RESEARCH PAPER RUBRIC

Pointing System
Exceeds Meets Nearly Meets Does Not No
Parts Standard Standard Standard Meet Evidence
Standard
(5) (4) (3) (2) (1)
Title Clearly and Clearly stated the Stated the paper’s Incomplete and/or Absent, no
concisely stated paper’s purpose, purpose, followed unfocused; Did evidence
the paper’s followed most of some of the not follow
purpose, followed the guidelines guidelines guidelines
all guidelines correctly correctly correctly
correctly
Introduction The introduction is The introduction The introduction There is no clear Absent, no
engaging, stated stated the main stated the main introduction or evidence
a. Content
the main topic and topic and previews topic but did not main topic and the
previews the the structure of adequately structure of the
structure of the the paper. preview the paper is missing.
paper. Each paragraph structure of the Each paragraph
Each paragraph has sufficient paper. fails to develop
has thoughtful supporting detail Each paragraph the main idea.
supporting detail sentences that lacks supporting
sentences that developed the detail sentences.
developed the main idea.
main idea.

b. Usage No errors in Almost no errors Many errors in Numerous and Not applicable
punctuation, in punctuation, punctuation, distracting errors
capitalization and capitalization and capitalization and in punctuation,
spelling. spelling. spelling. capitalization and
spelling.

All cited works, Some cited works, Inconsistencies Few cited works, Absent, Not
both text and both text and evident. both text and applicable
c. Citation visual, are done in visual, are done in visual, are done in
the correct format the correct format. the correct format.
with no errors.

Materials Demonstrated Logical and subtle Logical No evidence of Not applicable

logical and subtle sequencing of organization; structure or
and sequencing of ideas present but organization of organization;
Methods ideas; not perfect; ideas not fully Did not follow
a. Organization Followed all Followed most of developed; guidelines
and guidelines the guidelines Followed some of correctly.
Structure correctly. correctly. the guidelines
correctly.

b. Citation All cited works, Some cited works, Inconsistencies Few cited works, Absent, Not
both text and both text and evident. both text and applicable
visual, are done in visual, are done in visual, are done in
the correct format the correct format. the correct format.
with no errors.

Results and Concisely stated Clearly discussed Discussed the Incomplete and/or Absent, no
and clearly the results. results. unfocused. evidence
Discussion discussed and the
a. Content results.

b. Organization All data are Most of the data Some of the data Data are not Not applicable
presented in an are presented in are presented in organized
organized manner. an organized an organized
manner. manner.

Bibliography All cited works, Some cited works, Inconsistencies Few cited works, Absent, Not
both text and both text and evident. both text and applicable
visual, are done in visual, are done in visual, are done in
the correct format the correct format. the correct format.
with no errors.
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
National Capital Region
DIVISION OF CITY SCHOOLS-MANILA
Manila Education Center Arroceros Forest Park
Antonio J. Villegas St., Ermita, Manila

RESEARCH 9

Top Picked Topics

Quarter 1 Week 1 SLeM 1

Most Essential Learning Competency

Formulate and develop a good research topic

HOW TO USE THIS SUPPLEMENTARY LEARNING MATERIAL (SLeM)

Before you start answering the SLeM, I want you to set aside other tasks that
will disturb you while enjoying the lessons. Read carefully the instructions below to
successfully enjoy the objectives of this kit. Have fun!

1. Follow carefully all the contents and instructions indicated in every part of
this SLeM.
2. Write on your notebook the concepts about the lessons. Keep in mind that
Writing develops and enhances learning.
3. Perform all the provided activities in the SLeM. Write your answers in the
ANSWER SHEET provided.
4. Let your facilitator/guardian assess your answers.
5. Analyze conceptually the posttest and apply what you have learned.
6. Enjoy studying!

PARTS OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY LEARNING MATERIAL

• Expectations – This will provide what you will be able to know after
completing the lessons in the SLeM.
• Pre-test - This will assess your prior knowledge and the concepts to be
mastered throughout the lesson.

