• Do I understand the question/assignment?
• What are the main ideas or keywords?
• Can I restate it in my own words?
• What interests me regarding the topic?
• What information do I already have?
• What information do I need to know?
• What do I hope to learn?
• Have I brainstormed ideas/keywords related to the topic?

Inspiration is also available on all school computers to help you brainstorm and organize your ideas/keywords.

• Have I read through the teacher's criteria/expectations?
• Do I understand the 5 W's (who, what, when, where, why) of my topic?
• What types of sources should I use? (books, encyclopedias, magazines, online databases, Internet and personal resources)
• What new information, ideas/keywords, insights have I gathered?
• Is my topic too broad? Does there appear to be too much information?
• Is my topic too narrow? Does there appear to be enough information?

Use NoodleTools to note bibliographic information for future reference.

• Is my thesis statement clear and focused?
• Is it relevant to the assignment?
• Does my thesis statement take a position?
• Is it supported by my research?

Click HERE for help understanding and writing a thesis statement.

• What keywords will I use to search for information (print/nonprint) about my topic?
• Have I searched the Online Catalog for books and websites?
• Have I used an Encyclopedia to get a basic overview of my topic?
• Have I utilized the library’s online databases: InfoTrac and Maine InfoNet
• Have I searched the Internet using boolean logic?
• Have I evaluated the authority of the Internet sites I have chosen?
• Have I asked the librarian for assistance in locating useful information?
• Have I interviewed people who might be used as possible resources?

Use NoodleTools to note bibliographic information for your works cited page.

• Have I paraphrased the information I gathered from my sources and put it in my own words?
• Have I quoted "word for word" information that I want to use from my sources?
• Have I arranged my research materials into subtopics?
• Do I have enough information for each subtopic?
• Have I logically organized and prioritized the subtopics to support my thesis?
• Do I need to restate my thesis based on information that I have gathered?

Click HERE for a website tutorial on plagiarism.

• Am I satisfied that the information I collected has met the criteria, considers all perspectives, uses the strongest proofs, and supports my thesis thoroughly?
• Have I created a research paper draft that incorporates the source material in support of my thesis?
• Have I edited, revised, and then proofread my paper?
• Have I included parenthetical documentation?
• Have I created a properly formatted Works Cited page?
• Have I typed, then proofed my final paper?

Literacy Education Online also provides instructions for parenthetical doumentation and citing sources using MLA or APA style guides.

• What format would most effectively communicate my thesis and findings?
• What materials, tools, and time do I need to create my final project presentation?
• What communication skills will enhance the delivery of my project?
• Am I well-prepared, have I practiced, and do I have command of the material?
• What new topics and questions for further research have I generated as a result of my research?

Click HERE for information on Oral Presentations.