AW Lesson 3: Bibliography

10/1/2015

Hi everyone,

We had another busy class. I can't believe how quickly the time passes in our lesson.

Bibliography
We learned how to make a bibliography for a research paper. A bibliography is an alphabetical list of all the sources you use for your research paper. When you organize your source information in your bibliography, you need to arrange it using the MLA style (MLA=Modern Language Association).

APA Referencing:
APA referencing is one of the ways you can document your sources in your research paper. This style is used in the humanities, especially for writing about language and literature. In class, I gave you an APA guide with all the different types of referencing. You'll need this during our entire course.

Bibliography Guidelines:
For the last part of our lesson, we went through the bibliography guidelines. You can find these in the AW Lesson Materials of the website. Please remember these points when making your bibliography:

If you have a Japanese source, you need to write the information in romanji.
Type your bibliography in MS Word.
For your document file name, use this format: AW-Bib-given name (e.g. AW-Bib-Nanami)
In the subject heading of your email, use the same format: AW-Bib-given name (e.g. AW-Bib-Nanami)
Attached your document to the email; include a message in the email.
Your bibliography must look like the model from the guidelines.

Homework:
1. Bibliography: email by Oct. 6 before 12:00noon.
2. Blog Comment #3

Blog Question #3:

In next week's lesson, we are going to learn about how to write your introduction. You have your topic for your research paper. Now, you need your main idea (=your opinion) and three sub-topics (=smaller topics for each body paragraph).

Example #1:
Topic: British and American English
Main Idea:
Both use English, but there are many differences
Subtopics: vocabulary, grammar, spelling

Thesis Statement:
The U.S. and U.K. share the same language, but there are many differences between them. These differences include vocabulary, grammar and spelling.

Example #2:
Topic: English language education in Japan
Main Idea: use a variety of approaches
Subtopics: grammar-translation, audio-lingual, communication language teaching

Thesis Statement:
English language education in Japan uses a variety of approaches. These approaches include grammar-translation, audio-lingual and communicative language teaching.

For Blog Post #3, I would like you to do the same with your topic. (1) Write down your topic, your main idea and three subtopics. (2) Then, combine all of this information into 2 sentences. This will be your thesis statement.

Use capitalization, punctuation & spelling correctly.
Submit by Wednesday, October 7 by 6:00pm.

46 Comments

AW-Shinji

10/1/2015 07:45:04 am

Topic:
Immigration issues in the U.K.

Main Idea:
The U.K. has long struggled with the problems of the immigrants who have completely different cultures and religion.

Subtopics:
Human rights, Multiculturalism, Social issues related with the immigration (e.g. Workforce, Low birthrate, Longevity and so on.)

Thesis Statement:
The U.K. has long struggled with the problems of the immigrants who have completely different cultures and religion. The situation in the U.K. is becoming more and more complicated because it contains a lot of difficult controversial topics like Human rights, Multiculturalism and Social issues related with the immigration.

Nicole

10/2/2015 03:24:51 am

Hi Shinji,

You've chosen a very challenging topic. Good try with your first attempt to choose your main idea and subtopics. However, you need to consider these points when you re-write your thesis statement.

1. Your main idea presents immigration as something that is negative. It is true that there are some problems with immigrations, but multicultural countries would not consider immigrants as "negative." Most consider them as a benefit to their country.

Remember that the Japanese media (and many in the government) have a very negative bias about immigration. When the media reports the "problems" of immigration, the reports are sensationalized (and have tones of racism) in them. The benefits are often left out of these reports (and there are many more benefits than "problems."

For your main idea, you could consider these ideas:
a. the struggles of immigrants in new countries
b. the benefits immigrants bring to new countries
c. process of integrating immigrants into new countries
d. the challenges of integrating immigrants into new countries (e.g. lack of government language programs, cultural training, etc.)

