Step 3: Develop a Working Thesis and Conduct Initial Research

A thesis statement expresses the main idea of the project and takes a position. It is a concise
statement that presents an argument to the reader and declares what the writer believes and
intends to prove. Developing a working thesis can help focus ideas and guide research for the
project.

***Modification and revision to a working thesis is expected as more is learned about the topic
or issue. By the end of the research, a final thesis should emerge.

Interest: The Civil War

Broad Topic: Battles in the Civil War
Narrowed Topic: Battle of Gettysburg

Thesis Statement: The Battle of Gettysburg was a major turning point of the Civil War. It
turned the tide of the war from the South to the North, pushing back Lees army that would
never fight again on Northern soil and bringing confidence to the Union army.

Gathering & Recording Information

A source is any provider of information used to interpret a topic. Students need both Primary &
Secondary sources in order to get a complete understanding of their topic. Examples: books,
magazines, newspapers, websites, interviews, academic journal articles, court documents,
images, maps, charts, archives, etc.

Primary Source information about a historical event in which the creator of the source was an
actual participant and/or eye-witness to the event of circumstance. When choosing a primary
source to use, you have to figure out what the source means to your topic and why it is
important.

Secondary Source a source written after the event occurred by a third party this is the
processed information someone has read the primary sources and has drawn their own
conclusions.

As soon as you find a source that you think you will or might use in your project, write down the
bibliographic information (works cited) and how you will or might use the source. If you
keep track and record all sources along the way, writing the Bibliography and later the
Annotated Bibliography will be easy. If you dont, something that should be easy will become
very hard.
Continuing the Research Process:

Successful research takes determination, organization, patience, and a willingness to find

answers that arent always obvious. Remember, research is a continuous process.

Research should also be balanced between primary and secondary sources.

It is important to keep detailed notes when recording information. The information from
each source should be read carefully and summarized for main ideas and facts.

It is important that you consider different perspectives (points of view) on your topic.
You should understand the big picture.

Your work should be original and not plagiarized. When getting information from on your
sources dont just string quotations together or paraphrase what another author is saying
by simply changing a few words. In your writing, you want to summarize, analyze, explain,
and evaluate your sources rather than merely report on the information they provide.

When you do use an idea, a quote, or a fact from another writer, the source must be
properly cited. You will find it easier to properly cite your sources and prepare your final
bibliography (or works cited) if you keep track of the sources you use as you are reading
and taking notes. Record all information necessary from your sources so you can properly
cite it at a later time.

You will take notes from your sources either by paraphrasing, summarizing or quoting.
Paraphrasing:
- Put the information into your own words
- Dont change the meaning
Summarizing:
- A brief account just giving the main points
Quoting:
- Use it when there is inspiring & meaningful word
- Put the exact wording from the source inside quotation marks

Due ____________(All of this will be in your own paper management system. See Step 2)
Working Thesis (should also be written down underneath the flap you created to paste
this in your ISN)
You must have done sufficient research, enough to have at least 20 pieces of information
that could be used in your National History Day Project.
At least 4 sources cited properly ( at least 1 primary and 1 secondary source)