London project - les 2

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 3

London project

Lesson 2 - planning

Project goals

1. You can investigate an aspect of British daily life.

2. You can answer a research question about the chosen aspect of British daily life.

End product

• News segment about a chosen topic

• Investigate research question

• Use written sources (book(s) + online)

• Use written source that you've found in London

• An interview per person

• Answer to your research question / conclusion

Lesson goals

By the end of the lesson...

• you have formulated your research question.

Research question

A research question is the question around which you center your research.

It should be:

Clear:	it provides enough specifics that one’s audience can easily understand its purpose without needing additional explanation.
Focused:	it is narrow enough that it can be answered thoroughly in the space the writing task allows.
Concise:	it is expressed in the fewest possible words.
Complex:	it is not answerable with a simple “yes” or “no,” but requires analysis of ideas and sources prior to composition of an answer.
Arguable:	its potential answers are open to debate rather than accepted facts.

Is this a good or a bad research question?

What sports do British people play?

1. Good
2. Bad

Research question

Bad example

What sports do British people play?

Why?

You don't have to interview people about this.

Too broad, not specific enough.

Is this a good or a bad research question?

What is it like to go to a British secondary school?

1. Good
2. Bad

Research question

Good example

What is it like to go to a British secondary school?

Why?

Interviews show insight. Can use both written as well as spoken sources. Concise.

Is this a good or a bad research question?

Do people in London fit the English stereotype that they are polite?

1. Good
2. Bad

Research question

Good example

Do people in London fit the English stereotype that they are polite?

Why?

You can read about stereotypes.

Interviews are relevant. It's not too big.

Is this a good or a bad research question?

What was British food in the 19th century?

1. Good
2. Bad

Research question

Bad example

What was British food in the 19th century?

Why?

Too long ago. Not specific enough.

Can't interview people about it. Can't research it in London.

Your turn

1. Formulate your research question.

2. Ask for teacher feedback for your research question.

Clear:	it provides enough specifics that one’s audience can easily understand its purpose without needing additional explanation.
Focused:	it is narrow enough that it can be answered thoroughly in the space the writing task allows.
Concise:	it is expressed in the fewest possible words.
Complex:	it is not answerable with a simple “yes” or “no,” but requires analysis of ideas and sources prior to composition of an answer.
Arguable:	its potential answers are open to debate rather than accepted facts.

One person per group:

What is your research question?

How did formulating a research question go?

😒🙁😐🙂😃

Next lesson

• Make a reseach plan

• Read about the chosen topic / research question

• Check the book Britain for Learners of English

Writing a plan

Open a Word document and answer the following questions. Then share the document with your group members + teacher via OneDrive.

1. What is your topic?

2. What is your approved research question?

3. Who has which task?

4. What things will you be looking for online? At least 5 terms!