2. You subtopics are not logically connected to each other. When you give a subtopic, you need to be more specific.

a. For human rights, there needs to be a specific connection. Human rights for the immigrants?

b. Multiculturalism doesn't connect to "immigration to the U.K. Multiculturalism is a part of U.K. society. The majority of those who live in multicultural countries do not see this as a "problem." Instead, it is a part of the culture and is seen in a positive way. For example, 51% of Toronto's population are immigrants. As a Canadian, I am proud of this that my country welcomes so many people from all over the world to live in Canada. When you walk in the streets, you can hear languages from all over the world, and this is part of the Canadian identity.

c. Social problems
Yes, there can be some intercultural misunderstandings and problems with so many cultures in one country. However, research shows that immigrants help increase the birth-rate. This is one of the reasons why Germany has accepted so many Syrian refugees in the past few months. Also, immigrants ALWAYS add to the economic productivity to the country. They are more likely to start their own businesses and become business owners. Finally, they are less likely to commit crimes and take welfare payments than the local population.

Please re-write your thesis statement and repost it by October 7 by 6:00pm.

10/2/2015 11:42:16 pm

I rewrote some of the subjects.
Please check it.
Thank you.

Preliminary info sources for this subjects:
http://www.migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/briefings/uk-public-opinion-toward-immigration-overall-attitudes-and-level-concern
http://www.migrationwatchuk.org/briefingPaper/document/249
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3223674/Britain-wants-quit-Europe-Shock-new-poll-shows-EU-no-camp-ahead-time-Cameron-prepares-face-Tory-rebels.html

Topic:
The situation of the immigration in the U.K.

Main Idea:
There are many opinions and perspectives on immigration among the U.K. citizens. Some people insist the benefit of it, but others deny it. Public reactions on this issue have widely varied and affected the political policy.

Subtopics:
Public poll, Social Issues, Welfare for immigrants

Thesis Statement:
The U.K. has a long history dealing with various immigrants. Some of the people welcome the traditional custom. However, there are also people who think their nation should change the course. Public polls clearly suggest the disparity between those. In addition, Some say that various social issues (e.g. workforce shortage, low birth rate, tax revenue and things like that) can be solved by accepting immigrants, but others concern that they may destroy the traditional cultures. Also, welfare for immigrants is the key controversial point. People in the U.K. are discussing the rightness for treating the immigrants using national funds.

AW-Kanako

10/2/2015 04:20:22 am

Topic:
Differences in hand gestures between America and Japan.

Main idea:
Hand gestures are one of important communication means, and we should know about them in detail.

Subtopics:
Same gestures have different meanings, gestures forbidden in certain places, and gestures unique to certain places or circumstances.

Thesis statement:
Hand gestures are one of significant ways of non-verbal communications and are used by people all over the world, but few people know that they have many meanings or how strong impressions they have. We are supposed to communicate with many people in various countries in the future, so everyone should know about hand gestures as common sense.

10/7/2015 02:11:25 am

Hi Kanako,

You have a good thesis statement. However, you also need to include your subtopics in your thesis statement. You should have something like this:

Subtopics:
Same gestures have different meanings, gestures forbidden in certain places, and gestures unique to certain places or circumstances.

Thesis statement:
Hand gestures are an important part of of non-verbal communications and are used by people all over the world, but they can have many meanings. We have to communicate with many people in various countries, so we should know about hand gestures. We need to pay special attention those that use the same gesture, but have a different meaning, to those that are forbidden, and to those that are unique to certain cultures.

Use this thesis statement in your introduction.

Great work!
Nicole

AW-Natsuki

10/4/2015 08:05:55 pm

Hi、Nicole

Topic:
Difference between American Sign Language and Japenese Sign Language.

Main Idea:
Both use sign language, but there are some different and similar points.

Subtopic:
sign itself (how to show same word in different way), culture and history (background)

Thesis statement:
Many people use sign language and they look common to all over the world. However, in fact, between American Sign Language and Japanese Sign Language, there are some different and similar points as history, culture and sign itself.

10/7/2015 02:15:52 am

Hi Natsuki,

You have some trouble with your subtopics. History and culture can't be a subtopic because those are obvious differences. Also, this is information you will summarise in your introduction. You need to choose subtopics that explain the differences in sign language.

