Mike Smith:
This week, I’m pleased to welcome my good friend Becky Cooke, a high school coordinator at Home School Legal Defense Association. It’s great to have you with us, Becky.

Becky Cooke:
Well, thank you. I’m delighted to be here.

Mike:
Before we begin discussing how to write research papers, let’s start with a basic question: what is a research paper, Becky?

Becky:
A research paper is simply a piece of writing that systematically and carefully investigates a particular subject or event. You parents may remember that when you were in high school and were asked to write a research paper, you used such sources as an encyclopedia, articles, books, and so on to write a lengthy paper in your own words about what these sources said. Today, however, students are expected to review multiple sources and then use the arguments and views contained in these sources to support the students’ own independent judgment. This type of writing is called analytical writing, and it will teach your students how to think critically. As far as length goes, these papers are usually 5-10 pages long. Since the emphasis in college is on this style of writing, it’s important for your children to begin mastering it in high school.

Mike:
Well thanks, Becky. And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.