The Grandparent/Elder Project

Unit IV: Writing

Step One: Introduction

The introduction to the history research paper should explain how the topic selected relates to the grandparent or elder. In the introduction, students should answer at least one of these questions:

• How did history influence your grandparent/elder's life--the decisions that they made, the experiences that they had, the relationships that they formed with people, etc.?
• How and what did your grandparent/elder contribute to history?
• In what actions and events did s/he participate in making history?

The introduction may present the information about the grandparent/elder in a personal manner. Students may wish to tell a story to explain the relationship between their focused topic and their grandparent. The grandparent's experience, or any other interviews that have been conducted, may be included throughout the research paper.

Step Two: Rough Draft

If students have done the detailed outline thoroughly and carefully, the rough draft should almost "write itself." Students are now crafting sentences to present the facts and details clearly so that the reader can follow the logical development of the thesis and see clearly how the thesis is supported and proven.

Step Three: Final Draft

Using the insights gained from the oral presentation, the questions from the class, and the discussions with your advocate, students polish their rough drafts and add conclusions.

The final draft must include a Bibliography using correct bibliographic formatting. Footnotes or endnotes to document the exact page source of information may also be required.

The final draft must include a cover sheet. A cover illustration is optional but suggested.