• Looking Back - This section will measure the skills that you learned and
understood from the previous lesson.
• Brief Introduction- This section will give you an overview of the lesson.
• Activities - These are activities designed to develop your critical thinking
and other competencies that you need to master. This can be done solely
or with your partner depending on the nature of the activity.
• Remember - This section summarizes the concepts and applications of the
lessons.

• Checking your Understanding – This will verify how you learned from the
lesson.
• Post-test - This will measure how much you have learned from the entire
SLeM.

1
 LESSON: FORMULATING A RESEARCH TOPIC

EXPECTATIONS
In this lesson, you will formulate and develop a good research topic

Specifically, this supplementary learning material will help you to:

• describe research topic;

• determine the characteristics of a good research topic; and
• develop a good research topic out of the list of possible choices.

PRE-TEST

Directions: Read each statement below carefully. Write T if the statement is

TRUE. If the statement is false, write F.
Write your answers in the ANSWER SHEET provided.

T 1. A topic is the starting point of every research project.

F 2. You can proceed right away to writing your proposal without a final decision
on the topic you and your groupmates will be working on.
T 3. Answering the 5Ws questions can help you decide in choosing a research
topic.
F 4. It is not important to consider your field of interest when choosing a topic.
F 5. Physical Science projects focus on understanding how living organisms
behave.
F 6. Life Science projects focus on creating novel products or improving existing
ones.
F 7. Life Science category is more on programming using robotics and intelligent
systems.
F 8. Focus more on “over used topics” and focus less on the unexplored ones.
T 9. It is better to come up with a specific topic than a broad one.
F 10. It is not necessary to consider the amount of time and resources you have
when choosing a research topic.

2
 LOOKING BACK TO YOUR LESSON

Do you still remember the first lesson your teacher taught you when he
introduced you to Research? Let me test you by doing this simple activity. Fill in the
missing letters and describe each word referring to the qualities of a good
researcher. For the next part, define/describe Research in your own words.
Write your answers in the ANSWER SHEET provided.

A good researcher is:

text here
Insert text here
R AT_I V E
1. C_E_
someone who is
_____________________________________________

2. R OU
_ ES_ E UL_
_RC_F_
someone who is
_____________________________________________

E EVE
3. P_RS_ NT_
_ _RA_
someone who is
_____________________________________________

4. C_R_T_C_
I I AL_ T_
HI_N_
KER
someone who is
_____________________________________________

OP
5. _ I DE_D
_EN-M_N_
someone who is
_____________________________________________

O E_S_
6. H_N T
someone who is
_____________________________________________

I am a good researcher.
And for me, Research is:
VERY IMPORTANT AND RESEARCH IS
_____________________________________
ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE .
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________

3
 BRIEF INTRODUCTION

As you have learned in your previous lesson,

research is something that people undertake in order
to find out things in a systematic way. It is a structured
inquiry allowing us to formulate questions, explore
them and search for answers.

Research gathers information and

investigates phenomena creating new knowledge
and understanding. It solves problems and reduces Toothpastes were usually powder
prior to 1850s followed by the
the chances of making poor or dangerous choices, production of a toothpaste in a jar
protecting us from false ideas and risky beliefs. called Crème Dentifrice.
In 1873 Colgate started first the mass
production of toothpaste in jars and
From the moment you wake up, objects like introduced its toothpaste in a tube in
the 1890s.
your toothbrush, toothpaste, bath soap, shampoo,
your instant coffee or your sterilized milk and even Image from:
sciencenewsforstudents.org
your mom’s nonstick pan used for cooking your
favorite breakfast, are all products of research.
Going back to your bed at nighttime, your pillows, bed
and comforter, electric fan or air conditioner, as well
as your lamp and your reading glasses are also
products of research. Indeed, research has been an
important part of our daily lives.

