• Chess (Gr. 1-4)
  • TV (Gr. 1-4)
  • Metal Detectors (Gr. 2-6)
  • Tetris (Gr. 2-6)
  • Seat Belts (Gr. 2-6)
  • The Coliseum (Gr. 2-6)
  • The Pony Express (Gr. 2-6)
  • Wintertime (Gr. 2-6)
  • Reading (Gr. 3-7)
  • Black Friday (Gr. 3-7)
  • Hummingbirds (Gr. 3-7)
  • Worst Game Ever? (Gr. 4-8)
  • Carnivorous Plants (Gr. 4-8)
  • Google (Gr. 4-8)
  • Honey Badgers (Gr. 4-8)
  • Hyperinflation (Gr. 4-8)
  • Koko (Gr. 4-8)
  • Mongooses (Gr. 5-9)
  • Trampolines (Gr. 5-9)
  • Garbage (Gr. 5-9)
  • Maginot Line (Gr. 5-9)
  • Asian Carp (Gr. 5-9)
  • Tale of Two Countries (Gr. 6-10)
  • Kevlar (Gr. 7-10)
  • Tigers (Gr. 7-11)
  • Statue of Liberty (Gr. 8-10)
  • Submarines (Gr. 8-12)
  • Castles (Gr. 9-13)
  • Gutenberg (Gr. 9-13)
  • Author's Purpose Practice 1
  • Author's Purpose Practice 2
  • Author's Purpose Practice 3
  • Fact and Opinion Practice 1
  • Fact and Opinion Practice 2
  • Fact and Opinion Practice 3
  • Idioms Practice Test 1
  • Idioms Practice Test 2
  • Figurative Language Practice 1
  • Figurative Language Practice 2
  • Figurative Language Practice 3
  • Figurative Language Practice 4
  • Figurative Language Practice 5
  • Figurative Language Practice 6
  • Figurative Language Practice 7
  • Figurative Language Practice 8
  • Figurative Language Practice 9
  • Figurative Language of Edgar Allan Poe
  • Figurative Language of O. Henry
  • Figurative Language of Shakespeare
  • Genre Practice 1
  • Genre Practice 2
  • Genre Practice 3
  • Genre Practice 4
  • Genre Practice 5
  • Genre Practice 6
  • Genre Practice 7
  • Genre Practice 8
  • Genre Practice 9
  • Genre Practice 10
  • Irony Practice 1
  • Irony Practice 2
  • Irony Practice 3
  • Making Inferences Practice 1
  • Making Inferences Practice 2
  • Making Inferences Practice 3
  • Making Inferences Practice 4
  • Making Inferences Practice 5
  • Main Idea Practice 1
  • Main Idea Practice 2
  • Point of View Practice 1
  • Point of View Practice 2
  • Text Structure Practice 1
  • Text Structure Practice 2
  • Text Structure Practice 3
  • Text Structure Practice 4
  • Text Structure Practice 5
  • Story Structure Practice 1
  • Story Structure Practice 2
  • Story Structure Practice 3
  • Author's Purpose
  • Characterizations
  • Context Clues
  • Fact and Opinion
  • Figurative Language
  • Grammar and Language Arts
  • Poetic Devices
  • Point of View
  • Predictions
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Story Structure
  • Summarizing
  • Text Structure
  • Character Traits
  • Common Core Aligned Unit Plans
  • Teacher Point of View
  • Teaching Theme
  • Patterns of Organization
  • Project Ideas
  • Reading Activities
  • How to Write Narrative Essays
  • How to Write Persuasive Essays
  • Narrative Essay Assignments
  • Narrative Essay Topics
  • Persuasive Essay Topics
  • Research Paper Topics
  • Rubrics for Writing Assignments
  • Learn About Sentence Structure
  • Grammar Worksheets
  • Noun Worksheets
  • Parts of Speech Worksheets
  • Punctuation Worksheets
  • Sentence Structure Worksheets
  • Verbs and Gerunds
  • Examples of Allitertion
  • Examples of Hyperbole
  • Examples of Onomatopoeia
  • Examples of Metaphor
  • Examples of Personification
  • Examples of Simile
  • Figurative Language Activities
  • Figurative Language Examples
  • Figurative Language Poems
  • Figurative Language Worksheets
  • Learn About Figurative Language
  • Learn About Poetic Devices
  • Idiom Worksheets
  • Online Figurative Language Tests
  • Onomatopoeia Worksheets
  • Personification Worksheets
  • Poetic Devices Activities
  • Poetic Devices Worksheets
  • About This Site
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Understanding CCSS Standards
  • What's New?

Ereading Worksheets

Free reading worksheets, activities, and lesson plans., site navigation.

  • Learn About Author’s Purpose
  • Author’s Purpose Quizzes
  • Character Types Worksheets and Lessons
  • List of Character Traits
  • Differentiated Reading Instruction Worksheets and Activities
  • Fact and Opinion Worksheets
  • Irony Worksheets
  • Animal Farm Worksheets
  • Literary Conflicts Lesson and Review
  • New Home Page Test
  • Lord of the Flies Chapter 2 Worksheet
  • Lord of the Flies Chapter 5 Worksheet
  • Lord of the Flies Chapter 6 Worksheet
  • Lord of the Flies Chapter 10 Worksheet
  • Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
  • Sister Carrie
  • The Count of Monte Cristo
  • The Odyssey
  • The War of the Worlds
  • The Wizard of Oz
  • Mood Worksheets
  • Context Clues Worksheets
  • Inferences Worksheets
  • Main Idea Worksheets
  • Making Predictions Worksheets
  • Nonfiction Passages and Functional Texts
  • Setting Worksheets
  • Summarizing Worksheets and Activities
  • Short Stories with Questions
  • Story Structure Activities
  • Story Structure Worksheets
  • Tone Worksheets
  • Types of Conflict Worksheets
  • Reading Games
  • Figurative Language Poems with Questions
  • Hyperbole and Understatement Worksheets
  • Simile and Metaphor Worksheets
  • Simile Worksheets
  • Hyperbole Examples
  • Metaphor Examples
  • Personification Examples
  • Simile Examples
  • Understatement Examples
  • Idiom Worksheets and Tests
  • Poetic Devices Worksheets & Activities
  • Alliteration Examples
  • Allusion Examples
  • Onomatopoeia Examples
  • Onomatopoeia Worksheets and Activities
  • Genre Worksheets
  • Genre Activities
  • Capitalization Worksheets, Lessons, and Tests
  • Contractions Worksheets and Activities
  • Double Negative Worksheets
  • Homophones & Word Choice Worksheets
  • ‘Was’ or ‘Were’
  • Simple Subjects & Predicates Worksheets
  • Subjects, Predicates, and Objects
  • Clauses and Phrases
  • Type of Sentences Worksheets
  • Sentence Structure Activities
  • Comma Worksheets and Activities
  • Semicolon Worksheets
  • End Mark Worksheets
  • Noun Worksheets, Lessons, and Tests
  • Verb Worksheets and Activities
  • Pronoun Worksheets, Lessons, and Tests
  • Adverbs & Adjectives Worksheets, Lessons, & Tests
  • Preposition Worksheets and Activities
  • Conjunctions Worksheets and Activities
  • Interjections Worksheets
  • Parts of Speech Activities
  • Verb Tense Activities
  • Past Tense Worksheets
  • Present Tense Worksheets
  • Future Tense Worksheets
  • Point of View Activities
  • Point of View Worksheets
  • Teaching Point of View
  • Cause and Effect Example Paragraphs
  • Chronological Order
  • Compare and Contrast
  • Order of Importance
  • Problem and Solution
  • Text Structure Worksheets
  • Text Structure Activities
  • Essay Writing Rubrics
  • Narrative Essay Topics and Story Ideas
  • Narrative Essay Worksheets & Writing Assignments
  • Persuasive Essay and Speech Topics
  • Persuasive Essay Worksheets & Activities
  • Writing Narrative Essays and Short Stories
  • Writing Persuasive Essays
  • All Reading Worksheets
  • Understanding Common Core State Standards
  • Remote Learning Resources for Covid-19 School Closures
  • What’s New?
  • Ereading Worksheets | Legacy Versions
  • Online Figurative Language Practice
  • Online Genre Practice Tests
  • Online Point of View Practice Tests
  • 62 School Project Ideas
  • 2nd Grade Reading Worksheets
  • 3rd Grade Reading Worksheets
  • 4th Grade Reading Worksheets
  • 5th Grade Reading Worksheets
  • 6th Grade Reading Worksheets
  • 7th Grade Reading Worksheets
  • 8th Grade Reading Worksheets
  • 9th Grade Reading Worksheets
  • 10th Grade Reading Worksheets
  • Membership Billing
  • Membership Cancel
  • Membership Checkout
  • Membership Confirmation
  • Membership Invoice
  • Membership Levels
  • Your Profile

Want Updates?

101 research paper topics.

