FALCON+Steps

1. **Select a topic** that interests you. 2. **Pre-research** to learn background information & to find possible subtopics, main ideas, & key terms. 3. Brainstorm your **Research Question.** 4. Write your **Thesis Statement**. 5. Begin a working ** Outline ** that shows a logical progression of related ideas.
 * Break It Down: F-A-L-C-O-N Steps **
 * F ocus your topic **

6. Select your **Sources** from a variety of places. 7. Use **Search Techniques** to find information in books, databases, & websites. 8. **Evaluate sources** to make sure they are reliable. Use the **** Once you select a source, add it to your Works Cited page!
 * A ccess, evaluate, & select sources **

9. **Take notes** - quote, paraphrase, or summarize information as you analyze it. 10. Continue to identify subtopics, main ideas, & supporting details & examples. 11. Make sure you have enough information to support your subtopics & answer your essential question .
 * <span style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 20pt;">L earn by reading & taking notes **

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">12. Keep track of sources as you go. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">13.**__ Use MLA format __**for your Works Cited page & in-text citations.
 * <span style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 20pt;">C ite your sources **

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">14. Organize your notes/note cards & refine your outline. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">15. Synthesize information to write/create your rough draft. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">16. Revise & edit your rough draft. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">17. ** Check for plagiarism ** & ** [|submit your draft to Turnitin] ** to check for plagiarism. Edit & submit again if necessary, but note that second & successive submissions take 24 hours for results. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">18. Revise & refine your final paper/project. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">19. Double check your rubric. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">20. Evaluate & reflect on your process by asking, "What could/should I have done differently?"
 * <span style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 20pt;">O rganize & write **
 * <span style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 20pt;">N ote your effectiveness **