For example, you can have a thesis like this:

There are many differences between Japanese and American Sign Languages, such as the use of the mouth, eyes and hands.

For your body paragraphs, you can then explain each of these differences.

Please let me know tomorrow your final decision on your subtopics.

Good try!
Nicole

AW-Mayu

10/5/2015 03:25:59 am

Topic:
Differences of meaning of silence in communication between Japan and America

Main Idea:
Meaning of silence in communication is very different from two countries, Japan and America.

Subtopics:
Politeness theory, positive and negative politeness, and high-context and low-context cultures.

Thesis statement:
Silence is one of the many parts of communication which is done by a lot of people around the world almost all the time, but, the meaning of this is very different from two countries, Japan and America. These differences can be explained with politeness theory, positive and negative politeness, and high-context and low-context cultures.

10/7/2015 02:24:24 am

Hi Mayu,

You have some trouble with your subtopics. Positive and negative politeness are parts of politeness theory. Also, high-context and low-context cultures is connected to politeness theory, so it is not a different subtopic.

For your subtopics, you can compare these types of points:
(a) the use of silence to avoid communicating;
(b) negative views of silence;
(c) strategic uses of silences (used in a positive way).

For your thesis statement, you can have:

Silence is used in different ways between Japanese and Americans. These differences include: (a), (b) and (c).

Please let me know your decision about your subtopics in tomorrow's lesson.

Good try!
Nicole

AW-Saeko

10/5/2015 03:28:44 am

Hi Nicole,

Topic:The Differences of meaning in gestures between Japanese and American

Main Idea: People in different countries sometimes cause a misunderstanding because they don't understand meaning of gestures in conversation.

Subtopics: roles of gesture, differences of meaning and eyecontact

Thesis Statement: People in different countries sometimes cause a misunderstanding because they don't understand meaning of gestures in conversation.
Therefore, I think it is important for us to understand roles of gesture, differences of meaning in gesture between Japanese and American and eyecontact.

10/7/2015 02:32:34 am

Hi Saeko,

Overall, you have all the parts for your thesis statement. We just need to re-word it to make it a little clearer.

Thesis:
Japanese and Americans use gestures differently, which can lead to misunderstandings. To avoid misunderstandings, it is important to know the frequency of gestures, the different types of gestures and the use of eye contact.

For your first subtopic (the role), the purpose of gestures in both cultures is to support verbal communication. It would be better if you explain the differences in frequency. Japanese use gestures much less in communication.

Here is a useful article that explain the frequency of gestures:
http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2164&context=jwprc

Please let me know your final decision about subtopic #1 in tomorrow's lesson.

Good work!
Nicole

AW-Natsumo

10/5/2015 03:32:05 am

Hello, Nicole.

Topic: The Differences in the Expression of Sadness in Japanese and American Culture.

Main Idea: express their sad feelings in different ways and it depends on its culture

Subtopics: feeling expression, concideration to others, virtue

There are some differences between Japan and America, to express one's feeling; and the sadness is a prime example of it. Feeling expression is based on its cultural thought process. People usually behave in ways what they think right. But sometimes it could be rude or ridiculous when Japanese show consideration to American, and vice versa. It is due to the virtues in each country.

AW-Natsumi

10/5/2015 08:41:28 pm

I am sorry for making an error.
My name is not Natsumo.

10/7/2015 04:18:12 am

Hi Natsumi,

You have a little trouble with your subtopics. Your topic is about the "expression of sadness," so your subtopics have to connect directly to the topic. Your subtopic "virtue" is not connected to expression.

For your subtopics, you can include these:
a. expressions that are used (e.g. what do people say when they are sad or when others are say)
b. body language (e.g. facial expressions, gestures, etc.)
c. cultural practices (e.g. special routines when sad events happen).

For your thesis, you can write:
Sadness is expressed different in Japan and the U.S. These differences include (a), (b) and (c).

Please let me know what you would like to write about in tomorrow's lesson.