  • Why do we sleep ?
  • How do GPS systems work?
  • Who was the first person to reach the North Pole ?
  • Did anybody ever escape Alcatraz ?
  • What was life like for a gladiator ?
  • What are the effects of prolonged steroid use on the human body?
  • What happened during the Salem witch trials ?
  • Are there any effective means of repelling insects ?
  • How did trains and railroads change life in America?
  • What may have occurred during the Roswell  UFO incident of 1947?
  • How is bulletproof clothing made?
  • What Olympic events were practiced in ancient Greece?
  • What are the major theories explaining the disappearance of the dinosaurs ?
  • How was the skateboard invented and how has it changed over the years?
  • How did the long bow contribute to English military dominance?
  • What caused the stock market crash of 2008?
  • How did Cleopatra come to power in Egypt what did she do during her reign?
  • How has airport security intensified since September 11 th , 2001?
  • What is life like inside of a beehive ?
  • Where did hip hop originate and who were its founders?
  • What makes the platypus a unique and interesting mammal?
  • How does tobacco use affect the human body?
  • How do computer viruses spread and in what ways do they affect computers?
  • What is daily life like for a Buddhist monk ?
  • What are the origins of the conflict in Darfur ?
  • How did gunpowder change warfare?
  • In what ways do Wal-Mart stores affect local economies?
  • How were cats and dogs domesticated and for what purposes?
  • What do historians know about ninjas ?
  • How has the music industry been affected by the internet and digital downloading?
  • What were the circumstances surrounding the death of Osama Bin Laden ?
  • What was the women’s suffrage movement and how did it change America?
  • What efforts are being taken to protect endangered wildlife ?
  • How much does the war on drugs cost Americans each year?
  • How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?
  • Are humans still evolving ?
  • What technologies are available to home owners to help them conserve energy ?
  • How have oil spills affected the planet and what steps are being taken to prevent them?
  • What was the Magna Carta and how did it change England?
  • What is the curse of the pharaohs?
  • Why was Socrates executed?
  • What nonlethal weapons are used by police to subdue rioters?
  • How does the prison population in America compare to other nations?
  • How did ancient sailors navigate the globe?
  • Can gamblers ever acquire a statistical advantage over the house in casino games?
  • What is alchemy and how has it been attempted?
  • How are black holes formed?
  • How was the assassination of Abraham Lincoln plotted and executed?
  • Do the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks?
  • How do submarines work?
  • Do lie detector tests accurately determine truthful statements?
  • How did Cold War tension affect the US and the world?
  • What happened to the lost settlers at Roanoke ?
  • How does a hybrid car save energy?
  • What ingredients can be found inside of a hotdog ?
  • How did Julius Caesar affect Rome?
  • What are some common sleep disorders and how are they treated?
  • How did the Freedom Riders change society?
  • How is internet censorship used in China and around the world?
  • What was the code of the Bushido and how did it affect samurai warriors ?
  • What are the risks of artificial tanning or prolonged exposure to the sun?
  • What programs are available to help war veterans get back into society?
  • What steps are involved in creating a movie or television show?
  • How have the film and music industries dealt with piracy ?
  • How did Joan of Arc change history?
  • What responsibilities do secret service agents have?
  • How does a shark hunt?
  • What dangers and hardships did Lewis and Clark face when exploring the Midwest?
  • Has the Patriot Act prevented or stopped terrorist acts in America?
  • Do states that allow citizens to carry guns have higher or lower crime rates?
  • How are the Great Depression and the Great Recession similar and different?
  • What are the dangers of scuba diving and underwater exploration?
  • How does the human brain store and retrieve memories ?
  • What was the Manhattan Project and what impact did it have on the world?
  • How does stealth technology shield aircraft from radar?
  • What causes tornadoes ?
  • Why did Martin Luther protest against the Catholic Church?
  • How does a search engine work?
  • What are the current capabilities and future goals of genetic engineers ?
  • How did the Roman Empire fall?
  • What obstacles faced scientists in breaking the sound barrier ?
  • How did the black plague affect Europe?
  • What happened to Amelia Earhart ?
  • What are the dangers and hazards of using nuclear power ?
  • How did Genghis Khan conquer Persia?
  • What architectural marvels were found in Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec Empire ?
  • From where does spam email come and can we stop it?
  • How does night vision work?
  • How did journalists influence US war efforts in Vietnam ?
  • What are the benefits and hazards of medical marijuana ?
  • What causes desert mirages and how do they affect wanderers?
  • What was the cultural significance of the first moon landing ?
  • What are sinkholes and how are they formed?
  • Have any psychics ever solved crimes or prevented them from occurring?
  • Who is Vlad the Impaler and what is his connection to Count Dracula ?
  • What are the risks of climate change and global warming ?
  • What treatments are available to people infected with HIV and are they effective?
  • Who was a greater inventor, Leonardo di Vinci or Thomas Edison ?
  • How are the Chinese and American economies similar and different?
  • Why was communism unsuccessful in so many countries?
  • In what ways do video games affect children and teenagers?

This is an image of a young woman in a library. She is sitting at a desk with a pile of books and looking toward the ceiling. She appears to be in deep thought.

923 Comments

I like using this website when I assist kids with learning as a lot of these topics are quickly covered in the school systems. Thankyou

Mackenah Nicole Molina

Wow! I always have trouble deiciding what to do a research project on but this list has totally solved that. Now my only problem is choosing what idea on this list I should do first!

Most of these my teacher rejected because apparently ‘these aren’t grade level topics, and I doubt they interest you”

I’m sorry to hear that. Sounds like you will have a potentially valuable character-building experience in the short-term.

Edwin Augusto Galindo Cuba

THIS SITE IS AWESOME, THERE ARE LOTS OF TOPICS TO LEARN AND MASTER OUR SKILLS!

research kid

I need one about animals, please. I have been challenged to a animal research project, Due Friday. I have no clue what to research! somebody help, thanks for reading!

You can do one on bats

For international studies you can do Defense and Security.

This was very helpful.

Research on Ben Franklin? I think THAT will get a real charge out of everyone (hehehehegetit)

Mandy Maher

“Is it possible to colonize Mars?”

maddy burney

these are silly topics

thx for making this real.

more gaming questions!!!!!!

Is it still considered stealing if you don’t get caught?

Yes, yes it is still considered stealing.

I need topics on memes

Mary Nnamani

Please I need project topics on Language Literature

Marcella Vallarino

I would appreciate a list of survey questions for middle school grades 6-8

I need a research topics about public sector management

I NEED FIVE EXAMPLES EACH ON QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH (EDUCATION, HEALTH, TECHNOLOGY, ECONOMY AND ENGINEERING)

publish research that are interesting please……

hey can you do one on the burmiueda triangle

Anybody know video games effect kids,and,teens. There Fun!!

they’re

I need a topic about woman history if any of u can find 1 please that would be great!

You could research about the history of the astronauts, and of human past (WWI, WWII, etc.)

so about women? Manitoba Women Win the Right to Vote in Municipal Elections, The First Women, January 23, 1849: Elizabeth Blackwell becomes the first woman to graduate from medical school and become a doctor in the United States, Rosa Parks Civil Rights Equal Pay. I have way more. so if you need more just ask.

communism is good

what are you a communist?!?!

Did FDR know about the upcoming attack on Pearl Harbor on 07 DEC 1941.

do you know how babies are born

Christine Singu

kindly assist with a research topic in the field of accounting or auditing

need more about US army

Please can yiu give me a topic in education

I think one should be how can music/Video games can affect the life for people

or How Do Video Games Affect Teenagers?

zimbabwe leader

I think a good topic is supporting the confederate flag!

Need a research topic within the context of students union government and dues payments

do more weird ones plz

joyce alcantara

Hi pls po can you give me a topic relate for humanities pls thank u.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe Now

Popular content.

  • Author's Purpose Worksheets
  • Characterization Worksheets
  • Common Core Lesson and Unit Plans
  • Online Reading Practice Tests
  • Plot Worksheets
  • Reading Comprehension Worksheets
  • Summary Worksheets
  • Theme Worksheets

New and Updated Pages

  • Capitalization Worksheets
  • Contractions Worksheets
  • Double Negatives Worksheets
  • Homophones & Word Choice Worksheets

BECOME A MEMBER!

Scaffolding Methods for Research Paper Writing

Scaffolding Methods for Research Paper Writing

  • Resources & Preparation
  • Instructional Plan
  • Related Resources

Students will use scaffolding to research and organize information for writing a research paper. A research paper scaffold provides students with clear support for writing expository papers that include a question (problem), literature review, analysis, methodology for original research, results, conclusion, and references. Students examine informational text, use an inquiry-based approach, and practice genre-specific strategies for expository writing. Depending on the goals of the assignment, students may work collaboratively or as individuals. A student-written paper about color psychology provides an authentic model of a scaffold and the corresponding finished paper. The research paper scaffold is designed to be completed during seven or eight sessions over the course of four to six weeks.

Featured Resources

  • Research Paper Scaffold : This handout guides students in researching and organizing the information they need for writing their research paper.
  • Inquiry on the Internet: Evaluating Web Pages for a Class Collection : Students use Internet search engines and Web analysis checklists to evaluate online resources then write annotations that explain how and why the resources will be valuable to the class.

From Theory to Practice

  • Research paper scaffolding provides a temporary linguistic tool to assist students as they organize their expository writing. Scaffolding assists students in moving to levels of language performance they might be unable to obtain without this support.
  • An instructional scaffold essentially changes the role of the teacher from that of giver of knowledge to leader in inquiry. This relationship encourages creative intelligence on the part of both teacher and student, which in turn may broaden the notion of literacy so as to include more learning styles.
  • An instructional scaffold is useful for expository writing because of its basis in problem solving, ownership, appropriateness, support, collaboration, and internalization. It allows students to start where they are comfortable, and provides a genre-based structure for organizing creative ideas.
  • In order for students to take ownership of knowledge, they must learn to rework raw information, use details and facts, and write.
  • Teaching writing should involve direct, explicit comprehension instruction, effective instructional principles embedded in content, motivation and self-directed learning, and text-based collaborative learning to improve middle school and high school literacy.

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

  • 1. Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
  • 2. Students read a wide range of literature from many periods in many genres to build an understanding of the many dimensions (e.g., philosophical, ethical, aesthetic) of human experience.
  • 3. Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features (e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
  • 4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
  • 5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
  • 6. Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.
  • 7. Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and nonprint texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.
  • 8. Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
  • 12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Materials and Technology

Computers with Internet access and printing capability

  • Research Paper Scaffold
  • Example Research Paper Scaffold
  • Example Student Research Paper
  • Internet Citation Checklist
  • Research Paper Scoring Rubric
  • Permission Form (optional)

Preparation

Student objectives.

Students will

  • Formulate a clear thesis that conveys a perspective on the subject of their research
  • Practice research skills, including evaluation of sources, paraphrasing and summarizing relevant information, and citation of sources used
  • Logically group and sequence ideas in expository writing
  • Organize and display information on charts, maps, and graphs

Session 1: Research Question

You should approve students’ final research questions before Session 2. You may also wish to send home the Permission Form with students, to make parents aware of their child’s research topic and the project due dates.

Session 2: Literature Review—Search

Prior to this session, you may want to introduce or review Internet search techniques using the lesson Inquiry on the Internet: Evaluating Web Pages for a Class Collection . You may also wish to consult with the school librarian regarding subscription databases designed specifically for student research, which may be available through the school or public library. Using these types of resources will help to ensure that students find relevant and appropriate information. Using Internet search engines such as Google can be overwhelming to beginning researchers.

Session 3: Literature Review—Notes

Students need to bring their articles to this session. For large classes, have students highlight relevant information (as described below) and submit the articles for assessment before beginning the session.

Checking Literature Review entries on the same day is best practice, as it gives both you and the student time to plan and address any problems before proceeding. Note that in the finished product this literature review section will be about six paragraphs, so students need to gather enough facts to fit this format.

Session 4: Analysis

Session 5: original research.

