### Lesson Plan: Research Skills for Year 9 English Students
**Topic:** Research Skills
**Year Level:** Year 9
**Duration:** 60 minutes
**Instructor:** [Your Name]
**Date:** [Insert Date]
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#### **Learning Objectives:**
- Understand the importance of research skills.
- Learn how to formulate research questions.
- Identify reliable sources.
- Develop note-taking techniques.
- Practice summarizing and paraphrasing information.
#### **Materials Needed:**
- Projector and screen
- Internet access
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts on research skills (including tips for reliable sources)
- Worksheets for practice exercises
- Laptops or tablets for students (if available)
- Examples of reliable sources and non-reliable sources
#### **Standards:**
- **Common Core State Standards:**
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.8: Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
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### **Lesson Outline:**
#### **Introduction (10 minutes)**
1. **Welcome and Attendance (2 minutes)**
2. **Introduction to Research Skills (8 minutes)**
- Brief discussion on why research skills are essential.
- Show an engaging video clip highlighting the importance of good research skills.
#### **Direct Instruction (15 minutes)**
1. **Formulating Research Questions (5 minutes)**
- Explain how to narrow down a broad topic into specific research questions.
- Provide examples of good vs. weak research questions.
2. **Identifying Reliable Sources (5 minutes)**
- Explain the criteria for reliable sources (e.g., author credibility, publication date, evidence-based, peer-reviewed).
- Show examples of reliable and unreliable sources.
3. **Note-Taking Techniques (5 minutes)**
- Introduce different note-taking methods (e.g., Cornell notes, bullet points, mind maps).
- Discuss the importance of organizing notes effectively.
#### **Guided Practice (15 minutes)**
1. **Formulating Questions Activity (5 minutes)**
- Distribute a worksheet with a broad topic.
- In pairs, students will create specific research questions from the broad topic.
- Discuss the questions as a class.
2. **Evaluating Sources Activity (5 minutes)**
- Provide students with a list of sources and have them identify which are reliable.
- Discuss their choices as a class.
3. **Note-Taking Practice (5 minutes)**
- Provide a short article related to the topic.
- Students will practice taking notes using one of the introduced techniques.
#### **Independent Practice (15 minutes)**
1. **Research Scenario (15 minutes)**
- Distribute a research scenario handout.
- Students will:
1. Develop 2-3 research questions.
2. Find and list 3-4 reliable sources.
3. Take notes on the information found.
#### **Closure (5 minutes)**
1. **Summary (3 minutes)**
- Recap the key points covered: formulating questions, identifying sources, and note-taking.
- Emphasize the importance of these skills for academic and real-world success.
2. **Q&A and Exit Ticket (2 minutes)**
- Allow time for any questions.
- Ask students to write one thing they learned and one question they still have on an exit ticket.
#### **Assessment:**
- **Formative Assessment:**
- Observation during activities.
- Evaluation of worksheets and practice exercises.
- Responses on exit tickets.
- **Summative Assessment:**
- Grade an upcoming research project, focusing on the use of skills covered in the lesson.
#### **Homework:**
- Assign a short research task where students must:
- Formulate a research question on a given topic.
- Identify three reliable sources.
- Summarize their findings and cite sources properly.
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**Note:**
Modify this lesson plan as needed to fit the specific needs and abilities of your students. Ensure to follow any guidelines or requirements set by your educational institution.