How to write a research paper
Writing Workshop with Lisa Clark-Burnell
High School Research Paper
Fall 2026 Writing Workshop
Research Paper Workshop Overview
Students will learn how to write an academic high school research paper
How to effectively choose a topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow
How identify reputable sources
How to take notes effectively (summarize vs. paraphrase vs. quote) and track sources
How to sort information, order it and develop a working thesis or controlling idea
How to synthesize information from multiple sources
How to write a first draft with correct parenthetical citations in MLA format
How to revise for clarity, and craft effective beginnings, transitions, and endings
How to proofread
How to create a works cited page in MLA format
A deep dive into what intrigues you
Pricing, Dates, Ordering
My vendor name is “Lisa Clark-Burnell”
The class title is “Writing Workshop”
Price $300
Next class is 8 weeks in Fall 2026
September 8, NO CLASS 9/15 - go to an actual library to get a print source, 9/22, 9/29
October 13, 20, 27,
November 10, 17— publishing party!
2024 Supplies & Resources for the Research Paper Version of this class
Textbook: Models for Writers: Short Essays for Composition by Alfred Rosa & Paul Eschholz, 13th edition published 2018.
We’re using the college edition. (See photo above)
Link: ISBN 10: 1319056652 / ISBN 13: 9781319056650 Used price is typically $4-10 from Abebooks, Thriftbooks, and Amazon
Access to a library in December to find print sources (books and magazines) to augment their online sources for their chosen topic.
Lap-top for in-class for writing is highly recommended.
A place to store writing notes & handouts. A section in a binder with a pocket is fine.
Prerequisites & Homework for the Research Paper version of this seminar
Prerequisites
High school reading ability
We use the college textbook Models for Writers: Short Essays for Composition, which is designed for first year college students.
Students need to be able to read 10-15 pages a week from this writing textbook with sample essays. Students reading at a high school level will be fine.
Moderate to fast typing skills
We do much of our writing in class, but students who are slow typists will have more writing to do at home
Recommended minimum age: 12-13 although precocious readers who are younger are welcome on a case-by-case basis.
This class is designed for 8th graders through 12th graders, but younger precocious students who are willing and able to do the work are welcome.
Weekly Homework
Reading: 10 to 20+ pages a week from the college textbook Models for Writers: Short Essays for Composition. Occasionally students answer questions about the model essays they read, but mostly they implement the writing strategies they read about in their own writing.
Gathering research sources and note taking
Some writing: We set aside about 45minutes in class to write most weeks so a significant part of writing the rough draft work happens in class (provided students bring their sources, notes, current version of the draft on a laptop or a hard copy each week.) Students will write their introduction and conclusions at home as well as implement revision suggestions from instructor’s feedback and editing and proofreading.
I am an independent vendor with
SCSA - SoCal Scholars Academy
CPA -Cabrillo Point Academy,
PCA - Pacific Coast Academy,
Freedom Academy,
Dimensions Collaborative School,
Sparrow Academy.