As a student, you should open your mind to

what else research can do for you and your
community, and cultivate necessary skills that can
help you gain new knowledge or develop novel
Willis Haviland Carrier (1876-1950),
products that can benefit the lives of many. an American engineer who designed
the first modern air conditioning
system in July 17, 1902.
Your research journey starts at developing a
Image from: blogdofrio.com.br
good research topic. It is the starting point and the
basis of the whole study. Choosing a research topic
wisely can lead you to an enjoyable research
experience. NOTE:

You will be doing all activities

So, what possible topics can be a top picked
with your groupmates
item to work on? How can you make sure that you assigned by your teacher.
are working on a good research topic? All these and You are expected to
more will be discussed in this lesson. exchange ideas through
constant collaboration and
clear communications.
Are you ready?
Let’s get started! Remember that when there
is teamwork and
collaboration, wonderful
things can be achieved.

4
 What is a Research Topic?

Every research project begins with a topic. It shows the subject or issue that a
researcher is interested in. Choosing a topic involves exploring, defining, and refining
of the researcher’s ideas.
You cannot just think of a topic and submit it to your teacher as the subject of
your research study. You have to be careful about it because this first step of your
research process is important. Getting a topic that is not researchable can slow things
right down and cause all kinds of headaches. On the other hand, if you find a good
topic to write on, your research can progress quickly, and your research can be a very
enjoyable experience.
Remember that you cannot proceed right away to writing your proposal without
deciding first what particular research topic you and your groupmates will be working
with. Look around you. What are the things that interest you? What issues personally
affect you or your community? What are the current issues that need to be solved and
you can possibly solve given your time and resources?
When you choose a research topic, always think of answering the 5W (why,
who, what, where and when) questions:
• Why did you choose the topic? What interests you about it?
• Who are affected by the topic? Who are the people, organizations and
institutions that can possibly provide you information on that topic?
• What are the major questions you need to answer regarding the topic?
• Where is your topic important? Where can it be used?
• When is your topic important? Is it what your community needs today?
If all these questions were answered, then your formulated topic is guiding and
keeping you on the right track. Consider all these things as you do the first activity.

ACTIVITY TIME

Activity 1: My Top Picks!

Objective: Draft your OWN list of possible research topics.

Materials: Reference materials such as science journals, books and internet sites

Think critically:
1. Draw at least two (2) topics you would like to work on and answer the 5W
questions. This will help you decide better if you are formulating a good research
topic.
2. You may use reference materials such as academic journals, books and internet
sites in doing this activity. Your topics can be from any of the following categories:
Life Science, Physical Science, Innovation-Invention and Robotics
3. Write your work in the ANSWER SHEET provided in this learning material.

Note: Do not forget to save a copy of the topics you have chosen as you will be needing
them when you collaborate with your groupmates in the next activity.

5
What makes a good research topic?

You are done formulating your own research topics and later, you will be asked
to share this to your groupmates and see what their own choices are. The next
moment, you will find yourselves deciding which among your topics is the best to
choose for your research study. Let me help you decide on this as we discuss on this
lesson the things that can make a good research topic.
So, what makes a topic good?
The first important thing that you must remember when you decide to choose a
research topic is your interest area. Look into your reference materials and literature
and decide which of these is your interest area. After all, it is not easy to work on
something that bores you. You also have different categories to choose from:

RESEARCH PROJECT CATEGORIES

Life Physical Innovation- Robotics
Science Science Invention
if your group if you would like if you would like if you would like
is interested to work on the to create a novel to work on
on applications of product or programming
understanding different products improve an using robotics
how living existing one and intelligent
organisms systems
behave

After knowing your interest area, the next important thing to consider is to check
the background of your chosen study. Remember that the aim of research is either to
find out some new facts or to revisit the existing fact and look at it and see if they’re
still valid today and if you can still add something new to that knowledge.
If you take up a research topic on which a lot of work has already been done,
then probably you would end up just copying from a place and pasting it in your work.
That can no longer be considered as research because you are not adding anything
new in the existing body of knowledge. So it is very important for you to do a
background study of all the works which have already been done on your list of
possible topics and cancel out those which sound like “over used topics” and focus
more on the unexplored ones.
If you think that your topic is too broad, try to add context by making it more
specific. Focus on one specific purpose on which you can find ways to measure its
effectiveness. Lastly, it is also important that you pick something that fits the amount
of time and resources you have. Always ask yourselves: How much time do we have?
What can we do with the resources that we have? This can make your project realistic
and more attainable.