Students should design some form of original research appropriate to their topics, but they do not necessarily have to conduct the experiments or surveys they propose. Depending on the appropriateness of the original research proposals, the time involved, and the resources available, you may prefer to omit the actual research or use it as an extension activity.

Session 6: Results (optional)

Session 7: conclusion, session 8: references and writing final draft, student assessment / reflections.

  • Observe students’ participation in the initial stages of the Research Paper Scaffold and promptly address any errors or misconceptions about the research process.
  • Observe students and provide feedback as they complete each section of the Research Paper Scaffold.
  • Provide a safe environment where students will want to take risks in exploring ideas. During collaborative work, offer feedback and guidance to those who need encouragement or require assistance in learning cooperation and tolerance.
  • Involve students in using the Research Paper Scoring Rubric for final evaluation of the research paper. Go over this rubric during Session 8, before they write their final drafts.
  • Strategy Guides

Add new comment

  • Print this resource

Explore Resources by Grade

  • Kindergarten K

Eighth Grade Research Paper Ideas

Rebecca bagwell.

Close-up photo of books in brown wooden shelf.jpg

Eighth grade research papers primarily focus on learning how to research a topic and document that research properly. These important skills will enable eighth grade students to write well-researched papers, while drawing conclusions, when they attend high school. Students needing eighth grade research paper ideas should find a topic that covers an historical time period, current issue or personal interests.

Explore this article

  • Historical Ideas
  • Current Issues Ideas
  • Favorite Interest Ideas

1 Historical Ideas

Pick an historical topic to find research easily. The events documented in the 20th century contain a variety of first-hand source materials such as film, interviews and pictures. Many national newspapers archived their accounts of events such as President Kennedy's assassination, the Civil Rights movement, the Nixon Watergate scandal, the Space Program, Vietnam War, Holocaust or the Depression. A research paper idea such as an historical event or an historical person needs to be narrowed down so that you can research fully one aspect of that person or event. Any president will make an interesting eighth grade research paper idea because each president uniquely affected America.

2 Current Issues Ideas

Current issues that have a world-wide affect can be easy to research. Experts routinely publish findings on topics such as animal rights, gun control, the death penalty, global warming, immigration and so on, as they research how these topics affect people. Take an issue that affects your community and learn more about the options available for these current issues. Look at other countries for different perspectives on human rights, education, universal health care, elderly care or labor unions, to compare how America approaches problems differently. Research alternative fuel sources or compare and contrast the benefits and dangers of nuclear power. Decide if space exploration should be a priority over other national concerns. Eighth grade research paper ideas can also focus on how these issues will affect tomorrow's leaders.

3 Favorite Interest Ideas

Choose your favorite interest to write an eighth grade research paper. Though music and sports are broad topics, narrow your interest to research on a specific facet of the music industry or sports leagues. Pick a favorite musician or athlete and research influences in that person's life. If you have a certain hobby, research its origins or influence on society. Any particular interests in a science, such as astronomy, medicine, botany, zoology and so on, can develop into a research paper on the significance of that science. Pick a favorite author or artist and research their work. If any family members have ever served in the armed forces, write about the history of that branch of the military.

  • 1 Corning Union ESD: Report Topics for 8th Grade Report

About the Author

Rebecca Bagwell is an educator with a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Trinity Baptist College. She has taught in China and the United States. While overseas she started writing articles in 2006 for bilingual trade journals. Now, she lives in the South where she homeschools and writes freelance articles encouraging creative approaches to education.

Related Articles

Seventh-Grade Research Paper Topics

Seventh-Grade Research Paper Topics

List of Conservative Think Tanks

List of Conservative Think Tanks

How to Write an Elementary School Research Report

How to Write an Elementary School Research Report

School History Project Ideas

School History Project Ideas

What Is a Good Topic for an Argumentative Research Essay?

What Is a Good Topic for an Argumentative Research...

History Thesis Topics

History Thesis Topics

Ideas for a Cultural Anthropology Research Paper

Ideas for a Cultural Anthropology Research Paper

What Is a Quasi Experimental Study?

What Is a Quasi Experimental Study?

Science Research Paper Topic Ideas

Science Research Paper Topic Ideas

How to Write a Thesis Statement About a Country

How to Write a Thesis Statement About a Country

PhD Topics in Commerce

PhD Topics in Commerce

Popular Research Paper Topics for Ninth Grade

Popular Research Paper Topics for Ninth Grade

Weird Topics for a Research Paper

Weird Topics for a Research Paper

How to Start an Informative Paper

How to Start an Informative Paper

Research Topics for a Paper on Drugs

Research Topics for a Paper on Drugs

Good Topics for Research Papers for Third-Graders

Good Topics for Research Papers for Third-Graders

Definition of Micro & Macro Economics

Definition of Micro & Macro Economics

How to Write a Biography Analysis

How to Write a Biography Analysis

International Relations Paper Topics

International Relations Paper Topics

What Is Policy Analysis?

How To Write A Research Paper

Step-By-Step Tutorial With Examples + FREE Template

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | March 2024

For many students, crafting a strong research paper from scratch can feel like a daunting task – and rightly so! In this post, we’ll unpack what a research paper is, what it needs to do , and how to write one – in three easy steps. 🙂 

Overview: Writing A Research Paper

What (exactly) is a research paper.

  • How to write a research paper
  • Stage 1 : Topic & literature search
  • Stage 2 : Structure & outline
  • Stage 3 : Iterative writing
  • Key takeaways

Let’s start by asking the most important question, “ What is a research paper? ”.

Simply put, a research paper is a scholarly written work where the writer (that’s you!) answers a specific question (this is called a research question ) through evidence-based arguments . Evidence-based is the keyword here. In other words, a research paper is different from an essay or other writing assignments that draw from the writer’s personal opinions or experiences. With a research paper, it’s all about building your arguments based on evidence (we’ll talk more about that evidence a little later).

Now, it’s worth noting that there are many different types of research papers , including analytical papers (the type I just described), argumentative papers, and interpretative papers. Here, we’ll focus on analytical papers , as these are some of the most common – but if you’re keen to learn about other types of research papers, be sure to check out the rest of the blog .

With that basic foundation laid, let’s get down to business and look at how to write a research paper .

Research Paper Template

Overview: The 3-Stage Process

While there are, of course, many potential approaches you can take to write a research paper, there are typically three stages to the writing process. So, in this tutorial, we’ll present a straightforward three-step process that we use when working with students at Grad Coach.

These three steps are:

  • Finding a research topic and reviewing the existing literature
  • Developing a provisional structure and outline for your paper, and
  • Writing up your initial draft and then refining it iteratively

Let’s dig into each of these.

Need a helping hand?

writing a research paper 8th grade

Step 1: Find a topic and review the literature

As we mentioned earlier, in a research paper, you, as the researcher, will try to answer a question . More specifically, that’s called a research question , and it sets the direction of your entire paper. What’s important to understand though is that you’ll need to answer that research question with the help of high-quality sources – for example, journal articles, government reports, case studies, and so on. We’ll circle back to this in a minute.

The first stage of the research process is deciding on what your research question will be and then reviewing the existing literature (in other words, past studies and papers) to see what they say about that specific research question. In some cases, your professor may provide you with a predetermined research question (or set of questions). However, in many cases, you’ll need to find your own research question within a certain topic area.

Finding a strong research question hinges on identifying a meaningful research gap – in other words, an area that’s lacking in existing research. There’s a lot to unpack here, so if you wanna learn more, check out the plain-language explainer video below.

Once you’ve figured out which question (or questions) you’ll attempt to answer in your research paper, you’ll need to do a deep dive into the existing literature – this is called a “ literature search ”. Again, there are many ways to go about this, but your most likely starting point will be Google Scholar .

If you’re new to Google Scholar, think of it as Google for the academic world. You can start by simply entering a few different keywords that are relevant to your research question and it will then present a host of articles for you to review. What you want to pay close attention to here is the number of citations for each paper – the more citations a paper has, the more credible it is (generally speaking – there are some exceptions, of course).

how to use google scholar

Ideally, what you’re looking for are well-cited papers that are highly relevant to your topic. That said, keep in mind that citations are a cumulative metric , so older papers will often have more citations than newer papers – just because they’ve been around for longer. So, don’t fixate on this metric in isolation – relevance and recency are also very important.

Beyond Google Scholar, you’ll also definitely want to check out academic databases and aggregators such as Science Direct, PubMed, JStor and so on. These will often overlap with the results that you find in Google Scholar, but they can also reveal some hidden gems – so, be sure to check them out.

Once you’ve worked your way through all the literature, you’ll want to catalogue all this information in some sort of spreadsheet so that you can easily recall who said what, when and within what context. If you’d like, we’ve got a free literature spreadsheet that helps you do exactly that.

Don’t fixate on an article’s citation count in isolation - relevance (to your research question) and recency are also very important.

Step 2: Develop a structure and outline

With your research question pinned down and your literature digested and catalogued, it’s time to move on to planning your actual research paper .

It might sound obvious, but it’s really important to have some sort of rough outline in place before you start writing your paper. So often, we see students eagerly rushing into the writing phase, only to land up with a disjointed research paper that rambles on in multiple

Now, the secret here is to not get caught up in the fine details . Realistically, all you need at this stage is a bullet-point list that describes (in broad strokes) what you’ll discuss and in what order. It’s also useful to remember that you’re not glued to this outline – in all likelihood, you’ll chop and change some sections once you start writing, and that’s perfectly okay. What’s important is that you have some sort of roadmap in place from the start.

You need to have a rough outline in place before you start writing your paper - or you’ll end up with a disjointed research paper that rambles on.

At this stage you might be wondering, “ But how should I structure my research paper? ”. Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution here, but in general, a research paper will consist of a few relatively standardised components:

  • Introduction
  • Literature review
  • Methodology

Let’s take a look at each of these.

First up is the introduction section . As the name suggests, the purpose of the introduction is to set the scene for your research paper. There are usually (at least) four ingredients that go into this section – these are the background to the topic, the research problem and resultant research question , and the justification or rationale. If you’re interested, the video below unpacks the introduction section in more detail. 

The next section of your research paper will typically be your literature review . Remember all that literature you worked through earlier? Well, this is where you’ll present your interpretation of all that content . You’ll do this by writing about recent trends, developments, and arguments within the literature – but more specifically, those that are relevant to your research question . The literature review can oftentimes seem a little daunting, even to seasoned researchers, so be sure to check out our extensive collection of literature review content here .

