How to Write a R esearch Paper

1. How to Write a Research Paper

2. Step #1 Choose a Topic The Nile Step #2 Write a Research Question Why was the Nile so important to the ancient Egyptians?

3. Step #3 Start Researching and Choose Two Focus Points  Do some research to find out more about your topic.  Choose two focus points you want to further research. Agriculture Transportation

4. Credible Sources • When researching use only credible sources. Pay attention to domain name extensions: • .edu = educational institution • .gov = government • .org = non-profit organization • .com = commercial • Use Encyclopedias: Britannica.com, encyclopedia.com, and reference.com Do not use ask.com or similar websites Consider the author and the dates as information may have changed. Credible Sources

5. Step #4 Write a Working Thesis • Write a working thesis including your two focus points. • A working thesis may change as you continue to research. Working Thesis Example: The Nile impacted farming and transportation tremendously.

6. Step #5 Continue Researching • Continue researching your focus points #1 and #2. • You need to find one fact from: • A Book • A Credible Website • A Reference Source (encyclopedia, almanac, etc.) • Each source needs to be cited using MLA format.

7. Facts to Support Point #1Agriculture

8. Step # 6 Evaluate Research and consider Thesis • Look over your notes and evaluate what information supports your thesis and what information does not. • At this point you may wish to change your thesis to make it stronger and fit your research. Final Thesis: The Ancient Egyptians relied on the Nile River for agriculture as well as a form of transportation.

9. Step # 7 Fill in the Gaps You may find that you need more information to support your thesis. Make sure you have all the information you need before writing. Think about your introduction, do you have background information to give your reader?

10. Background Information - Introduction • The Nile is the world longest river at 4,175 miles (6,719 kilometers) in length (“The Great Nile” National Geographic. Web. 3/25/13). • It rises south of the Equator and flows northward through northeastern Africa to drain into the Mediterranean Sea. • Only 22% of the river is actually in Egypt. • The Nile flows through eight other countries. • The river is north flowing due to the heavy rainfall in southern countries in and around Ethiopia. This rainfall causes floodwaters to run downstream. • In about 3000BC settlements began to appear in small groups around the Nile, this is referred to as the Nile River Valley. (“The Nile.” Britanica Encyclopedia. Web. 3/25/14)

11. Step # 8 Prewriting - Organize Research in an Outline  Now that you have all of your information, it is time to organize it in an outline.

12. Start With the Facts

13. Organize Your Facts in an Outline

14. Introduction The Nile is the world longest river at 4,135 miles! However, only 22% of the river is actually in Egypt, the Nile flows through eight other countries and acted as a connecting highway for Ancient Egyptians. The Nile is a major north-flowing river in northeastern Africa with the mouth of the river opening up to Mediterranean Sea which was ideal for trade routes. The river is north flowing due to the heavy rainfall in southern countries in and around Ethiopia. This rainfall contributes to the floodwaters that rush downstream, flood the Nile and create magnificently fertile soil a midst a vast desert. It is the Nile that supports many aspects of life in Ancient Egypt as well as in modern times. In about 3000BC settlements began to appear in small groups around the Nile, we now call this the Nile River Valley. The Nile also provided a means of transportation for trade which also lead to economic success. The ancient Egyptians relied on the Nile River for agriculture as well as for a form of transportation.

15. Proof Paragraph #1

16. Proof Paragraph #1 Agricultural benefits from the Nile sustained life in ancient Egypt. Because vast amounts of Egypt are sand, the ancient Egyptians planned their farming around the flood season. Each summer the Nile would flood. Around October, when the floods would recede black silt was left behind on the banks. This was extremely fertile and ideal for farming. Eventually canals were even made to take the water from the Nile to use for irrigation. This was done so when the river was not flooding they could have water for their crops year round. According to the Britannica Encyclopedia, the water that had been collected in the canals and basins during the flood period was enough to supply nourishment for the crops for the next year (“The Nile” Britannica Encyclopedia). Egyptian’s main crops were wheat and barley. These grains were so important and were used to make porridge and bread that could feed many. They also grew vegetables, figs, melons, pomegranates, and vines. Some of the vegetables included onions, leeks, cabbage, and lettuce. Flax was harvested as well and used to make clothing. Due to the predictability of the flooding season, ancient Egyptian farmers were able to utilize the rich fertile soil and control the water so efficiently they grew everything they needed on the banks of the Nile.

