop — transitions, paragraph unity, sentence variety Writing ▾
  1. Fix the remaining marked sentences from Monday.
  2. Check transitions: does each paragraph flow smoothly into the next? Add a transition word or phrase if needed.
  3. Check paragraph unity: does every sentence in each paragraph relate to that paragraph's topic sentence? Remove or move anything that doesn't.
  4. Check sentence variety: do you have a mix of short and longer sentences? If three in a row are the same length, vary them.
💬 Transitions like "Additionally," "However," "This shows that," and "As a result," make your argument easier to follow.
✓ Done when: transitions improved, each paragraph checked for unity, and sentence length varied.
Wed Write your conclusion; final check that thesis is answered throughout Writing ▾
  1. Write your conclusion paragraph: restate your thesis in new words (don't copy it exactly).
  2. Write 1–2 sentences summarizing your three main points — briefly, not in detail.
  3. Write a "so what" sentence: why does this research matter beyond this paper?
  4. End with a question or idea you'd explore if you had more time.
💬 "In the end, what I found was [thesis restated]. This matters because… If I had more time, I'd also look at…"
✓ Done when: conclusion paragraph written with thesis restatement, brief summary, "so what," and future question.
Thu Format Works Cited page; final proofread in Google Docs Computer ▾
  1. Check your Works Cited page: every source you cited in the paper should be there.
  2. Check that each citation is in MLA format (mom can help verify).
  3. Use Google Docs's spell check to catch any typos.
  4. Do one final read-through of the whole paper — make any last small fixes.
  5. Save the final version.
💬 Proofreading is the last thing before you call it done — take it seriously. Even one typo per page is too many in a final paper.
✓ Done when: Works Cited formatted, spell check done, and final read-through completed.
Fri Final peer check — does the paper clearly answer the research question? Discussion ▾
  1. Have mom read or listen to the final paper.
  2. Ask her one question: does this paper answer the research question?
  3. Ask: is the thesis clear in the introduction and restated in the conclusion?
  4. If she says yes to both — you're done. If not, make one final fix.
💬 "Does my paper answer [your research question]? Is my argument clear from start to finish?"
✓ Done when: mom confirms the paper answers the question and the argument is clear.
Weekly Writing Prompt

Write your conclusion: restate your thesis in new language, summarize your three main points in 2–3 sentences, and end with a "so what" — why does this matter beyond this paper?

"After researching this question, I found that [thesis restated]. The three most important things I learned were… This matters beyond my paper because… If I had more time, I'd want to investigate…"

Length: 4–6 sentences. The conclusion should feel like an arrival, not just a summary.

✅ Weekly Checklist
W6Oral Presentation & Showcase
Mon Build a 5-slide visual to support your oral presentation Computer ▾
  1. Open Google Slides and create 5 slides.
  2. Slide 1: your research question and thesis (the headline of your paper).
  3. Slides 2–4: one main point per slide — just a title and 1–2 bullet points or an image.
  4. Slide 5: your conclusion and "so what."
  5. The slides support what you say — they're not a script. Keep text minimal.
💬 The best presentation slides make the speaker look smarter — they have one key idea per slide, not walls of text.
✓ Done when: 5 slides built with minimal text and one main idea per slide.
Tue Write speaker notes; practice talking from notes — not reading Writing ▾
  1. Open your slides and add speaker notes to each one.
  2. Write notes in bullet form — these are reminders of what to say, not a script.
  3. Practice going through each slide using only the notes, talking out loud.
  4. If you find yourself reading word-for-word, rewrite the notes as shorter bullets.
💬 Speaker notes should be like: "• Mention the surprising stat here • Explain what this means for my argument • Make eye contact for the conclusion" — not full sentences to read.
✓ Done when: speaker notes written and one run-through completed talking from notes (not reading).
Wed Practice full 6-minute presentation; write 100-word abstract Writing ▾
  1. Run through the whole presentation out loud and time it — aim for 5–7 minutes.
  2. If it's too short, add more detail on one slide. If too long, cut one point.
  3. Write a 100-word abstract for your paper: one sentence each on (1) your question, (2) your method, (3) your main findings, (4) your conclusion.
💬 An abstract is a summary of your whole paper in 100 words — it should make someone want to read the full thing.
✓ Done when: presentation timed and adjusted + 100-word abstract written.
Thu Final paper submitted; last full presentation rehearsal Discussion ▾
  1. Make any last small edits to the paper and save the final version.
  2. Run through the presentation one final time — full speed, as if it's the real thing.
  3. Ask mom: is there anything confusing or anything she'd want to hear more about?
  4. Make one final adjustment based on her feedback.
💬 By this point, you've researched, written, and rehearsed. The showcase is just showing what you already know.
✓ Done when: paper finalized, last rehearsal done, and one final adjustment made.
Fri SHOWCASE: Oral presentation of research paper Showcase ▾
  1. Set up your presentation space with laptop and slides ready.
  2. Deliver your 5–7 minute presentation to your audience.
  3. After the presentation, take one or two questions from the audience.
  4. Answer from memory — you know this material.
💬 You're the expert on your own research question. Speak like one.
✓ Done when: presentation delivered and at least one audience question answered.
Weekly Writing Prompt

Write a 100-word abstract for your research paper: one sentence on your question, one on your method, two on your main findings, one on your conclusion.

"This paper investigates [question]. To answer it, I [method — searched for sources, read articles, etc.]. I found that [finding 1] and [finding 2]. In conclusion, [thesis restated in one sentence]."

Length: exactly 5 sentences, approximately 100 words. Every word counts.

✅ Weekly Checklist
Unit Showcase

Research Paper + Oral Presentation

A fully researched paper answering a self-chosen question, with annotated bibliography and Works Cited in MLA format. Presented orally in 5–7 minutes with a 5-slide visual. The paper and presentation are the culmination of 6 weeks of real research.