With the introduction and lit review out of the way, the next section of your paper is the research methodology . In a nutshell, the methodology section should describe to your reader what you did (beyond just reviewing the existing literature) to answer your research question. For example, what data did you collect, how did you collect that data, how did you analyse that data and so on? For each choice, you’ll also need to justify why you chose to do it that way, and what the strengths and weaknesses of your approach were.

Now, it’s worth mentioning that for some research papers, this aspect of the project may be a lot simpler . For example, you may only need to draw on secondary sources (in other words, existing data sets). In some cases, you may just be asked to draw your conclusions from the literature search itself (in other words, there may be no data analysis at all). But, if you are required to collect and analyse data, you’ll need to pay a lot of attention to the methodology section. The video below provides an example of what the methodology section might look like.

By this stage of your paper, you will have explained what your research question is, what the existing literature has to say about that question, and how you analysed additional data to try to answer your question. So, the natural next step is to present your analysis of that data . This section is usually called the “results” or “analysis” section and this is where you’ll showcase your findings.

Depending on your school’s requirements, you may need to present and interpret the data in one section – or you might split the presentation and the interpretation into two sections. In the latter case, your “results” section will just describe the data, and the “discussion” is where you’ll interpret that data and explicitly link your analysis back to your research question. If you’re not sure which approach to take, check in with your professor or take a look at past papers to see what the norms are for your programme.

Alright – once you’ve presented and discussed your results, it’s time to wrap it up . This usually takes the form of the “ conclusion ” section. In the conclusion, you’ll need to highlight the key takeaways from your study and close the loop by explicitly answering your research question. Again, the exact requirements here will vary depending on your programme (and you may not even need a conclusion section at all) – so be sure to check with your professor if you’re unsure.

Step 3: Write and refine

Finally, it’s time to get writing. All too often though, students hit a brick wall right about here… So, how do you avoid this happening to you?

Well, there’s a lot to be said when it comes to writing a research paper (or any sort of academic piece), but we’ll share three practical tips to help you get started.

First and foremost , it’s essential to approach your writing as an iterative process. In other words, you need to start with a really messy first draft and then polish it over multiple rounds of editing. Don’t waste your time trying to write a perfect research paper in one go. Instead, take the pressure off yourself by adopting an iterative approach.

Secondly , it’s important to always lean towards critical writing , rather than descriptive writing. What does this mean? Well, at the simplest level, descriptive writing focuses on the “ what ”, while critical writing digs into the “ so what ” – in other words, the implications. If you’re not familiar with these two types of writing, don’t worry! You can find a plain-language explanation here.

Last but not least, you’ll need to get your referencing right. Specifically, you’ll need to provide credible, correctly formatted citations for the statements you make. We see students making referencing mistakes all the time and it costs them dearly. The good news is that you can easily avoid this by using a simple reference manager . If you don’t have one, check out our video about Mendeley, an easy (and free) reference management tool that you can start using today.

Recap: Key Takeaways

We’ve covered a lot of ground here. To recap, the three steps to writing a high-quality research paper are:

  • To choose a research question and review the literature
  • To plan your paper structure and draft an outline
  • To take an iterative approach to writing, focusing on critical writing and strong referencing

Remember, this is just a b ig-picture overview of the research paper development process and there’s a lot more nuance to unpack. So, be sure to grab a copy of our free research paper template to learn more about how to write a research paper.

You Might Also Like:

Referencing in Word

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Print Friendly
  • Try for free

8th Grade Writing Research Papers Teaching Resource

  • Most Popular
  • Most Recent

how to write an essay outline - examples and formats

Free Printable Research Writing Worksheets for 8th Grade

Research Writing: Discover a vast collection of free printable worksheets for Grade 8 Reading & Writing teachers, designed to enhance students' research writing skills and spark their curiosity.

quizizz-hero

Explore Research Writing Worksheets by Grades

  • kindergarten

Explore Other Subject Worksheets for grade 8

  • Social studies
  • Social emotional
  • Foreign language
  • Reading & Writing

Explore printable Research Writing worksheets for 8th Grade

Research Writing worksheets for Grade 8 are an essential tool for teachers who want to help their students develop strong reading and writing skills, particularly in the realm of nonfiction writing. These worksheets provide a structured approach to teaching Grade 8 students how to effectively research, organize, and present information, which is a critical skill for success in both academic and professional settings. By incorporating a variety of reading and writing exercises into their lesson plans, teachers can ensure that their students are exposed to a wide range of nonfiction writing styles and techniques. This not only helps to improve their overall writing abilities but also encourages them to think critically about the information they are consuming. In addition, these worksheets can be easily adapted to suit the specific needs and interests of each individual student, making them a versatile and valuable resource for any Grade 8 classroom.

Quizizz is an innovative platform that offers a variety of educational resources, including Research Writing worksheets for Grade 8, to help teachers create engaging and interactive learning experiences for their students. By incorporating Quizizz into their lesson plans, teachers can access a wealth of reading and writing materials that are specifically designed to support the development of nonfiction writing skills in Grade 8 students. In addition to worksheets, Quizizz also offers a range of other tools and features, such as quizzes, flashcards, and games, which can be used to reinforce key concepts and assess student progress. This comprehensive approach to teaching reading and writing ensures that students are not only developing their skills but also enjoying the learning process, which is essential for long-term success. With Quizizz, teachers can feel confident that they are providing their Grade 8 students with the resources they need to excel in nonfiction writing and beyond.

  • Faculty & Staff
  • Giving to Saint Ann's

writing a research paper 8th grade

  • Kindergarten
  • Lower School
  • Middle School: Overview of Structure
  • Parent Guide: Divisions & Communication
  • Parent Guide: FAQs
  • Eighth Grade Research Paper
  • Parent Guide: Divisons & Communication
  • Student Support Services
  • One Page Calendar
  • Parent Portal
  • Parent Guide
  • Diversity & Equity
  • Student Support Team
  • Test & Registration Dates
  • College Board Tests
  • Recommended Reading
  • College Resources
  • Dates & Events
  • College Results
  • FAQ: Students
  • FAQ: Faculty
  • Library Policies
  • Publications
  • Contactless Checkout
  • How to Download eBooks
  • Research Guides
  • Reading Lists
  • Useful Links
  • Library Catalog
  • Community Service
  • After School
  • HR Appointments
  • Student Directory
  • Current Families
  • Prospective Families
  • Covid-19 Protocols
  • Student Support Resources

Middle School: Eighth Grade Research Paper

Choosing a Topic More important than any other aspect of the research paper project is the need for each student to select a topic in which he or she displays a genuine interest. The project will run for roughly six to eight weeks, and a clear and steady motivation to conduct research, write, and edit is critical to having the project be a worthwhile endeavor. Teachers are traditionally flexible in approving topics, but they will definitely steer students away from topics that are not feasible.

In choosing a topic about which to write, students should consider the availability of information on their chosen subject, and aim for one that is relatively easy to research. Teachers will help students select topics that are well represented in articles, books, etc. available through either the Saint Ann’s library or a nearby library.

Yet another consideration in selecting a topic is whether or not it will fit into the six to eight page limit. Again, teachers will help students make this decision.

Finally, students need to pick a topic that can be researched and written about in the allotted time for the research paper project. Again, the intention is for the entire project to be completed in six to eight weeks.

The Process We begin this project with an early February meeting of the entire 8th grade and their History and English teachers, though classes may begin discussing the project before the meeting. Students are asked to do some thinking about their potential topics over the mid-winter break.

Once back from vacation, classes will visit the library and students will begin their research in earnest. Working from guidelines about note taking on index cards, as well as footnoting, students will use class time in both English and history classes to conduct research and begin shaping their ideas.

Teacher teams may take different approaches to the next stages of the paper, but all will require students to form their ideas into a first draft of a detailed outline. Students will then revise this detailed outline in a second draft before moving on to write the final draft of their paper. Teachers will determine, on a case by case basis, if a second draft of a paper is warranted.

The first draft of the detailed outline is due, roughly, in the third week of the project, and the second draft of the detailed outline is due in the 4th or 5th week.

Deadlines tend to float a little bit as the paper progresses, but teachers will routinely make clear exactly what is expected from each student for each week. Students will not receive a schedule for the entire project, other than the six to eight week goal.

Teachers are looking for a typed, six to eight page research paper with a bibliography and footnotes. Although it does not have to be a history paper, the paper needs to be an analytical one — it should not be a biography, an opinion piece, or a literary criticism. In other words, the paper needs to have a clearly stated and supported argument.

How Parents Can Help Let your children do the work.

Make sure students have note cards, highlighters, and access to a computer and the internet. Students may arrange to use the school’s growing supply of Google Chromebooks if these last two items prove difficult for parents to provide.

Help students stay on task: make sure they bring their materials to school each day. For the first two weeks of the project, students work on research in their English and history classes. If they arrive without notecards, xeroxed readings, etc, precious time is lost.

Check in with your children regularly.

Useful Links and Documents for Parents & Students

Schedule of Due Dates

What is the Eight Grade Research Paper?

Guide to Writing Footnotes – Research Paper

Guide to Notetaking – Research Paper

Saint Ann’s Library Page

Get a Brooklyn Public Library Card

MS Course Catalog

Click to Download

Latest Post

SaintAnn's's bookshelf: read

  • Essay Topic Generator
  • Summary Generator
  • Thesis Maker Academic
  • Sentence Rephraser
  • Read My Paper
  • Hypothesis Generator
  • Cover Page Generator
  • Text Compactor
  • Essay Scrambler
  • Essay Plagiarism Checker
  • Hook Generator
  • AI Writing Checker
  • Notes Maker
  • Overnight Essay Writing
  • Topic Ideas
  • Writing Tips
  • Essay Writing (by Genre)
  • Essay Writing (by Topic)

8th Grade Essay: Examples, Topics, & Writing Tips

The picture introduces to the requirements of an 8th grade essay.

If you find yourself on this page, you are probably going to another level of your education – the final year of Middle school!

Isn’t it exciting?

One of the most common assignments in the 8th grade is an essay. Indeed, it gains new features. An eighth-grade essay is not the same as the sixth or seventh-grade one. It has more requirements and needs a deeper level of analysis.

How to write an 8th-grade essay? How many paragraphs should it contain? What is a standard 8th-grade essay format? On this page, you’ll find the answers to these and other questions that might arise. We’ve prepared creative 8th-grade essay topics, examples, and tips to write an A+ informative, narrative, or persuasive essay.