Good try!
Nicole

AW-Kazuma

10/5/2015 06:26:44 am

Hi Nicole,

opic: Differences of text languages between the U.S. and Hong Kong
Main Idea: how texting languages grew up in both community with different cultures
Subtopics: abbreviations, use of emoticons, memes

Thesis Statement:
Texting Languages grew up differently in two cultures, the U.S. and Hong Kong. The differences include abbreviations, use of emoticons, or memes.

10/7/2015 02:36:12 am

Hi Kazuma,

Great thesis!!

We can re-word part of your thesis. Instead of "texting languages grew up....," you can say "Texting languages have developed different in the U.S. and Hong Kong..."

Great work!
Nicole

AW-Rika

10/5/2015 07:32:26 pm

Hi Nicole.

Main topic: Analyzing the differences between individualism and collectivism cultures.
Main idea: There are obvious differences between these two cultures.
Subtopics: their ways of thinking(the fundamental difference), personality, socializing

Thesis statement

The characteristics of culture has a deep connection to the lives and the environment of a country, and is what causes differences and gives originality to each countries around the world. The differences between the two opposing cultures; individualism and collectivism cultures can be seen through the certain ways of thinking and their beliefs, common personality traits and the way they socialize.

Thanks, Rika

10/7/2015 02:48:36 am

Hi Rika,

There are some problems with your subtopics. First of all, "ways of thinking" can't be used as a subtopic. There is a theory about this called the Sapir–Whorf hypothesis (or the theory of linguistic relativity). It says that language controls the way we think. However, this theory has been rejected by almost all researchers many years ago.

Second, you can't use "personality traits" because you cannot classify the personality traits of all Americans since it is a multi-cultural country. For example, an African-American and Hispanic American will have very different personality traits. This also applies to Japan. There can be similar cultural traits, but personality is unique to every single person.

For your thesis, you need to focus on the research of Hofestede and his theory of "cultural dimensions." According to him, there are five major differences between individualist and collectivist cultures. They are:
a) power distance
b) individualism vs. collectivism
c) uncertainty avoidance
d) masculinity vs. femininity
e) long-term vs. short term orientation

For your thesis, you can write something like this:
There are many differences between individualist and collectivist cultures. Three important differences include (a), (b) and (c).

Please tell me which subtopics you would like to include in your thesis in tomorrow's lesson.

Good try!
Nicole

AW-Ruka

10/6/2015 05:26:03 am

topic: The differences between Japanese and Western fairytale

main idea: There are some differences between Japanese and Western fairy tales.

sub topic: lessons learned from fairy tales/the characters/the settings

Thesis statement: There are major differences between Japanese and Western fairy tales，which are about lessons learned from fairy tales, the characters and the settings.

10/7/2015 02:50:16 am

Hi Ruka,

Super work!! Your topic, main idea and subtopic connect logically. You can re-word your thesis as:

There are major differences between Japanese and Western fairy tales, which include lessons, characters and settings.

Good work!
Nicole

AW-Nanami

10/6/2015 09:13:55 am

Topic: Feminine Falsetto

Main Idea: About feminine falsetto in Japan

Subtopics: The fact that Japanese women uses very high voice, what makes Japanese women use high voice, what is thought about it.

Thesis Statement: Japanese women tend to use high voices (in this research paper, we will call it Feminine Falsetto). That fact has some meanings and various opinions to it.

10/7/2015 03:02:54 am

Hi Nanami,

For your thesis statement, you need to a main idea (your opinion) and your subtopics.

For example:
Thesis statement #1:
There are many reasons for the use of the feminine falsetto among Japanese women. These include (reason 1), (reason 2) and (reason 3).

Thesis statement #2:
(For this thesis, you can explain the uses for the feminine falsetto and why it is changing).
Although some Japanese women still use a feminine falsetto, this feature of their voices has been changing. This paper will investigate the reasons for the use of the falsetto (body paragraph #1) and the reasons for why women are using it less (body paragraph #2 and #3).

Please let me know what you would like to write about in tomorrow's lesson.

Good try!
Nicole

AW-Yoko

10/6/2015 06:09:31 pm

Hello, Nicole.

