Video Aided Instruction, Inc. Roslyn Heights, New York1This study guide should be used along with a program published by Video Aided Instruction, Inc. For more information, call 1-800-238-1512 or visit us online at videoaidedinstruction.com.Writing a Great Research Paper: Picking an A+ Topic Study Guideby Karl Weber, M.A.#VAI-S1914 v1.0Complete English Grammar Series 10 programs on 10 DVDs2This study guide should be used along with a program published by Video Aided Instruction, Inc. For more information, call 1-800-238-1512 or visit us online at videoaidedinstruction.com.This study guide should be used along with the follow- ing program published by Video Aided Instruction. The instructor works through the exercises found in this guide and much, much more during the course of the actual program.Writing a Great Research Paper: Picking an A+ Topic 1 DVD 1 hr. 22 mins. item #VAI-1914 price $49.95 isbn 1-57385-191-4 upc 600459191498Copyright 2007 Video Aided Instruction, Inc.To all users of the Video Aided Instruction publication named above, permission is hereby granted to create one (1) paper imprint of this document per person. In addition, teachers and librarians may reproduce paper imprints of this document in quantities not to exceed one hundred (100) imprints annually. All imprints and reproductions made must retain all copyright notices contained herein. This authorization is granted for this specific document only, and only when the document is used along with the publication named above.Any reproduction or distribution of this electronic document file itself for example, copying this file to or from an Internet server, a disc, or an email message is strictly prohibited. In addition, no part of this document may be reproduced by any means or for any purpose other than as an aid during self-study or group instruc- tion along with the aforementioned publication.Product names, logos, brands, and other trademarks featured or referred to within Video Aided Instructions products and study guides are the property of their respective trademark holders. They are not affiliated with Video Aided Instruction, Inc. and do not sponsor or endorse our materials. For more information, visit: http:/www.videoaidedinstruction.com/trademarksOther Video Aided Instruction products include:To inquire about any of our products:web: videoaidedinstruction.comemail: custsvcvideoaidedinstruction.comphone: 1-800-238-1512 or 516-939-0707fax: 516-935-5552mail: Video Aided Instruction, Inc.P.O. Box 332Roslyn Heights, NY 11577-0332Writing a Great Research Paper: Picking an A+ Topic Study GuideIntroductionSelecting the right topic for your research paper is a crucial first step toward earning a high grade. In this superb program, youll review the fundamentals of academic writing as you discover the secrets of choosing that elusive “perfect topic”! Youll learn to narrow your focus from a broad subject to a manage- able topic, then from an intriguing research question to a strong working thesis.For easier studying and maximum success, we recom- mend that you view the program over a number of short sessions: dont try to absorb too much at one time. Review the entire program, or specific sections, as many times as you find necessary in order to mas- ter the material.Perhaps most importantly: Dont forget to take advantage of your “pause” button while viewing the program. Keep plenty of scrap paper handy so you can jot down ideas, work through concepts, and more. And finally, be sure to use the myriad on- screen graphics to take notes for yourself when youre done, youll have a notebook you can refer back to again and again.About Your InstructorKarl Weber, M.A., is an educator, editor, and bestsell- ing author in fields ranging from business to politics to test preparation. He has worked on books with such noted figures as management guru Adrian Slywotzky, Loews Hotels CEO Jonathan M. Tisch, and President Jimmy Carter.Writing a Great Research Paper: Picking an A+ Topic3Copyright 2007 Video Aided Instruction, Inc. All Rights ReservedThis study guide should be used along with a program published by Video Aided Instruction, Inc. For more information, call 1-800-238-1512 or visit us online at videoaidedinstruction.com.Part 1: What Is a Research Paper?The Definition of a Research Paper A research paper is a paper that: presents an original approach to some academic topic, organized around a central thesis, using insights based on research, and citing sources in a scholarly fashion.Part 2: From Subject to TopicThe Hierarchy of a Research Paper Research papers (and most examples of scholarly writing) follow the following hierarchy, focusing down from a highly general subject to a highly specific thesis: What Is Your Subject? If you were assigned a subject, write it here: _If you were not assigned