  • 🧩 8th Grade Essay 101
  • 📑 8th-Grade Essay Types
  • 💾 Topics for the 8 th -Graders

🍎 8th Grade Essay Examples

🧩 8th-grade essay format explained.

Once again: the 8th-grade essay format is a bit different from that of the previous years.

Below, we thoroughly explain how long an 8th-grade essay should be and how to write it. We guarantee you’ll have no questions about the format and assessment of this type of work.

What Is the 8 th Grade Essay Format?

In this section, you’ll know which parts comprise any 8th-grade essay.

The first thing to remember: you’ve got onto an entirely new level. So, your writing isn’t as simple and short as it used to be in the previous school years.

Let’s start with the structure. The fundamental parts are the same as in any type of essay:

The picture contains information about the language style required for an 8th grade essay.

8th Grade Essay: How to Write & Typical Mistakes

With the help of this section, you’ll get to know the most straightforward and helpful tips for 8th-grade essay writing.

These are the things that any 8th grader should know!

8 th Grade Essay Do’s

  • Look for reliable sources to find arguments and evidence.
  • Try to arouse eagerness for writing: it surely will ease the whole process for you.
  • Choose the topic that is interesting for you if you have such an option.
  • Use academic language, special terms, consistent phrases, and correct grammar.
  • Use good quotations from reputable sources to solidify your ideas.

8 th Grade Essay Don’ts

  • Don’t write dully: an essay is a story. It should be exciting and consistent.
  • Don’t make all your examples too similar: diversity is of the essence.
  • Don’t let your text look like an unreadable pile of words: use graphic tools to highlight the most critical points.
  • Don’t use unreliable sources and websites for citation.
  • Don’t be afraid of honest self-expression. Your identity and thoughts are what make your 8th-grade essay unique.
  • Don’t forget to revise your text after you’ve finished writing it.

8th Grade Essay Rubric

Meet the assessment strategies for 8th-grade writing. Here you’ll also find some prompts that improve your essay and lead you to a higher score.

So, the assessment pattern of a written piece comprises several main points. These are the things that assessors pay attention to:

📑 Eighth Grade Essay Types

We suppose that you come across different types of assignments during middle school. Among them, there indeed were descriptive and narrative essays.

However, now you are to face other exciting formats of writing. In the section below, you’ll get to know a few new types.

8th Grade Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a piece of writing where you make a claim and prove your point of view with solid arguments. Your aim at this point is to make readers nod in contempt while reading and share your opinion.

The structure may be pretty familiar to you:

The picture contains an exemplary outline for an 8th grade argumentative essay.

In your argumentative essay, you should back up your opinion with some exact data: statistics, figures, research studies, and polls.

To solidify your claim, you can use three types of arguments:

  • Aristotelian . The classical way – you make a statement and try to persuade the audience that it is the one that is fair and right.
  • Rogerian . First, you display an issue, then present the opposing view. After that, reveal your own opinion and start convincing readers why they should take up your point.
  • Toulmin . Present your thesis statement, then provide the audience with the grounds to support it. The final touch is to connect these parts.

PRO TIP: Explain why you disagree with the opposing point of view on your issue.

8th Grade Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay is very similar to argumentative writing. There you have to pick up a mainly burning issue and establish a firm opinion towards it. The primary goal is the same as in the argumentative essay: to make your readers believe you.

The picture contains an exemplary outline for an 8th grade persuasive essay.

Remember the three essentials of persuasive writing:

  • Logos appeals to logic, which is apparent. Deliver your thoughts cohesively and reasonably.
  • Ethos is about persuading the readers, appealing to their sense of ethics and morality.
  • Pathos helps you convince through emotions.

8th Grade Essay – Informative

An expository essay brings concepts to complete understanding. In other words, you explain something to give a clue about the subject in question. Successful expository writing makes the audience get the whole picture, leaving no questions or misunderstandings.

To familiarize yourself with expository essay structure, check our recently updated guide on writing an expository essay .

And briefly look at six major types of expository essays:

The picture contains brief descriptions of exposutory essay types.

💾 8th Grade Essay Topics

8th grade argumentative essay topics.

  • What is the main challenge you’ve ever met?
  • What was the happiest moment of your childhood?
  • Tell about the accomplishment you’re most proud of.
  • What are the personal qualities you like most?
  • Write about an inspiring celebrity.
  • What does emotional intelligence mean?
  • Write about the largest challenge of getting older.
  • How is adolescence different from childhood?

Read the list of topics we’ve prepared for an 8th-grade essay. Choose your favorite or use our Free Essay Topics Generator to find the best one.

Persuasive Essay Topics for 8th Grade

  • Would limited screen time be beneficial for health?
  • Will the global use of electric vehicles save us from the ecological crisis?
  • The government should provide citizens with more qualified psychological help.
  • What are the pros and cons of buying a pet for a child?
  • Should people use paper and textile bags instead of plastic ones?
  • Is it necessary to attend PE classes in school?
  • Is it ethical to use smartphones during the lesson?
  • Should parents forbid their children from watching TikTok?
  • Pros and cons of cheating on exams: immoral or beneficial?
  • Should there be only healthy snack vending machines at schools?
  • Is it acceptable for a teacher to raise the voice at a student?
  • Should modern rappers’ songs be put through censorship?
  • Is it ethical for students to discuss their teachers?
  • Should all cosmetic products become cruelty-free?
  • Should we stop the overconsumption of sugar for the sake of our health?
  • Should zoos and circuses be banned forever?

8th Grade Informative Essay Topics

  • Compare and contrast the environmental policies of the USA and Europe.
  • What are the harmful effects of CO 2 emissions on the environment?
  • How is the concept of freedom reflected in 20th-century literature?
  • Reveal the details of the famous friendship of Hemingway and Fitzgerald.
  • Brush off or fight: how to act when you come across bullying at school?
  • What are the most significant challenges school attendees usually face?
  • How to overcome your fears without getting traumatized?
  • How to prepare for the exam period and overcome anxiety?
  • Freedom or despair: the history and concept of trailer parks in the USA.
  • Explain the concept of sustainability and what benefits it has.
  • Provide a classification of American lifestyles based on location.
  • A reasonable person: describe the concept and the features.

Look at our 8th grade essay examples. These are mostly just excerpts, but we included the most significant parts. Approach us in case you need a similar paper or have any questions.

8th Grade Argumentative Essay Example (#1)

The most notorious substance in the ecological discourse: is CO 2 really that bad?

Did you know that it’s better for the earth if you work out or jog with your mouth tightly shut? It’s not common knowledge, but professionals know: we need a considerable amount of CO 2 in our blood. In some terms, it’s even more vital than oxygen. Undoubtedly, there has to be a proper balance, and here is the point: CO 2 can be beneficial.

Though what good does it make to nature and the environment?

It’s all the same as with our body: CO 2 is not evil on earth, but there must be a proper balance. Now, this balance is critical, and we must make serious efforts to change the situation.

  • According to last year’s research, the USA is in the second place among countries producing the most significant part of CO 2 in the whole world. The website statista.com published striking figures. 4.57 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions were produced in 2020 by the energy consumption sphere in the United States.
  • Besides, a recently published report from the IEA agency reveals another piece of statistics. Compared to the previous year, the amount of CO 2 emissions will rise to 5% in 2021. This year we’re facing 33 billion tons of this greenhouse gas.
  • These figures mean nothing without context. Here you are: nature suffers greatly from CO 2 influence. Due to the greenhouse effect caused by an excess of CO 2 , the water temperature in oceans and seas is rising. This process is not positive at all because the natural habitat for sea creatures is altering. The changes are dramatic and lead to the extinction of many species.

In conclusion, we need to find an efficient way to improve the ecological situation regarding CO 2 emissions. The key is global social and individual awareness and consciousness. Each and every inhabitant of the Earth has to understand the meaning of CO 2 for global warming clearly. So, try to jog with your lips closed and choose a bike instead of a car.

Example #2: 8th Grade Persuasive Essay

Is it essential to stay away from social media for the sake of mental health?

Nielsen Company conducted research that says that the average US adult spends more than 10 hours interacting with social media each day. Indeed, social media plays a very considerable role in the life of a modern person. Most of us are more likely to spend time watching short videos than reading a good book. But is it harmful to our mental health to the extent that we have to quit using social media platforms?

To my mind, we are greatly dependent on our Instagram and TikTok accounts, and the content posted there. It certainly has a negative impact, too. However, the complete cancellation of social media is not a way out. The key to good mental condition is in the skill of managing your relations with them.

  • One of the recent surveys by the Lancet reports that Facebook users who scroll the newsfeed before sleep tend to be more depressed. Apparently, the deprivation of sleep affects mental well-being to a great extent.
  • FInancesOnline has recently posted the results of the research. According to this data, Facebook constitutes 72% of people’s FOMO and anxiety. Posts about traveling and active social life create most of these feelings.
  • At the same time, healthy rivalry can motivate development and growth. There’s a reasonable quotation saying that one should compare themselves yesterday instead of comparing to others. The best thing one can do to take care of their mental health is to take a digital detox for a while.

Thus, it is vital to trace your obsessions with social media and negative feelings caused by comparison with others on the Internet. Try to get more aware of it, take your time to rest from social media, and plunge into real life.

5 Paragraph Essay Example for 8th Grade (#3)

The Financier and American Tragedy : compare and contrast two main characters of Dreiser’s novels.

Do you know that Theodore Dreiser is sometimes called an American Fyodor Dostoevsky? Both writers touched upon the most sensitive social and existential issues. However, the subject of this paper is not the comparison of the authors but two famous Dreiser characters: Clyde Griffiths and Frank Cowperwood.

Both of these young American men were striving to reach financial and social success in a world of brutal struggle and hardships.

  • Clyde Griffiths represents the desperate strive for American Dream. Born in a poor and religious family, he grows greedy for money and status. In his blind obsession with gaining a high social position, he doesn’t notice his spiritual degradation. He is smart enough to struggle his way into high society but not so witty to solidify his standing with decent means. He cheats, lies, and finally commits a murder: Clyde seems to be already born guilty at times. On reading the story, there doesn’t appear any sympathy toward him. On the contrary, he provokes feelings of abomination and disgust.
  • Frank Cowperwood also aims to become wealthy and socially firm. He wants to improve his family’s life quality. Still, his ways and means astonish. Frank is a natural-born predator and strategist. His sophistication and sharp wit show up in him since his very childhood. He isn’t a man of high moral standards: Frank doesn’t mind cheating on his wife and manipulating city treasure money. However, he’s a passionate man, honest and open in his heart urges and impulses. That is the reason why fortune favors him.

