Spot Patchwriting and Fix It

Teach the practice sheets first, then hand out the organizers during a research project. The answer keys cover the four practice sheets.

Label student versions of a desert bat source as paraphrase, patchwriting or uncredited quotation. Patchwriting is copying a source's sentences and swapping in a few new words, so the writing still belongs to the source. The directions on the page read: Read the source and the 3 definitions. For each student, circle Paraphrase, Patchwriting or Quotation without credit. On the 2 lines, write one sentence that gives your reason. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade informative writing, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

Lateral reading means opening new tabs to see what other sources say about a site before trusting it. Lateral Reading Checklist for Online Sources walks through five steps, from who runs the site to whether the evidence fits the claim.

A signal phrase introduces a paraphrase or quotation with the author's name and a verb such as argues, notes or warns. Paraphrase Sources With Signal Phrases gives a verb box and seven practice sources.

Move from a broad subject to a smaller part you can cover well, then write a focused question. Rank Topics From Broad to Narrow for Research orders sets such as music, string instruments and handmade violins.