Tutor:
So you were both given your project assignments for your senior thesis today right?
Jane:
Yes, and we already have to submit our topics next week!
Mark:
But how could they give us a grade this soon?
Tutor:
No, next week’s due date will not be counted towards your final grade.
...:
The teachers are just going to read your topic and give you feedback.
Jane:
Oh, I see. So first we should come up with our topics, and then what?
Tutor:
Well, once you know what you want to study, you need to think about how you’ll study it.
...:
You need to decide on your research methods. The methods will be the main part of your paper.
Mark:
What about the results section?
Tutor:
Well, I can give you feedback on that, but you will be the one carrying out an experiment and thus will have to produce the results on your own.
...:
What I would like to do today is practise writing research papers before you even begin your reports.
...:
I’ll give you samples of old data from past experience, and you can practice writing results and drawing conclusions.
Jane:
I think that would be really helpful.
Mark:
Yeah, it sounds like a lot of extra work, but I’m sure it will make our actual project easier.
Tutor:
You exactly right. So let’s get started. First, let’s try this simple experiment on fruit flies.
...:
Read the information, and then take 25 minutes to summarise a results and conclusion section. That’s really important - pay attention to the time limit.
Jane:
OK, does it still have to be 6,000 words?
Tutor:
No, don’t worry about that
Mark:
What if we get off topic?
Tutor:
I wouldn’t worry too much - you will have so much information to write about that it should be easy to stay on topic.
Jane:
But what about other sources?
Tutor:
Well for this assignment, you can use the one from your textbook.
...:
In your actual paper, you should find old experiments that support your topic.
Mark:
So do we need to find different types of sources? For instance, should I be conducting lots of interviews to use in my paper?
Tutor:
No, there’s no need to conduct lots of interviews or anything like that.
Mark:
OK, I’m ready to get started. I’m still a little confused though, on how we should format our paper.
Tutor:
Don’t worry about it for now, but on your final paper, make sure to pay attention to the format. It should follow the guidelines exactly.
Jane:
Oh man, I’m starting to understand why they give us all semester to do this.
...:
Are there any other small details like that that we should know about?
Tutor:
Not a whole lot, make sure you provide two copies - one for your teacher of course, but one for yourself as well.
...:
And of course, you know the due date, right?
Mark:
Uh, it’s April 11, right?
Jane:
What? No! It’s May 11. Right?
Tutor:
Yes. The due date is May 11. Write it down!
Mark:
Oh wow. Yeah, I need to note it. Also, I’m having trouble finding information on my topic. What if i can’t find enough good sources?
Tutor:
It’s alright to change your topic. Just make sure to do it before the beginning of April.
Mark:
Oh really? Wow, I’m definitely going to change it then.
Tutor:
Just make sure to write a note to your teacher letting him or her know.
Jane:
Okay. So getting back to writing this sample paper, where do we start? Should I just explain the experiment and what happened?
Tutor:
Well, you need to start with your hypothesis - what you think will happen - and then describe your procedure.
...:
Then you can write up the results and your conclusions.
Jane:
Oh boy, I don’t know if I can handle any more instructions…