Topic: Differences of assertiveness between American and Japanese

Main idea: The differences of the ways of assertiveness often can be an obstacle to successful communication.

Subtopics: refusal, desire, objection

Thesis statement: There are some big differences of the ways of asserting themselves between American and Japanese, and therefore they often can be an obstacle to successful communication. You can see the differences when you express refusal, desire and objection.

10/7/2015 03:04:50 am

Hi Yoko,

Wow! This is a great thesis statement!!!

Just remember that for a research paper, we can't use the 2nd person (e.g. you). Instead, use the third person (e.g. one).

"....One can see the differences when one expresses...."

or (1st person plural - we)

"...We can see the differences when we express..."

Great work!
Nicole

AW-Asa

10/6/2015 06:40:31 pm

Topic
the process of acquiring first language
Main idea
We all have mother language, and we believe that we aquired it naturally without learning. However, there is a process for it, so I would like to write about it.
Subtopic
When do we start to learn languages, how do we develop it, who affects us to acquire languages the most
Thesis
Do we start to learn languages as soon as born, or is there a certain period that we start to do it. This is one big question. Closest people when we were children are definitely our parents. They helped us quire mother language. But how much did they give influences to us? Also, how we developed it is one of the most important thing here.

10/7/2015 03:11:48 am

Hi Asa,

You have some problems with your subtopics. For first language acquisition, there is a lot of research that shows that there are three main stages before the age of five. You need to explain how children develop language at each one of these stages.

These stages include:
a. cooing/babbling stage
b. one-word/two-word stage
c. telegraphic stage

You would explain one of these stages in each body paragraph.

For your thesis, you could write this:
We all learn our first language from the moment we are born, and go through stages to develop it. These stages include (a), (b) and (c).

Please let me know your decision about your thesis in tomorrow's lesson.

Good try!
Nicole

AW-Kotoe

10/6/2015 07:06:26 pm

Topic : The Difference between Disney and Ghibli Animation Film

Main idea : Both animation is widely and throughly known all over the world , but they are differences in many points.

Subtopic : the differences in the process of making animation, the way of marketing, and target of the film.

Thesis : both Disney and Ghibli are widely and throughly known and loved by many people all over the world , however, they are diffenrnt in the process of making animation, the way of marketing, and the target of films.

10/7/2015 03:14:04 am

Hi Kotoe,

Great thesis! Your topic, main idea and subtopics logically connect.

You can re-word your thesis as:
Disney and Ghibli studios are both well-known animation studios, but there are different in three main ways. These differences include the process of making animations, marketing and the audience target.

Good work!
Nicole

AW-Kana

10/6/2015 07:13:19 pm

Hi Nicole,

Topic: The Difference in the roles of leading woman character in "Snow White" and "Beauty and the Beast"

Main Idea: Woman's roles in the society had changed in the past half a century.

Subtopics: Difference between the original story and Disney movie story, historical background(1930's and 1990's), Feminism

Thesis statement: Woman's roles in the society had changed in the past half a century. We can see the difference by looking at two stories, their historical backgroung, and watching two films with feminism point of view.

Thanks,
Kana

10/7/2015 03:30:57 am

Hi Kana,

For your main idea, you say the roles of women are different in these two movies. Therefore, in your subtopics, you need to state which three roles/features are different. Your first subtopic "historical background" can't be a subtopic. This is information you will give in your introduction. Also, "feminism" is an overall theme of your paper - it is a part of each subtopic.

For your subtopics, you can include subtopics like:
a. physical appearance
b. personality traits
c. roles in society
d. purpose in life

For your thesis, you can write:
The status of women has changed in the past fifty years. We can see this change in status through analysing the (a), (b) and (c) in the movies .... and ....

In tomorrow's lesson, please let me know your subtopics.

Good try!
Nicole

AWーKazuna

10/6/2015 07:52:16 pm

Hi, Nicole.

Topic: The Changes of English

Main idea: How has English changed sinse it appeared?

