The Read, Write & Think research paper scaffold is a tool developed by the International Reading Association and National Council of Teachers of English to help guide students through the process of writing a research paper. The scaffold breaks the research paper process down into clear, sequential steps to make it less overwhelming for students. It provides structure while still allowing flexibility for different types of research topics and individual writing styles.
The key features of the Read, Write & Think research paper scaffold include identifying a topic, focusing the research question, developing a thesis statement, organizing notes, creating an outline, drafting body paragraphs, revising and editing the paper, and preparing a bibliography or works cited page. By breaking the paper down into these distinct phases, it demystifies the whole process. Students know exactly what to focus on at each stage and how it builds towards the final product.
When first using the scaffold, teachers should explain each step thoroughly so students understand its purpose. They can brainstorm as a class to come up with potential topics that interest the targeted grade level. Having students then select a personally meaningful topic engages them more in the research. For the next step of focusing the research question, teachers can provide examples of too broad versus too narrow questions. Students revise their initial questions with teacher feedback until they have a focused, answerable inquiry.
Developing a clear, arguable thesis statement is a crucial part of the scaffold. Many students struggle to move beyond a simple statement of fact or opinion. Teachers need to model crafting a thesis with a defensible position on the research question. They can have students try writing thesis statements in class with feedback until they reach a high standard. Organizing and taking notes is the next scaffold step. Teachers should explain effective note-taking strategies like paraphrasing in students’ own words and recording citation information. They can provide graphic organizers or templates to help students collect and structure their findings.
With informative notes collected, students move to creating an outline. Outlines establish the structure for how ideas will be logically arranged in the paper. Teachers can provide outline format templates for different types of papers like compare/contrast or cause and effect. As students draft the outline, teachers check that each point directly addresses and proves the thesis statement. With an approved outline, writing body paragraphs becomes the focus. Teachers should emphasize strong topic sentences, quotes or facts to support each point, and analysis of sources rather than just description. Peer and teacher feedback helps improve drafts until the arguments are clear and well-evidenced.
The later steps of revising and editing, as well as preparing a bibliography, are also crucial components. Students need to read their work critically and evaluate the flow, clarity, strength of evidence, grammar/mechanics. Teachers can provide checklists of what to look for in each area as well as model revising and editing their own sample paper. In the final scaffold step of creating a bibliography or works cited page, accuracy is key. Students must ensure all in-text citations match sources from the reference list in the proper format. Peer reviewing references helps catch any mistakes.
Overall, the Read, Write & Think research paper scaffold systematizes a complex process in a way that helps students better understand expectations and what is required at each stage. With its sequential steps and built-in opportunities for feedback, the scaffold supports developing research, analytical thinking, and composition skills over time. When teachers thoroughly explain the purpose of each component and provide structures like templates and checklists, students gain necessary guidance through independent research writing. The key is emphasizing the building block approach that leads to a polished final paper meeting assignment objectives. By making the paper attainable through a clear organizing framework, the scaffold encourages student success with research projects.