Business Writing · Lesson Plan

Research Writing

Research writing is how we gather information to answer a question and deliver it to an audience that needs to know. This lesson focuses on the part students most often get wrong — planning the project. They learn to choose a workable topic (not too broad, not too narrow), pick something they have an opinion about and quality sources for, and plan the project before they start writing.

Grades 9–12 Lesson Plan 45–60 minutes Free Lesson Plan Lesson & Worksheet: Full Membership

For Teachers

Lesson at a glance

Topic: Business Writing
Grade Level: Grades 9–12
Resource Type: Lesson + Worksheet
Estimated Time: 45–60 minutes
Format: Lesson + worksheet
Materials: Printable lesson, worksheet, pencils

What Students Learn

Learning objectives

Define research writing and its purpose
Plan a research writing project
Choose a topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow
Select a topic with quality available sources
Recognize how a focused topic strengthens the result

Materials

What you’ll need

Printed lesson and worksheet (one per student)
Access to library or internet sources
Pencils

Key Terms

Vocabulary

Research writing: Gathering information to answer a question and report it to an audience.
Topic: The specific subject a research project addresses.
Scope: How broad or narrow a topic is.
Source: A place information is gathered from.
Credible: Trustworthy and well-supported.
Planning: Deciding the topic and approach before writing.

For Teachers

Lesson plan

Estimated time: one 45–60 minute class period.

Lesson sequence

What is research writing? (10 min). Gathering information to answer a question for an audience.
Choosing a topic (15 min). Pick something interesting with an opinion and quality sources; avoid topics that are too broad or too narrow.
Planning the project (10 min). Map the steps before writing.
Worksheet (13 min). Students choose and scope a topic and draft a project plan.

Assessment

Assess the worksheet for a focused, workable topic and a sound project plan.

Discussion

Discussion questions

What is research writing, and who is it for?
Why can a topic be too broad or too narrow?
How do you pick a good research topic?
Why do quality sources matter when choosing a topic?
What should a project plan include?

Printable Lesson & Worksheet