Research Report Chart
The steps of a research report, its parts, paraphrasing and quoting, and how to check a source.
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How to do it
- Read the steps of a research report.
- Read the parts of a report.
- Read about paraphrasing, quoting and good sources.
Teaching tip
Keep the chart nearby during a research project. This sheet is aligned with Common Core W.5.7.
About this chart
Five steps of a research report, its four parts, how to paraphrase and quote, and questions to ask about a source.
What kids practice
A research report answers a question using information from more than one source. Fifth graders take notes in their own words, combine facts from different sources, quote a source when the exact words matter and say where every fact came from. They organize the report into sections with headings and check that their sources can be trusted.
Watch for
- Copying a sentence and changing only one or two words.
- Changing the meaning while paraphrasing.
- Using quotation marks without saying who said the words.
- Trusting a source without checking who wrote it or when.
It's free to print, as many copies as you need. See the full research reports guide for 5th grade.
More sheets in this set
2. Paraphrase or Copy?Three source sentences, each with three student notes to judge as copied, a good paraphrase or a changed meaning. Includes an answer key.
3. Paraphrase ItSource sentences with lines to rewrite them in your own words. Fewer, Standard or More give 4, 5 or 6. The answer key shows sample paraphrases.
4. Two Sources, One TopicPairs of short original sources about hummingbirds, the Moon and honeybees, with questions about what each source says and lines for a combined note. New sheet gives a different topic. The answer key has example answers.
5. Quote a SourceQuotes from sources like a park ranger or a zookeeper to write into sentences that start with According to. Fewer, Standard or More give 4, 5 or 6. The answer key shows each sentence.
6. Is It a Good Source?Short descriptions of sources, like a science museum's website or an ad, to judge as good or not good for a report. Fewer, Standard or More give 4, 6 or 8. The answer key gives a reason for each.
7. Report Outline with HeadingsA one-page planner with a topic and research question, an introduction, three body sections with headings, facts and a source for each fact, and a conclusion.