using mapping procedure to teach writing skills to high school students

LING 401 – Research Methods (Semester 181)

Assignment 3 – First & Final draft, introduction to research paper

In this assignment, you will write the introduction to a research paper on the topic and study you are proposing in this course. The introduction should meet the following requirements:

1. It should consist of 6 sections:

a. Introduction to the topic: In this section you will introduce the topic, being sure to include the theory or theories that form the foundation for the research questions. (15 points)

b. Statement of the problem: In this section, you will describe the problem you are trying to address in your study. The problem is usually something to do with language learning or teaching. (6 points)

c. Purpose of the study: In this section, you will state what you want your study to achieve. The purpose of the study should be related to the problem as you stated it in the previous section, and it should be clearly connected to the research questions (i.e. the purpose of the study should be to find the answers the research questions). (4 points)

d. Research questions: In this section, you will list your research question(s). (5 points)

e. References: In this section, you will list any sources you referred to in the introduction, using APA style for the references. (If you have referred to theory or theories, you will definitely have at least one reference to the literature.) (4 points)

2. The format of the paper will be as follows (6 points):

a. Use US letter-size paper (NOT A4).

b. Margins should be 1 inch on both sides and the top and the bottom.

c. Page numbers should appear on the upper right-hand corner.

d. Use Times New Roman Font, size 12.

e. The paper should be double-spaced.

f. Paragraphs should be indented.

g. Headings should be in bold, and should look exactly like the attached sample.

3. The introduction should be written in correct English, and should be proofread carefully to eliminate grammar errors, misspellings, and punctuation errors. (10 points)

Introduction

Begin the introduction here, without any heading. Introduce the topic, including the theory or theories that form the foundation of your research questions. This may be done in one or two paragraphs.

Statement of the Problem

Start your text here, being sure to indent the paragraph. Usually, one paragraph is enough to describe the problem you want your study to address.

Purpose of the Study

Start your text here, being sure to indent the paragraph. Usually, one paragraph is enough to describe the purpose of the study.

Research Question(s)

Start your text here. Be sure to use a complete sentence to introduce your research questions.

(start the references section on a new page)

References

Alyousef, H. (2006). Teaching reading comprehension to ESL/EFL learners. Journal of Language and Learning, 5(3), 64-67. [journal article]

Buzan, T., & Buzan, B. (1996). The mind map book: How to use radiant thinking to maximize your brain’s untapped potential. New York: Plume. [book]

Fauzi, A. (2007). The correlation between students’ vocabulary achievement and speaking ability (Unpublished bachelor’s thesis). Islamic University, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Jacobs, D. (2012). Having students articulate the outcomes of mind mapping while reading will improve text comprehension. Unpublished manuscript. Retrieved from http://www.daneprairie.com. [Internet source]

Rumelhart, D.E., & McClelland, J.L. (1981). Interactive processing through speaking activation. In A.M. Lesgold & C.A. Perfetti (Eds.), Interactive processes in reading (pp. 37-60). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. [chapter in an edited book]

Siriphanich, P, & Laohawiriyanon, C. (2010). Using mind mapping technique to improve reading comprehension ability of Thai EFL university students. International Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences, Songkhla, Rajabhat University. Thailand. Retrieved from http://tip.psychology.org/schema.html [conference paper, retrieved online]