Task Definition

Define the information problem

Identify information needed

1

Select a manageable topic (The Underground Railroad vs. Slaves during the Civil

War)

Create an essential question (What was the purpose of the Underground Railroad

and was it successful?)

Identify the central issue

Paraphrase the problem

elf.

Refine your topic by making a list of questions to ask yours

ject

Follow multi-step written directions to complete a pro

Information Seeking Strategies

Determine all possible sources

Select the best sources

2

Analyze sources to see if they have the information you need

Select information from a variety of sources to investigate a topic (books,

newspapers, websites, catalogs, Yellow Pages, schedules, promotional materials,

atlas, dictionary, thesaurus,

magazines, memo, directory)

Develop search strategies

Identify appropriate people to gain information

Distinguish between primary and secondary sources

Location and Access

Locate sources (intellectually and physically)

Find information within sources

3

Identify key words

Use text & organizational features, such as headings & numberings to locate

and access information

Use electronic sources such as Internet, web-based data sources, CD-ROM, pull-

down menus, key word searches, and icons

to locate and access information

Use sources with multiple perspectives

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Use of Information

Engage with the information

(Read, hear, view, touch)

4

Use reading comprehension and vocabulary strategies to understand the text

Adjust reading rate to comprehend the text (skimming, scanning, deep reading)

Identify main idea and supporting details

Summarize text

rmation

Determine and extract relevant info

, enter data

Take notes, paraphrase

Use prior knowledge

Interpret and draw conclusions from text & text features

Use evidence to verify meaning

ces

Verify content validity, credibility & authenticity of sour

inion

Determine between fact & op

Sort information gathered and decide if it will be useful

Determine author’s purpose

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Synthesis

Organize from multiple sources

Present the information

5

Organize information to support a prediction or inference in a self-created

graphic organizer

Cite passages from text to confirm or efend predictions/inferences

Find and analyze similarities & differences within and between texts (common

knowledge)

Use text-based evidence

pport the best solution or your

Analyze, interpret, and synthesize information from a variety of texts

Predict co

nsequences & provide evidence to su

belief (ca

Create a thesis statement from a narrow topic

is

Complete a pre-write, using relevant information that will support your thes

(use details relevant to topic to support opinions and ideas)

ur

Produce multiple hand-written or electronic drafts of your paper from yo

pre-write

about topic; do not assume

Include information audience needs to know

background knowledge

Reread, revise, and edit paper several times

dult,

aurus)

Use multiple resources to identify needed changes (e.g., writing guide, a

peer, criteria and/or checklist

provided by teacher, thes

raft for errors

Use multiple resources to edit (e.g., dictionary, peer, adult, technology,

writing/style guide, 4-Strand rubric, textbook)

Proofreads d

e as specified by teacher

on

Creates a finished product for intended audienc

(extended writing project, research report, PowerPoint, brochure, informati

poster, etc.)

Use technology to create and enhance product

Use writing GLEs and 4-Strand Rubric for content, organization, style and

conventions

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Evaluation

Judge the product (effectiveness)

Judge the process (efficiency)

6

Monitor progress toward implementing the plan, making adjustments and

corrections as needed

Analyze and evaluate the product using established criteria (teacher requirements

for the research project, class created research rubric, etc.)

Explain strengths and weaknesses of own writing using criteria such as checklists,

anchor papers, rubric, content scoring guides

en met; analyze personal growth

Provide evidence that goals have be

nt

Set goals for further improveme

Monitor and evaluate progress