17. Proof Paragraph #2

18. Proof Paragraph #2 In addition to providing fertile soil and irrigation for agricultural success, the Nile also provided an important means of transportation. The Nile allowed the Egyptians to communicate more freely with one another and connected the small villages to the capital. This increased trade and communication for the Ancient Egyptians. In a similar fashion, the Nile connected Egypt to other countries allowing for an increase in trade and communication with them as well. The communication with other countries brought goods that the Egyptians needed and was an outlet to sell their goods both which supported their economy. Their surplus grains were traded as well as granite, cattle, furs and other foods. Travel on the Nile was not always easy but rafts, boats and ships were the main means of transportation. Travel during the flood season was easier than in the dry season. While the trip from Memphis to Thebes only took about two weeks during flood season, it could take up to two months in the dry season. The current moved the boats along while headed downriver, however sails were needed to travel upriver. Egyptians used paddles or long poles to move them forward when there was no wind. The Nile River provided a natural highway which connected the people living on its banks, and was ideal for transporting large quantities of goods in and out of Egypt.

19. Conclusion Key Ideas/Main Points Proof Paragraph #2

20. Conclusion It was on the banks of this river that one of the first civilizations began. The ancient Egyptians depended on the fertile soil of the Nile for agricultural success, and as a means of transportation that sustained communication and trade. Ancient Egypt could not have existed without the river Nile. Since rainfall is almost non-existent in Egypt, the floods provided the only source of moisture to sustain crops. The Nile connected Egyptians with a natural highway, communication was possible, and trade successful. The Nile has given great opportunities to millions of people throughout history, and continues to do so to this day. Virtually everyone acknowledges that Ancient Egypt could never have existed without the great body of water. The people who lived along the Nile in ancient times used the river for agriculture and transportation. That hasn't changed, although the methods of agriculture and transportation have. While the ancient Egyptian society eventually collapsed, the Nile continues to flow!

21. Add Transition Words Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper.

22. Identify Transition Wordsin my Research Paper! 1. We will read and highlight the transition words found in my introduction together using the transition words handout. 2. Secondly, you will read and highlight transition words found in my proof paragraphs and conclusion. 3. Finally you will add transition words to your own research paper to connect ideas resulting in a paper that is well written and flows for the reader.

23. Introduction The Nile is the world longest river at 4,135 miles! However, only 22% of the river is actually in Egypt, the Nile flows through eight other countries and acted as a connecting highway for Ancient Egyptians. The Nile is a major north-flowing river in northeastern Africa with the mouth of the river opening up to Mediterranean Sea which was ideal for trade routes. The river is north flowing due to the heavy rainfall in southern countries in and around Ethiopia. This rainfall contributes to the floodwaters that rush downstream, flood the Nile and create magnificently fertile soil a midst a vast desert. Without a doubt it is the Nile that supports many aspects of life in Ancient Egypt as well as in modern times. In about 3000BC settlements began to appear in small groups around the Nile, we now call this the Nile River Valley. The Nile also provided a means of transportation for trade which also lead to economic success. The ancient Egyptians relied on the Nile River for agriculture as well as for a form of transportation.

24. Proof Paragraph #1 Agricultural benefits from the Nile sustained life in ancient Egypt. Because vast amounts of Egypt are sand, the ancient Egyptians planned their farming around the flood season. Each summer the Nile would flood. Around October, when the floods would recede black silt was left behind on the banks. As a result this was extremely fertile and ideal for farming. Eventually canals were even made to take the water from the Nile to use for irrigation. This was done so when the river was not flooding they could have water for their crops year round. In fact, according to the Britannica Encyclopedia, the water that had been collected in the canals and basins during the flood period was enough to supply nourishment for the crops for the next year (78). Egyptian’s main crops were wheat and barley. These grains were so important and were used to make porridge and bread that could feed many. In addition they also grew vegetables, figs, melons, pomegranates, and vines. Some of the vegetables included onions, leeks, cabbage, and lettuce. Flax was harvested as well and used to make clothing. To summarize, due to the predictability of the flooding season, ancient Egyptian farmers were able to utilize the rich fertile soil and control the water so efficiently they grew everything they needed on the banks of the Nile.

25. Proof Paragraph #2 In addition to providing fertile soil and irrigation for agricultural success, the Nile also provided an important means of transportation. For that reason the Nile allowed the Egyptians to communicate more freely with one another and connected the small villages to the capital. Consequently this increased trade and communication for the Ancient Egyptians. In a similar fashion, the Nile connected Egypt to other countries allowing for an increase in trade and communication with them as well. As a result the communication with other countries brought goods that the Egyptians needed and was an outlet to sell their goods both which supported their economy. Similarly their surplus grains were traded as well as granite, cattle, furs and other foods. Travel on the Nile was not always easy but rafts, boats and ships were the main means of transportation. Travel during the flood season was easier than in the dry season. While the trip from Memphis to Thebes only took about two weeks during flood season, it could take up to two months in the dry season. The current moved the boats along while headed downriver, however sails were needed to travel upriver. On account of that Egyptians used paddles or long poles to move them forward when there was no wind. In brief, the Nile River provided a natural highway which connected the people living on its banks, and was ideal for transporting large quantities of goods in and out of Egypt.

