Parts of the I-Search

Part 1:     Why I’m writing this:

In this section explain why this topic has selected you, and why you have a vital need for this information.  Make sure you use descriptive details to create a real, living, breathing person (you) behind the words.  Begin with an introductory story or make sure your first sentence engages the reader. 

Part 2:      What I Know:  This section explains what you already know about your topic, even before researching.

What I Want to Know:  This section explains what you want to find out about your topic.  It is also a way for the writer to narrow and focus the research topic.  You will take your research question and turn it into the thesis statement for your paper.

Part 3:      The Search--Secondary Research, (3-4 sources):

Write about what you discover in secondary resources like the CRC, the library, or on the Internet.  Be sure to use parenthetical documentation for quotes or little known facts.  You must have 3-4 secondary resources.  At least 2 need to be non-website sources (e. g. books, magazines, newspapers, database articles, professional journals).  No Wikipedia.

Part 4:     The Search--Primary Research, (2 sources):

You need to have TWO primary resources.  Write about what you discover from primary sources in your interviews or location interviews.  Describe your search in story form using dialogue and description.  Take your audience to the scene and make them feel like they were there.  Document this information by using parenthetical documentation.

Note:  For Part 4, you must have ONE face-to-face interview AND any one of the following: (for a total of TWO): A 2nd face-to-face interview; an interview conducted by phone, or location interview.  You may NOT interview immediate family members, your friends, or OSH school employees.

Hint:  Set up your interviews right away!  Interviews are not something you can do at the last minute, because you will be working around someone else’s schedule.  Make appointments now, or you may be sorry you waited!

Part 5:     What I Learned: A summary of how your questions were answered (or weren't); personal opinion about the value of the search; how this search might have a direct impact on your life.

What I Still Need to Know: How you might continue searching for more information.

Part 6:     Works Cited Page:

This is the last page of your paper, where you cite all the sources you’ve used in your search following the correct format in the MLA style manual.  Every source on your list needs to appear in your paper, and every source in your paper needs to appear on your list.  ***You need a minimum of 3 secondary sources and 2 primary sources. ***