Subtopics: Old English, Middle English, Modern English

Thesis statement: English has changed and developed through many eras with incidents. Therefore, each era's English has differences and it is explained by three factors, Old English, Middle English, Modern English.

10/7/2015 03:33:09 am

Hi Kazuna,

Great thesis! Your topic, main idea and subtopics connect logically. However, you can re-word your thesis as this:

The English language has gone through many changes in the past millennium. These changes are demonstrated in the evolution of English from Old English to Middle English and finally to Modern English.

Good work!
Nicole

AW-Misa

10/6/2015 08:15:47 pm

Topic: the business etiquettes in Japan and the United States
Main idea: Both are the important for each other in the international business, but there'se some different manners
Subtopics: first cotact, reception and meeting

Japan and the United States are important countries for each other to conduct international business, but there're some different business etiquettes between them. They can be seen in the first contact, reception and meetings.

10/7/2015 03:36:17 am

Hi Misa,

You have a great thesis statement! Your topic, main idea and subtopics connect logically.

You can re-word your thesis as this:
Japan and the U.S. are two important international business partners, but misunderstanding can occur because of different business practices. These include introductions, .... and meetings.

For subtopic #2, "reception" has the same meaning as "introduction." Can you please explain this to me in tomorrow's lesson? You might have to change subtopic #2.

Good work!
Nicole

AW-Taiki

10/6/2015 08:28:06 pm

Hi, nicole.

Topic: Japanese and American Politeness

Main idea: Japanese interact with American today, but sometimes, they cannot understand each other because of the differences of their politeness.

Subtopics: The way to call name, the way to start conversation, hierarchy.

Thesis statement: Today, the world is getting closer, therefore Japanese people enjoy more oppotunity to interact with American. However, they cannot sometimes understand each other because of some differences between their politeness in conversations. These differences include the way to call name, the way to start conversations and hierarchy.

Thanks, Taiki.

Nicolee

10/7/2015 04:09:58 am

Hi Taiki,

You have some trouble with your topic and subtopics. Your topic is politeness, but your subtopics do not connect to your topic. For your first subtopic "how to call names" is not clear. Do you mean the order of names or the titles used in names? (e.g. Suzuki-san, Suzuki-sensei, etc. vs. Mr. Suzuki, Professor Suzuki).

The next subtopic, "the way to start a conversation" is connected to cultural conventions. This means "cultural routines."

The third subtopic, hierarchy, has many different meanings. Do you mean the type of language you use with those older and in higher status?

Each subtopic is a different topic for a research paper.

You need to choose a topic, and have all your subtopics directly connect to them.

For example, you can talk about the differences between "cultural conventions," such as greetings, making requests and making apologies. Each of these is done very differently in Japan and the U.S.

Please let me know your topic, main idea and subtopics in tomorrow's lesson.

Good try!
Nicole

AW-Ayaka

10/6/2015 10:40:57 pm

Hi Nicole,

Topic:
British and American gothic romance

Main Idea:
Gothic romance is one of the popular genres of novel in 18th to 19th century, and there are both differences and similarities between British and American one.

Subtopic:
These have different history and motif and similar plot.

Thesis Statement:
Gothic romance is one of the popular genres of novel in 18th to 19th century, and there are both differences and similarities between British and American one. These have different history and motif, and also similar plot.

10/7/2015 03:40:04 am

Hi Ayaka,

Most of your thesis statement is very good. However, you need to change your "history" subtopic. This is information you will explain in your introduction.

For your thesis, you can re-write it as:
There are similarities and differences American and British Gothic romance novels. These include symbolism, ... and plot.

You need to choose a new subtopic #2. Please tell me in tomorrow's lesson.

Good work!
Nicole

AW-Akimitsu

10/6/2015 10:47:09 pm

Hi,nicole.

Topic:The Differences between English and Japanese grammar for speakers.

Main idea: English and Japanese have many unique characteristics in grammar for speaking.

Subtopics: original grammar rules, remarkable point for translation, differences of grammar between writing and speaking.