However, having similar goals but different personalities and mindsets, Griffiths and Cowperwood reach completely different destination points.

How to Write an Essay in 8th Grade?

– You should pick up a good topic and formulate your attitude to the problem. – Write an outline. – Make a clear and brief thesis statement. – Think of at least 3 firm arguments if the essay type demands it. – Impress your readers with a firm conclusion. Voila! Do not forget to proofread!

How Long Is an Essay in 8th Grade?

The length of the 8th-grade essay slightly depends on the format and the particular type of writing. However, it varies from approximately 500 to 800 words. Within this framework, you have to make yourself clear and deliver all necessary points.

How Many Sentences Are in a Paragraph for 8th Grade?

The size of a paragraph in the 8th-grade essay has to be not less than 8 sentences in each. Besides that, mind that the sentences are primarily compound or complex, error-free, and coherent. Also, remember to connect the sentences and paragraphs with particular language means.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay in 8th Grade?

Choose an exciting and acute topic. Make up a thesis statement out of the problem. Draft an outline or a brief plan. Explore some reliable sources for the evidence and arguments for your essay. Organize the facts and information into a cohesive structure.

I’m an 8th grade student at a private school, and my teacher assigns us up to 4-6 pages most to write. First of all we get other essays on top of this, and usually have nearly to a week to finish. Me and my classmates struggle with this. Do you guys think this is too much for an average 8th grade student?

i am writin apaper right now and it is averreding and its about the changes we woud make to our cafeteria it has to be 5 paragraphs long

Thanks for stopping by at our blog. We would be happy to help you with your paper. You can be interested in some other posts on this blog (https://overnightessay.com/blog/category/essay-tips/) or contact our friendly Support Team to get professional writign help from experienced writers. Good luck with your paper! Best regards,

Search on OralHistory.ws Blog

Engaging 8th Grade Research Paper Topics for Budding Historians

Avatar

Writing a research paper in the 8th grade is an exciting opportunity to explore a historical era, event, or figure that sparks your interest. Research paper writing is a stepping stone towards enhancing your research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to articulate your ideas in a structured manner. More importantly, it also provides a glimpse into the intriguing world of historical research and scholarly writing. But where do you start? This article is your guiding light!

Table of content

The Importance of Choosing the Right Topic

Choosing a good research topic is your journey’s first and perhaps most crucial step. It’s like selecting the right pair of running shoes for a marathon – get it right, and you’re off to a great start! The topic should be something that intrigues you, something that you are eager to explore further. After all, you will spend considerable time reading, thinking, and writing about it. And who knows, you might even stumble upon something extraordinary that history has tucked away!

Historical Research and Its Significance

Historical research allows you to learn from the past, understand the present, and anticipate the future. It’s a thrilling ride through time, replete with grand events, compelling characters, and narratives that have shaped our world. Researching historical topics can enhance your understanding of different cultures, ideologies, and human behavior across various periods. Moreover, the skills you hone during this process – critical thinking, research proficiency, and coherent writing – are invaluable life skills.

Engaging 8th-Grade Research Paper Topics

Here’s the part you’ve been waiting for – our handpicked list of 8th-grade research paper topics. These topics span diverse historical periods and regions, catering to various interests.

  • The Golden Age of Piracy: Fact vs. Fiction
  • The Salem Witch Trials: A Study of Mass Hysteria
  • The Underground Railroad: Pathways to Freedom
  • Women’s Suffrage Movement: The Struggle for Equality
  • The Fall of the Roman Empire: Causes and Effects
  • The American Revolution: Birth of a Nation
  • Life in Medieval Europe: A Social Study
  • The Harlem Renaissance: Cultural and Artistic Explosion
  • The Atomic Age: Scientific Breakthroughs and Ethical Dilemmas
  • The Space Race: Competition Beyond Earth
  • The California Gold Rush: The Dream and the Reality
  • The Crusades: A Collision of Faiths
  • Prohibition in the 1920s: A Failed Experiment
  • The Civil Rights Movement: The Road to Equality
  • The Epic of Gilgamesh: An Ancient Tale of Heroes
  • The Age of Enlightenment: A Revolution of Ideas
  • The Transcontinental Railroad: A Pathway to Expansion
  • The Great Depression: An Era of Struggle and Resilience
  • The Renaissance: A Burst of Creativity and Knowledge
  • Life During the American Frontier: Challenges and Triumphs
  • The Boston Tea Party: Catalyst for Revolution
  • The World War II Home Front: Life on the Domestic Side
  • The Rise and Fall of the Aztec Empire: A Lost Civilization
  • Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs: Their Power and Legacy
  • The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Journey into the Unknown
  • The Cuban Missile Crisis: A Faceoff of Superpowers
  • The Code of Hammurabi: An Early System of Law
  • The Impact of the Printing Press: A Technological Revolution
  • The Industrial Revolution: The Dawn of Modern Society
  • The Oregon Trail: A Perilous Journey Westward
  • The Discovery of DNA: Cracking the Code of Life
  • The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln: A Nation Mourns
  • The Scopes Monkey Trial: Science vs. Religion in the Courtroom

Don’t limit yourself to these topics! Use them as a launchpad to delve deeper into the past and discover a topic that truly resonates with you.

Choosing the right topic is your first step toward writing an impactful 8th-grade history research paper. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. So, choose a topic that excites you, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the fascinating world of historical research! Who knows, you might make a historical discovery of your own!

Happy researching!

📎 Related Articles

1. Navigating the Past: Inspiring History Thesis Topics 2. The Great Wall: An Essay Topic Examples 3. Choosing Inspiring Historical Events to Write About 4. Navigating the Historical Labyrinth of Ancient Rome: Essay Topics 5. Unlocking the Past: World History Research Topics

7sistershomeschool.com

7sistershomeschool.com

Homeschool Help and Curriculum

How to Help T(w)eens Write Their First Research Paper

  • Facebook 189
  • Pinterest 35

We have learned over the years that parents often feel they know how to help teens write their first research paper. Here’s a little encouragement.

How to Help Teens Write Their First Research Paper. It is important to write research papers in high school (and prepare for them in middle school). Here are some non-intimidating tips. #HomeschoolHighSchool #HomeschoolMiddleSchool #ResearchPaperReadiness #ResearchPaperWriting #ResearchPaperWritingHelp

How to Help Teens Write Their First Research Paper

Middle schoolers and early high schoolers often feel intimidated by the thought of writing research papers . (Their parents do, too, sometimes!)

Anyone who has more than one kid has discovered that they are all different:

  • Their personalities
  • Their academic strengths and weaknesses
  • Their needs and interests

One thing I have noticed that is the SAME in most tweens and teens: They need some handholding when they begin learning to write research papers. So how do you start that handholding and writing process?

One way is to start by a parent-led report-style research paper. (Remember the papers you used to write- if you went to traditional school in 5th or 6th grade? Those were reports: You were simply presenting information. You were not digesting the information. You were not worried about format or style.)

7Sisters can help with that report-style research paper, and we can do it for free! Simply download this parent-directed, step-by-step guide to writing a very basic, report-style research paper. It is a simple and fairly quick process that will remove some of the intimidation factor for both you and your homeschoolers!

research paper help for reluctant writers

Their next research paper should be a real research paper…but keep up the hand holding!

The next research-writing project should go beyond the simple report. Homeschoolers should be learning some serious research-paper basic concepts like:

  • What is plagiarism?
  • How do you choose a topic for a research paper?
  • How do you actually do the research?
  • How do you organize your research?
  • How do you create citations?

With this next-step research paper, they do not need to decide on an official style or format for their research paper. They can do that next year.

In the meantime, the concepts listed above are big concepts. Working through the process with a parent will be important.

However, in this real research paper, there will be work that many students will be able to do on their own. To understand what the help/support/let-go process can look like, it is good to have a guide. That’s why we created the writing guide: Research Writing Readiness .

Research Writing Readiness

This guide came about because our local homeschool parents kept asking 7Sister, Allison, to help young people write their very first research paper. (You may have noticed that Allison created our popular MLA Research Paper Writing Guide . Homeschooling parents told her they wanted a prequel!)

After teaching our local beginners, Allison (along with 7Sister Marilyn, who constructed 7Sisters’ Middle School Fairy Tale Writing Guide ) created a new writing guide to help homeschooling parents and their homeschoolers to create that very first research paper. It is a homeschooler/parent, do-it-together guide: Research Writing Readiness: Foundational Skills for Successful Research Papers.

Let me explain how to help teens to write their first research paper using 7Sisters Research Writing Readiness downloadable eworkbook.

Research Writing Readiness: Foundational Skills for Successful Research Papers  is a step -by-step guide. It provides the tools you need to introduce the research-paper writing process in 20 short lessons. The lessons can be done one per day over 20 school days or (for a more relaxed process) the lessons can be spread out to 1 or 2 steps per week.

Research Writing Readiness helps a student work with a parent on a first research paper.

This easy-to-use guide provides the tools you need to introduce the research-paper writing process. That way, when they are in high school, they will be prepared to write their research papers.

The guide is intended for use:

  • in homeschool middle school (7th grade or 8th grade for many students)
  • homeschool high schoolers who lack experience or
  • homeschool high schoolers who struggle with research writing

This 7Sisters guide does not teach a particular style of research paper (i.e., MLA, APA, Chicago). Instead, it provides:

  • Step by step instructions for student from topic choice to final draft
  • Practice assignments that will help them create a first research paper
  • paraphrasing
  • note taking
  • citing sources
  • Including: How-to instructions for the parent/teacher
  • Sample grading rubric

Download Research Writing Readiness for your homeschoolers and help them develop powerful research paper writing skills that they need in high school (and in college)!

Work together for a less-intimidating first research paper. 7Sisters Research Writing Readiness is a learn-together research paper writing guide for late middle school or early high school.

Planning the order of your homeschoolers’ research paper writing? Here’s a post with a suggested order for these papers (although we all know that there’s not ONE right way to homeschool).

For more encouragement for helping your teens with their research paper writing check out these episodes of The Homeschool Highschool Podcast:

  • Writing Research Papers: You CAN Do It!
  • Writing Research Papers, Interview with Kat Patrick

As you look ahead at Language Arts for homeschooling high school, you may get some encouragement on this how-to post from our friend, Betsy at BJ’s Homeschool.

Click here to view an excerpt from Research Writing Readiness: Foundational Skills for Successful Research Papers .

Research paper fun – practical tips for teens.

