3.12 Questions, Sources, and Notetaking
Good Questions!
VERY IMPORTANT: READ THIS ENTIRE ONLINE BOOK BEFORE DOING ANY RESEARCH!
Now that you've selected a subject, the real fun begins! Biographical research is like detective work. Your assignment: Uncover fun facts about your subject! But first.....
Creating a focus question - a "big question" that will drive your introduction, conclusion, and information, and an outline will help you to focus your research and choose what facts to pay attention to, record, and think about. What is a big question?
When you read, the introduction and conclusion can help you determine what the writer's purpose was - and what "big ideas" the writer was hoping you would gain. A purpose or focus question helps to give unity to the biography.
TERRY FOX
What was the focus question of the Terry Fox biography? When you read about Terry Fox, the introductory paragraph said:
This Canadian hero has had more impact than he could have possibly imagined!
The closing paragraph said:
The research they’ve done is already saving lives, and Terry’s cause has now been taken over by others – millions of ordinary Canadians.
Can you tell what "big question" was being answered in his biography?
ALAINA PODMOROW
What was the focus question of the Alaina Podmorow biography? When you read about Alaina, the introductory paragraph said:
Back in 2006, when student Alaina Podmorow was only nine, she was inspired into action after attending a speech by a Canadian journalist and human rights activist named Sally Armstrong
The closing paragraph said:
Alaina lives her life following her motto that "education = peace" and has become a recognized force for change... She is someone who understands that the world beyond her own community needs help. According to www.littlewomenforlittlewomen.com, Alaina is more motivated than ever and vows to never stop fighting for Little Women and for Global equality in human rights. She continues to speak to audiences, sharing information about the importance of education as a key tool in peace building. The world is a better place thanks to inspired and inspiring humans like Alaina Podmorrow.
Can you tell what "big question" was being answered in her biography?