Thesis statement:Many Japanese people have difficulty in speaking English because there are many different point in grammar. These differences like original grammar rules, remarkable point for translation and each language's differences in writing and speaking cause some trouble for Japanese english learner.

10/7/2015 03:44:38 am

Hi Akimitsu,

You have a few problems with your subtopics. Your topic is about the Japanese and American grammar, and for your main idea, you say there are some important differences. Therefore, your subtopics need to include the unique grammar differences.

For example;
a. the differences in tense use (e.g. English has a variety of uses for the present perfect while Japanese doesn't)
b. the use of plural forms / number counters
c. the use of subjects (e.g. "I" and "you" are used often in English, but not in Japanese)
d. the sentence structure (e.g. English uses SVO while Japanese uses SOV)

For your thesis, you can write this:
There are several differences between English and Japanese grammar. These include (a), (b) and (c).

Please tell me your subtopics in tomorrow's lesson.

Good try!
Nicole

AW-Nami

10/7/2015 12:19:53 am

Topic
First language acquisition

Main idea
How Children learn their first language

Body part
Universal Grammers, the memorization of motherese and learning nouns.

Thesis statement
In this paper I would like to research about how infants acquire their first language by three aspects, the memorization of the infants motherese and the learning of nouns and universal grammars.

10/7/2015 03:49:57 am

Hi Nami,

You have a little trouble with your subtopics. Your first subtopic, universal grammar, is a theory of language acquisition. This is information you would include in your introduction. Subtopics #2 and #3 are features in different stages of language acquisition.

For children, there are three major stages before the age of five. They include:
a. cooing/babbling
b. one-word/two-word constructions
c. telegraphic stage

You can explain each of these stages in your research paper; or you can choose one stage, and explain three important features of it.

For your thesis statement, you could have:

option #1:
There are three important stages children go through in order to learn their first language. These include (a), (b) and (c).

option #2:
Babbling is one of the most important stages of first language acquisition. Three important features of this stage include (a), (b) and (c).

Please let me know what you would like to write about in tomorrow's lesson.

Good try!
Nicole

AW-Nagisa

10/7/2015 01:57:11 am

Hi, Nicole.

Topic: Difference between Daniel Defoe and Jonathan Swift
Main Idea: Defoe writes a fact, but Swift writes a truth in a unusual world.
Subtopics: stage, opinion toward a social condition, loneliness

Thesis Statement:
Swift and Defoe writes a similar novel, but the way to think and write is so different each other. In detail, it is different in terms of stage, opinion toward a social condition, and loneliness between Defoe and Swift.

Thanks,
Nagisa.

10/7/2015 03:55:55 am

Hi Nagisa,

Great thesis! Your topic, main idea and subtopics logically connect. However, you can re-word your thesis like this:

Although Swift and Defoe are two British authors who wrote adventure stories, their writings are quite different from each other. These differences include settings, interpretation of social conditions and the portrayal of loneliness.

Good work!
Nicole

AW-Karen

10/7/2015 02:00:08 am

Hi Nicole,

Topic: Language Acquisition
Main Idea: How babies first learn language
Subtopics: babies and their brain, babies and effects from mothers

I'm still reading through my references, so I am not completely sure of my third subtopic but I am thinking of "babies first speaking words".

Thesis statement: The way babies first gain words and language is great wonder. There are three ways of explaining this, the mechanism of the brain, the effect of mothers, and how babies learn to speak words.

I hope to get some advice.

Karen

10/7/2015 04:02:18 am

Hi Karen,

You have a little problem with your subtopics. I would avoid "the mechanism of the brain" because the deals with the neuroscience of linguistics (and it can be a single topic of a research paper. Instead, If you are going to focus on how babies learn language, it would be best to focus on the first three stages, which include:
a. cooing
b. babbling
c. one-word constructions

In this way, you can write about each of these stages in each body paragraph (e.g. BP#1 = cooing, BP#2 = babbling, etc.)

Or, you can focus on just one stage, and explain three specific features of that stage.

Please let me know what you'd like to write about in tomorrow's lesson.

Good try!
Nicole

AW Lesson 3: Bibliography

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