Again, in formulating a good research topic, you must:

1. Know your interest area.
2. Decide on your project category.
3. Work on unexplored topics rather than the over used ones.
4. Try to add more context to make a broad topic more specific
5. Check if your chosen topic fits the amount of time and
resources you have

6
 I would like you to communicate with your groupmates and see what topics they
have chosen on their own. Collaborate, do the next activity and come up with a final
topic for your group.

ACTIVITY TIME

Activity 2: The Final Pick

Objective: Evaluate the proposed topics through brainstorming with the members
and decide on the FINAL topic for the group.
Materials: List of proposed topics and a Mind Map Template provided by the
teacher.

Let us work together!

1. It’s time for you and your groupmates to decide on the FINAL topic you would
like to work on. Brainstorm with your members and exchange ideas about your
individual topic choices. Consider the guide questions below in doing the
activity.
2. Fill in the Mind Map Template found in the ANSWER SHEET provided in this
learning material with the ideas from your collaboration.

Guide Questions:
1. What facts or existing projects served as your bases for choosing each of the
topic you have listed?
2. What benefits can be achieved when each of the project is made possible?
3. Which of the topics do you think is most attainable given your time and
resources?

Note: You may schedule online consultations with your teacher for evaluation of your
group’s chosen topic.

REMEMBER

• A research topic is the starting point of every research project. It is a subject or

issue that a researcher is interested in.
• When you choose a research topic, always think of answering the 5W (why, who,
what, where and when) questions.
• Decide what particular category/field you would like to choose a topic from.
• Focus more on unexplored knowledge, not too broad (specific) and fits the
amount of time and resources you have.

7
 CHECKING YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Directions: Answer the following questions briefly. Write your answers in the
ANSWER SHEET provided.

1. Why is it important to be very careful when choosing a research topic?

2. What makes a good research topic?

Care and concern for others:

What is the importance of research especially in this difficult time we are
facing due to Covid19 Pandemic?

POST-TEST

Directions: Read each statement below carefully. Write T if the statement is

TRUE. If the statement is false, write change the underlined word
to make it correct. Write your answers in the ANSWER SHEET
provided.

1. Life Science projects focus on creating novel products or improving

existing ones.
2. Focus more on “over used topics” and focus more on the unexplored ones.
3. A topic is the starting point of every research project.
4. Answering the 5Ws questions cannot help you decide in choosing a
research topic.
5. It is not important to consider your field of interest when choosing a topic.
6. It is necessary to consider the amount of time and resources you have
when choosing a research topic.
7. Physical Science projects focus on understanding how living organisms
behave.
8. Life Science category is more on programming using robotics and
intelligent systems.
9. You cannot proceed right away to writing your proposal without a final
decision on the topic you and your groupmates will be working on.
10. It is better to come up with a specific topic than a broad one.

8
 REFERENCES

British School of Coaching. (2015). What makes a good research topic? and what
makes a good research question? Retrieved from
https://www.britishschoolofcoaching.com/what-makes-a-good-research-topic
-and-what-makes-a-good-research-question/

Develop a Research Topic. (2020). Retrieved from

http://library.uncfsu.edu/reference/intro-to-library-research/develop-a-research-
topic

Liu, X. (2020). Definition of research topic. In: The SAGE Encyclopedia of

Communication Research Methods.
doi:http://dx.doi..org/10.4135/9781483381411.n510

Acknowledgements

Writer: Alexis S. Rodelas

Cayetano Arellano High School
Editors: Jonathan P. Derez
SDO-Manila
Raymond Paolo C. Riparip
Ignacio Villamor High School
Nei Juvert F. Valentino
Cayetano Arellano High School
Reviewer: Rebecca M. Roxas-EPS
Management Team: Maria Magdalena M. Lim
Schools Division Superintendent-Manila
Aida H. Rondilla
Chief Education Supervisor
Lucky S. Carpio
Education Program Supervisor
Lady Hannah C. Gillo
Librarian II-LRMS

9
 RESEARCH 9 First Quarter (Week 1)

ANSWER SHEET

Name____________________ Section____________ Score_____

Teacher__________________ School_____________________ Date______

Note: Submit this answer sheet to your teacher.