7Sisters email subscribers receive periodic practical encouragement, special offers and NO SPAM EVER.

Sign up for 7SistersHomeschool.com Emails

Vicki Tillman

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Bibliography
  • Research project proposal writing tips
  • College midterm paper synopsis samples
  • Introduction writing hints
  • Cheap research project examples
  • The elements of a solid midterm paper
  • Buying a research project online
  • Getting quality research project help
  • Custom midterm papers
  • Buying a midterm paper
  • Social responsibility & Malaysia project
  • Promising midterm paper writing agencies
  • Getting midterm paper templates
  • EMTALA requirements research paper
  • Soil structure research projects
  • The purpose of study research project
  • Citing sources in your project
  • A project with footnotes: tips & tricks
  • Research project rubric samples
  • Finding a research paper plan template
  • Writing a paper on African literature
  • How to conclude a sociology paper
  • Rules for composing a front page
  • Creating a biology research project
  • Crafting a hypothesis
  • Completing a philosophy project
  • Writing a history research paper
  • Completing the discussion section
  • Creating a paper the Civil War
  • Writing on promotion strategies
  • How to start your project
  • Crafting your thesis statement
  • College project layout
  • Ordering a project online
  • How to save on writing services
  • Finding an affordable writer
  • Where to get a paper for cheap
  • Chicago format examples
  • Basic components of a good project
  • Top-quality custom papers
  • Choosing your writing agency
  • Affordable companies online
  • How to give definition of terms
  • Writing on technology in education
  • Marketing project introduction
  • MLA academic paper samples
  • Writing a quantitative project
  • Creating a 1000-word project
  • Crafting your concluding section
  • Graph theory research project
  • Constructing an outline
  • Writing a paper on Orwell's 1984
  • Crafting a literature review
  • Writing a paper on homelessness
  • Guide for students of business
  • Juvenile Deliquency midterm paper ideas
  • Great midterm paper topics
  • Medical research project ideas
  • Economic midterm paper topics
  • Fresh research project topic ideas
  • American History term paper subjects
  • Problem solution research project ideas
  • Undergraduate midterm paper topics
  • Violence in sports project topics
  • The Maguindanao Massacre subjects
  • Writing a healthy lifestyle midterm paper
  • Research paper topics on literature
  • Marketing midterm paper subjects
  • Research paper ideas for literature class
  • Gun control: research project topics
  • Video game history research paper ideas
  • Harmful effect of water pollution ideas
  • The best argumentative topics

A List Of Good Research Paper Topics For 8th Graders

Research papers can be one of the first really rewarding papers a students will write: often times they can choose a topic they are interested in or passionate about, they can delve into researching it, and they can learn a lot about it.

When choosing a topic, there are several things to keep in mind. First, you want to choose a topic that you will be able to find credible sources on. While websites like Wikipedia may be helpful in starting your research and learning the basics about a subject, it isn’t a source that you can cite in your paper. So you’ll want to make sure that there are books, studies, or news articles on the topic you are interested in. Next, you’ll want to makes sure that the subject is narrow enough, or that you’ve narrowed it down enough, to fit the length of the paper you’ve been assigned. A good strategy for this is to focus on just one part of the topic, or just one time period.

But choosing a topic can be a challenge for many students. So use this list of good research paper topics for 8th graders to get started:

  • 1. The factors that led to ending apartheid in South Africa
  • 2. The laws of physics that have contributed to the design of skateboards
  • 3. Major turning points in the history of your favorite sports team
  • 4. The history of the rivalry between the Red Sox and the Yankees
  • 5. The history of a top fashion magazine
  • 6. The life of the author of your favorite book
  • 7. Profiles of civil rights leaders in America
  • 8. The differences between the civil rights movement in America and Europe
  • 9. How monarchies have changed in the past 200 years
  • 10. The musical influences of your favorite band
  • 11. The history of your hometown
  • 12. The life of someone famous from your state
  • 13. How the rules of your favorite sport have changed over t
  • 15. The history of expeditions on Mt. Everest
  • 16. The lifecycle and ecology of your favorite animal
  • 17. The most successful college football programs and coaches
  • 18. A history of the American and National baseball leagues
  • 19. The Native American tribes that once lived in your area
  • 20. How plate tectonics work

Research Paper Services

  • Topics for your research project
  • 8th grade research paper ideas
  • Psychology problems to explore
  • A bibliography for your research project
  • College midterm paper ideas
  • Formatting styles: MLA vs. APA

© 2024 LearningHappensHere.com. All rights reserved. | Handy Hints For Writing Research And Term Paper

Join my VIP teacher email club!

writing a research paper 8th grade

Finally, a guide for upper elementary teachers that will show you how to teach research reports in a step-by-step format!

If you are struggling with teaching the research report process, you are not alone. Seriously, we’ve all been there!

I spent several years avoiding research reports for my 5th grade writers or simply depending on the Library-Media Specialist to teach the research process.

One year, I decided to take the plunge and teach my students how to research a topic and write a research report.

The process was clunky at first, but I learned a lot about how students approach research and how to guide them from choosing a topic to completing their final copies.

Before we discuss the HOW , let’s talk about the WHY .

research reports for 5th grade and 6th grade

Why You Should Be Assigning Research Reports to Your 5th and 6th Grade Students

I have three main reasons for assigning research reports to my students.

First, the skill involved in finding reliable sources and citing sources is valuable.

Beginning in 5th grade, and possibly even before, students need to be able to discern the reliability of a source . They should be able to spot propaganda and distinguish between reputable sources and phony ones.

Teaching the procedure for citing sources is important because my 5th grade students need to grasp the reality of plagiarism and how to avoid it.

By providing information about the sources they used, students are consciously avoiding copying the work of authors and learning to give credit where credit is due.

Second, by taking notes and organizing their notes into an outline, students are exercising their ability to find main ideas and corresponding details.

Being able to organize ideas is crucial for young writers.

Third, when writing research reports, students are internalizing the writing process, including organizing, writing a rough draft, proofreading/editing, and writing a final draft.

When students write research reports about topics of interest, they are fine-tuning their reading and writing skills.

How to Teach Step-By-Step Research Reports

How to Teach Step-By-Step Research Reports in Grades 5 & 6

As a veteran upper elementary teacher, I know exactly what is going to happen when I tell my students that we are going to start research reports.

There will be a resounding groan followed by students voicing their displeasure. (It goes something like this…. “Mrs. Bazzit! That’s too haaaaaaard!” or “Ugh. That’s boring!” *Sigh*  I’ve heard it all, lol.)

This is when I put on my (somewhat fictional) excited teacher hat and help them to realize that the research report process will be fun and interesting.

Teach students how to choose a topic and cite their sources

Step 1: Help Students to Choose a Topic and Cite Sources for Research Reports

Students definitely get excited when they find out they are allowed to choose their own research topic. Providing choice leads to higher engagement and interest.

It’s best practice to provide a list of possible research topics to students, but also allow them to choose a different topic.

Be sure to make your research topics narrow to help students focus on sources. If students choose broad topics, the sources they find will overwhelm them with information.

Too Broad: American Revolution

Just Right: The Battle of Yorktown

Too Broad: Ocean Life

Just Right: Great White Shark

Too Broad: Important Women in History

Just Right: The Life of Abigail Adams

Be sure to discuss appropriate, reliable sources with students.

I suggest projecting several examples of internet sources on your technology board. Ask students to decide if the sources look reliable or unreliable.

While teaching students about citing sources, it’s a great time to discuss plagiarism and ways to avoid it.

Students should never copy the words of an author unless they are properly quoting the text.

In fact, I usually discourage students from quoting their sources in their research reports. In my experience, students will try to quote a great deal of text and will border on plagiarism.

I prefer to see students paraphrase from their sources because this skill helps them to refine their summarization skills.

Citing sources is not as hard as it sounds! I find that my students generally use books and internet sources, so those are the two types of citations that I focus on.

How to cite a book:

Author’s last name, First name. Title of Book. City of Publication: Publisher, Date.

How to cite an internet article:

Author’s last name, First name (if available). “Title of Article or Page.” Full http address, Date of access.

If you continue reading to the bottom of this post, I have created one free screencast for each of the five steps of the research process!

Teach students how to take notes on their research topics

Step 2: Research Reports: Take Notes

During this step, students will use their sources to take notes.

I do provide instruction and examples during this step because from experience, I know that students will think every piece of information from each source is important and they will copy long passages from each source.

I teach students that taking notes is an exercise in main idea and details. They should read the source, write down the main idea, and list several details to support the main idea.

I encourage my students NOT to copy information from the source but instead to put the information in their own words. They will be less likely to plagiarize if their notes already contain their own words.

Additionally, during this step, I ask students to write a one-sentence thesis statement. I teach students that a thesis statement tells the main point of their research reports.

Their entire research report will support the thesis statement, so the thesis statement is actually a great way to help students maintain a laser focus on their research topic.

Teach students how to make an outline for their research reports

Step 3: Make a Research Report Outline

Making an outline can be intimidating for students, especially if they’ve never used this organization format.

However, this valuable step will teach students to organize their notes into the order that will be used to write the rough draft of their reports.

Because making an outline is usually a new concept for my 5th graders, we do 2-3 examples together before I allow students to make their outlines for their research reports.

I recommend copying an outline template for students to have at their fingertips while creating their first outline.

Be sure to look over students’ outlines for organization, order, and accuracy before allowing them to move on to the next step (writing rough drafts).

Teach students how to write a rough draft of their research reports

Step 4: Write a Research Report Draft

During this step, each student will write a rough draft of his/her research report.

If they completed their outlines correctly, this step will be fairly simple.

Students will write their research reports in paragraph form.

One problem that is common among my students is that instead of writing in paragraphs, they write their sentences in list format.

I find that it’s helpful to write a paragraph in front of and with students to remind them that when writing a paragraph, the next sentence begins immediately after the prior sentence.

Once students’ rough drafts are completed, it’s time to proofread/edit!

To begin, I ask my students to read their drafts aloud to listen for their own mistakes.

Next, I ask my students to have two individuals look over their draft and suggest changes.

Teach students how to create final drafts of their research reports

Step 5: Research Reports – Students Will Write Their Final Drafts! 

It’s finally time to write final drafts!

After students have completed their rough drafts and made edits, I ask them to write final drafts.

Students’ final drafts should be as close to perfect as possible.

I prefer a typed final draft because students will have access to a spellchecker and other features that will make it easier to create their final draft.