26. Conclusion It was in fact on the banks of this river that one of the first civilizations began. In summary the ancient Egyptians depended on the fertile soil of the Nile for agricultural success, and as a means of transportation that sustained communication and trade. Therefore ancient Egypt could not have existed without the river Nile. Since rainfall is almost non-existent in Egypt, the floods provided the only source of moisture to sustain crops. The Nile connected Egyptians with a natural highway as a result communication was possible and trade successful. Undoubtedly the Nile has given great opportunities to millions of people throughout history, and continues to do so to this day. Virtually everyone acknowledges that Ancient Egypt could never have existed without the great body of water. In conclusion, the people who lived along the Nile in ancient times used the river for agriculture and transportation. That hasn't changed, although the methods of agriculture and transportation have. While the ancient Egyptian society eventually collapsed, the Nile continues to flow!

27. Citation Overview & Rules In MLA style, referring to the works of others in your text is done by using what is known as parenthetical citation. This method involves placing relevant source information (Author’s last Name & Page #) in parentheses after a quote or a paraphrase. Any source information that you provide in-text must correspond to the source information on the Works Cited page. Paraphrasing, or rewording needs a citation.

28. Title Of Website Examples Website Title Of Page URL: http://www.historylink101.net/egypt_1/a-transportation.htm Transportation in Ancient Egypt The Nile River provided a natural highway for transporting large quantities of goods in Ancient Egypt. The trip from Memphis to Thebes took about two weeks during the flood season, while it could have taken up to two months in the dry season. Travel on the Nile was not always easy but rafts, boats and ships were the main means of transportation. Travel during the flood season was easier than in the dry season. While the trip from Memphis to Thebes only took about two weeks during flood season, it could take up to two months in the dry season (“Transportation in Ancient Egypt”). My Research Paper

29. Book Title or Website Title Or… According to the Britannica Encyclopedia, the water that had been collected in the canals and basins during the flood period was enough to supply nourishment for the crops for the next year. Or… When the Nile floods it leaves black silt on the banks which is very fertile and ideal for farming. (Authors last name 78). Authors last name page #

30. In Summary… Website – No Author (“Page Tile”). Example: (“The Nile”). Website With Author (Author’s last Name, “Page Title”). Example: (Moniz, “The Nile”) Book (Author’s Last NamePage #). Example: (Gomes78). Title/Author Stated in Paper (Page #). Example: According to the Britannica Encyclopedia, the water that had been collected in the canals and basins during the flood period was enough to supply nourishment for the crops for the next year (78).

31. MLA Parenthetical Documentation looks like this… Website No Author: While the trip from Memphis to Thebes only took about two weeks during flood season, it could take up to two months in the dry season (“Transportation in Ancient Egypt”). Website With Author: While the trip from Memphis to Thebes only took about two weeks during flood season, it could take up to two months in the dry season (Moniz, “Transportation in Ancient Egypt”). Book With Author While the trip from Memphis to Thebes only took about two weeks during flood season, it could take up to two months in the dry season (Gomes, 78). Title/Author Stated in Text: According to the Britannica Encyclopedia…… (78). According to Gomes…(78).

32. Authors last name, first name. "Title of Page/ Document." Title of the Web Site. Web. Date you visited the site.

33. Citing Sources Within Your Paper

34. Works Cited Page Any source information that you provide in-text must match up to the source information on the Works Cited page.

35. Parenthetical Documentation Must Match Works Cited Parenthetical Documentation Book With Author While the trip from Memphis to Thebes only took about two weeks during flood season, it could take up to two months in the dry season (Gomes, 78). Website With Author: While the trip from Memphis to Thebes only took about two weeks during flood season, it could take up to two months in the dry season (Moniz, “Transportation in Ancient Egypt”). Works Cited Gomes, Amanda. Transportation on the Nile. New York: Harcourt, 2001. *Use the publisher in place of the author of text books & encyclopedias Moniz, Kristen. "Transportation in Ancient Egypt." History 101. Web. 4/3/13.

36. How to Make a Works Cited Page List in alphabetical order Must have at least two sources Double Space Indent each line that follows the first for each source Works Cited is typed at the top of the page and centered

37. Sample Works Cited Page Works Cited Gomes, Amanda. Transportation on the Nile. New York: Harcourt, 2001. Moniz, Kristen. "Transportation in Ancient Egypt." History 101. Web. 4/3/13.

38. MLA Format MLA Heading Title Centered Times New Roman Font Size 12 Do not Underline or Use Bold Print Double Space 1 Inch Margins Header With Your Last Name and Page Number