PRE-TEST LOOKING BACK TO YOUR LESSON

1. 6.
2. 7.
3. 8.
4. 9.
5. 10.
I am a good researcher.
And for me, Research is:
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
A good researcher is:
1. C_E_ _I V E
someone who
is__________________________________________
___________________________________________
2. _ ES_ _RC_F_ _
someone who
is__________________________________________
___________________________________________
3. P_RS_ _ _RA_ _
someone who
is__________________________________________
___________________________________________
4. _R_T_C_ _ T_ _N_ E R
someone who
is__________________________________________
___________________________________________
5. _ _EN-M_N_ _D
someone who
is__________________________________________
___________________________________________
6. H_N _S_
someone who
is__________________________________________
_______________________________________

Activity 1: My Top Picks!

TOPICS
Questions (1)______________________________ (2)_____________________________
________________________________ ________________________________
________________________________ ________________________________

Why did you choose the

topic? What interests you
about it?
 Who are affected by the
topic? Who are the
people, organizations
and institutions that can
possibly provide you
information on that topic?
What are the major
questions you need to
answer regarding the
topic?
Where is your topic
important? Where can it
be used?

When is your topic

important? Is it what your
community needs today?

Activity 2: The Final Pick

MIND MAP TEMPLATE

Proposed Importance/
Basis
Research Topic Societal benefits

Topic 1

Topic 2

Which of
these
topics is
most
Topic 3 attainable
given your
time and
resources?

Topic 4

Topic 5
CHECKING YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Directions: Answer the following questions briefly.

1. Why is it important to be very careful when choosing a research topic?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

2. What makes a good research topic?

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Care and concern for others:

What is the importance of research especially in this difficult time we are facing
due to Covid19 Pandemic?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

POST-TEST
1. 6.
2. 7.
3. 8.
4. 9.
5. 10.
 RESEARCH 9 First Quarter (Week 1)

ANSWER KEY
PRE-TEST
1. T 6. F
2. F 7. F
3. T 8. F
4. F 9. T
5. F 10. F

LOOKING BACK TO YOUR LESSON

A good Researcher is:
1. CREATIVE – someone who is/has the ability to come up with new and
interesting ideas
2. RESOURCEFUL- someone who is capable of solving problems by finding
alternative solutions
3. PERSEVERANT- someone who is continuing to do something, keeps trying and
never gives up in spite of difficulties
4. CRITICAL THINKER- someone who is/has the ability to think clearly and rationally
making reasoned judgements that are logical and well-
thought out.
5. OPEN-MINDED- someone who is willing to listen and consider ideas and
positions of others
6. HONEST- someone who is true to the acquisition, analysis and transmission of
ideas

I am a good researcher. And for me Research is: Answers may vary

ACTIVITY 1: My Top Picks! ACTIVITY 2: The Final Pick

Answers may vary Answers may vary

CHECKING YOUR UNDERSTANDING

1. Why is it important to be very careful when choosing a research topic?
It is important to be very careful when choosing a topic because it serves as the starting
point and the basis of the whole study. If you choose a topic that does not suit you and your
resources, you cannot make any progress with your research.

2. What makes a good research topic?

A good research topic is something that interests you, focuses more on unexplored
knowledge, not too broad (specific) and fits the amount of time and resources you have.

Care and concern for others:

What is the importance of research especially in this difficult time we are facing due to
Covid19 Pandemic?
Answers may vary.

POST-TEST
1. Innovation-Invention 4. can 7. Life Science 10. T
2. less 5. important 8. Robotics
3. T 6. T 9. T