Think of a creative way to display the finished product, because they will be SO proud of their research reports after all the hard work that went into creating them!

When grading the reports, use a rubric similar to the one shown in the image at the beginning of this section.

A detailed rubric will help students to clearly see their successes and areas of needed improvement.

Once students have completed their first research projects, I find that they have a much easier time with the other research topics assigned throughout the remainder of the school year.

If you are interested in a no-prep, step-by-step research report instructional unit, please click here to visit my Research Report Instructional Unit for 5th Grade and 6th Grade. 

Research Report Unit

This instructional unit will guide students step-by-step through the research process, including locating reliable sources, taking notes, creating an outline, writing a report, and making a “works cited” page.

I’d like to share a very special free resource with you. I created five screencast videos, one for each step of the research report process. These screencasts pair perfectly with my Research Report Instructional Unit for 5th Grade and 6th Grade! 

Research Report Step 1 Screencast

Research Report Step 2 Screencast

Research Report Step 3 Screencast

Research Report Step 4 Screencast

Research Report Step 5 Screencast

How to Teach Step-By-Step Research Reports

To keep this post for later, simply save this image to your teacher Pinterest board!

Hi, If i purchase your complete package on grade 5/6 writing does it come with your wonderful recordings on how to teach them? Thanks

Hi Gail! The recordings on this blog post can be used by anyone and I will leave them up 🙂 The writing bundle doesn’t come with any recordings but I did include step-by-step instructions for teachers. I hope this helps!

Thank you for sharing your information with everyone. I know how to write (I think, haha), but I wanted to really set my students up for success with their research and writing. Your directions and guides are just what I needed to jar my memory and help my students become original writers. Be blessed.

You are very welcome, Andrea! Thank you for this comment 🙂

Hi Andrea, I am a veteran teacher who has taught nothing but primary for 25 years. However, this is my first year in 5th. I’m so excited to have found your post. Can you direct me to how I can purchase your entire bundle for writing a 5-paragraph essay. Thanks, Sue

Sure, Susan, I can help with that! Here is the link for the 5th Grade Writing Bundle: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/5th-Grade-Writing-Bundle-3611643

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

You may also enjoy...

How to Teach the Civil War in Upper Elementary

How to Teach the Civil War in Upper Elementary

writing a research paper 8th grade

Tips for Working with a Difficult Teaching Partner

Help! My Students Don't Like Social Studies Class!

Help! My Students Hate Social Studies Class!

Lost Colony of Roanoke

How to Teach the Lost Colony of Roanoke

writing a research paper 8th grade

How to Teach Writing Using Paired Passages

writing a research paper 8th grade

How to Use Google Resources in Upper Elementary – A Growing Post

What can i help you teach, find it here, let's connect, i'd love to connect with you.

Enter your first name and email address to join my exclusive VIP email club.

Copyright © 2020  | Thrive in Grade Five | All Rights Reserved

Quick Links

IMAGES

  1. Research Paper Outline 8th Grade

    writing a research paper 8th grade

  2. Writing a Research Paper

    writing a research paper 8th grade

  3. Mla 8th edition research paper format

    writing a research paper 8th grade

  4. Purpose of Writing a Research Paper

    writing a research paper 8th grade

  5. Criteria and format for 8th grade Research Paper

    writing a research paper 8th grade

  6. 8th Grade Research Project

    writing a research paper 8th grade

VIDEO

  1. How to Write a Research Essay

  2. 💯8th maths fa4 question paper 2024|ap fa4 8th class maths real question paper 2024 with answer key🔥🔥

  3. Easy Tips For Writing Your Research Plan

  4. How to Write a Research Paper

  5. Grade 8 English 6a Research, Write & Present

  6. Research Paper Example: Full Step-By-Step Tutorial

COMMENTS

  1. PDF 8th Grade Research Packet

    In 8th grade, we will conduct THEMATIC RESEARCH - that is research that is based on an overarching theme. Your goal is to create a 2 - 3 "magazine-type- page" academic essay that presents information and illustrations (pictures, charts, graphs, etc.) that supports your group's theme by exploring a specific topic within the theme.

  2. Teaching a Research Unit

    Each of these research-paper focused writing lessons will prepare students to answer the end-of-unit essay. Students also explore how to conduct independent research in research-specific lessons. In 8th Grade, teachers explain that they have provided the first two steps of the research process for students: developing a research question and ...

  3. 101 Research Paper Topics

    If you are interested in your topic, learning about it will be more pleasurable and you will write with greater passion, so choose your topic thoughtfully. Use the following list of 101 research paper topics as a starting point for your paper. As you begin learning and writing about your topic, you should revise or amend your research question ...

  4. Scaffolding Methods for Research Paper Writing

    Research paper scaffolding provides a temporary linguistic tool to assist students as they organize their expository writing. Scaffolding assists students in moving to levels of language performance they might be unable to obtain without this support. An instructional scaffold essentially changes the role of the teacher from that of giver of ...

  5. Eighth Grade Research Paper Ideas

    Eighth grade research papers primarily focus on learning how to research a topic and document that research properly. These important skills will enable eighth grade students to write well-researched papers, while drawing conclusions, when they attend high school. Students needing eighth grade research paper ideas ...

  6. 8th Grade Writing Research Papers

    Inventing the Hovercraft. Encourage students to practice critical-thinking skills by researching and writing about inventors. They can choose from…. Browse our printable 8th Grade Writing Research Papers resources for your classroom.

  7. 100 Interesting 8th Grade Writing Prompts

    These fun and interesting 8th-grade writing prompts will inspire older students to write longer and more in-depth work. ... Writing a research paper is a major goal for this age group, but research requires a kind of sustained attention students may not have practiced a lot. These prompts will inspire them to look for answers, form conclusions ...

  8. Writing a Research Paper for Your Science Fair Project

    When you write your research paper you might want to copy words, pictures, diagrams, or ideas from one of your sources. It is OK to copy such information as long as you reference it with a citation. If the information is a phrase, sentence, or paragraph, then you should also put it in quotation marks. A citation and quotation marks tell the ...

  9. How to Write a Research Paper

    Create a research paper outline. Write a first draft of the research paper. Write the introduction. Write a compelling body of text. Write the conclusion. The second draft. The revision process. Research paper checklist. Free lecture slides.

  10. How To Write A Research Paper (FREE Template

    We've covered a lot of ground here. To recap, the three steps to writing a high-quality research paper are: To choose a research question and review the literature. To plan your paper structure and draft an outline. To take an iterative approach to writing, focusing on critical writing and strong referencing.

  11. How to Create a Structured Research Paper Outline

    Sub-point of sub-point 1. Essentially the same as the alphanumeric outline, but with the text written in full sentences rather than short points. Example: First body paragraph of the research paper. First point of evidence to support the main argument. Sub-point discussing evidence outlined in point A.

  12. How to Write a Research Paper for Kids Episode 1 ...

    This video series will teach you how to write a research paper or report. Each episode leads you through each step of the writing process. In this video, you...

  13. Browse Printable 8th Grade Research Writing Template Worksheets

    Open an Interactive Worksheet, and create a direct link to share with students. They'll enter their code to access the worksheet, complete it online, and get instant feedback. You can keep track of submissions in My Assignments. Learn more. Browse Printable 8th Grade Research Writing Template Worksheets.

  14. 8th Grade Writing Research Papers Teaching Resource

    Browse our printable 8th Grade Writing Research Papers Teaching Resource resources for your classroom. Download free today! Skip to main content Profile Button. Site search input. ... Writing Research Papers. Essays. Download. Add to Favorites. Add to Folder; creative writing: children's book: activities: classroom tools: language arts and writing:

  15. Free Printable Research Writing Worksheets for 8th Grade

    Research Paper 21 T. 8th - 10th Research Process 8 15 T. 8th - 12th Expository/Informative Writing 11 T. 7th - 8th ... Quizizz is an innovative platform that offers a variety of educational resources, including Research Writing worksheets for Grade 8, to help teachers create engaging and interactive learning experiences for their students. ...

  16. Eighth Grade Research Paper

    Middle School: Eighth Grade Research Paper. More important than any other aspect of the research paper project is the need for each student to select a topic in which he or she displays a genuine interest. The project will run for roughly six to eight weeks, and a clear and steady motivation to conduct research, write, and edit is critical to ...

  17. 8th Grade Essay: Examples, Topics, & Writing Tips

    ⚪: Introduction : An intro should contain something intriguing to catch your audience's attention. It's usually a hook: a starting point that makes your readers keep reading your essay. The next significant part of your introduction is the thesis statement. It's the leading thought of your paper that reveals to the reader the essay's subject matter.

  18. Unlocking Creativity: 8th Grade Research Paper Topics

    Writing a research paper in the 8th grade is an exciting opportunity to explore a historical era, event, or figure that sparks your interest. Research paper writing is a stepping stone towards enhancing your research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to articulate your ideas in a structured manner. More importantly, it also provides a ...

  19. How to Help T(w)eens Write Their First Research Paper

    This easy-to-use guide provides the tools you need to introduce the research-paper writing process. That way, when they are in high school, they will be prepared to write their research papers. The guide is intended for use: in homeschool middle school (7th grade or 8th grade for many students) homeschool high schoolers who lack experience or

  20. PDF 6 Simple Steps for Writing a Research Paper

    Step 4: Construct an Outline. Once you have collected all of the research, it may be helpful to organize your thoughts with an outline. To construct an outline, you must group your notes together and match information that fits together. An outline should be formatted in this manner: I. II. III.

  21. A Selection Of Research Paper Topics For 8th Graders

    So use this list of good research paper topics for 8th graders to get started: 1. The factors that led to ending apartheid in South Africa. 2. The laws of physics that have contributed to the design of skateboards. 3. Major turning points in the history of your favorite sports team. 4. The history of the rivalry between the Red Sox and the Yankees.

  22. The Step-By-Step Guide to Teaching Research Reports

    If you are interested in a no-prep, step-by-step research report instructional unit, please click here to visit my Research Report Instructional Unit for 5th Grade and 6th Grade. This instructional unit will guide students step-by-step through the research process, including locating reliable sources, taking notes, creating an outline, writing ...

  23. Jeffery Dahmer Research Paper

    Jack Schroeder 8th Grade Language Arts 7th Hour Research Paper 25 April 2024 "Jeffery Dahmer" Jeffery Dahmer is one of the sickest serial killers in recent history. He killed 17 people in some of the most gruesome ways possible. His gruesome killings still circulate today in the form of T.V. Shows and documentaries -.