How to Write a Research Paper
Step #1 Choose a Topic
The Nile
Step #2 Write a Research
Question
Why was the Nile so important to the ancient
Egyptians?
Step #3 Start Researching and
Choose Two Focus Points
 Do some research to find out more
about your topic.
 Choose two focus points you want to
further research.
Agriculture
Transportation
Credible Sources

When researching use only credible sources. Pay
attention to domain name extensions:
◦ .edu = educational institution
◦ .gov = government
◦ .org = non-profit organization
◦ .com = commercial
◦ Use Encyclopedias: Britannica.com, encyclopedia.com, and
reference.com
Do not use ask.com or similar websites
Consider the author and the dates as information
may have changed.
Credible Sources
Step #4 Write a Working Thesis
Write a working thesis including your
two focus points.
 A working thesis may change as you
continue to research.

Working Thesis Example:
The Nile impacted farming and transportation
tremendously.
Step #5 Continue Researching

Continue researching your focus points
#1 and #2.

You need to find one fact from:
◦ A Book
◦ A Credible Website
◦ A Reference Source (encyclopedia, almanac, etc.)

Each source needs to be cited using MLA
format.
Facts to Support Point #1
Agriculture
Important Facts
My Thinking
When the Nile floods it leaves black Silt = fertile soil which
made farming so succesful
silt on the banks which is very
fertile and ideal for farming.
Egypt is surrounded by tons of
sand, which isn't exactly conducive
to agriculture and other
cornerstones of civilization.
The location of Egypt didn’t
provide much fertile soil so
the banks of the Nile were
so important.
Sometime around the end of
October, the river would begin to
recede, leaving rich silt deposits.
This is when they would
plant their crops.
Crops grew included staples such as The floods were important
wheat and barley. In addition to
to farming but also to daily
irrigating the crops and fertilizing
life!
the soil, the Nile's inundation
period also supplied much-needed
drinking water
Citation
Sullivan, Michael. The
Nile. New York: McGraw
Hill, 2013
“Agriculture on the Nile.”
Britannica Encyclopedia.com.
3/30/14
Step # 6 Evaluate Research and
consider Thesis

Look over your notes and evaluate what
information supports your thesis and what
information does not.

At this point you may wish to change your thesis to
make it stronger and fit your research.
Final Thesis:
The Ancient Egyptians relied on the Nile River for
agriculture as well as a form of transportation.
Step # 7 Fill in the Gaps
You may find that you need more
information to support your thesis.
Make sure you have all the information you
need before writing.
Think about your introduction, do you have
background information to give your
reader?
Background Information Introduction
The Nile is the world longest river at 4,175 miles (6,719 kilometers) in
length (“The Great Nile” National Geographic. Web. 3/25/13).

It rises south of the Equator and flows northward through northeastern
Africa to drain into the Mediterranean Sea.


Only 22% of the river is actually in Egypt.

The Nile flows through eight other countries.
The river is north flowing due to the heavy rainfall in southern countries in
and around Ethiopia. This rainfall causes floodwaters to run downstream.

In about 3000BC settlements began to appear in small groups around the
Nile, this is referred to as the Nile River Valley. (“The Nile.” Britanica
Encyclopedia. Web. 3/25/14)

Step # 8 Prewriting - Organize
Research in an Outline
 Now that you have all of your information, it is
time to organize it in an outline.
Start With the Facts
Facts for Introduction
The Nile is the world longest river at 4,175 miles (6,719 kilometers) in length (“The Great Nile” National Geographic. Web. 3/25/13).
It rises south of the Equator and flows northward through northeastern Africa to drain into the Mediterranean Sea.
Only 22% of the river is actually in Egypt.
The Nile flows through eight other countries.
The river is north flowing due to the heavy rainfall in southern countries in and around Ethiopia. This rainfall causes floodwaters to run downstream.
In about 3000BC settlements began to appear in small groups around the Nile, this is referred to as the Nile River Valley.
“The Nile.” Britanica Encyclopedia. Web. 3/25/14
Facts for Point #1 – Nile supported agriculture
When the Nile floods it leaves black silt on the banks which is very fertile and ideal
for farming.
Egypt is surrounded by tons of sand, which isn't exactly conducive to agriculture and
other cornerstones of civilization.
Sometime around the end of October, the river would begin to recede, leaving rich
silt deposits.
The water that had been collected in the canals and basins during the inundation
period was enough to supply nourishment for the crops for the next year. Crops
were harvested in June before the return of the floods. The cycle somewhat reliably
repeated every year, although it sometimes produced more water than needed,
which had negative effects on the crops.
Facts for Point #2 – Nile was a form of transportation
The Nile was used as highway to travel to countries along its banks.
it also was the country's most important roadway, serving as the main thoroughfare
to encourage travel and communication capabilities. This function helped to connect
outlying portions of Egypt to the capital, enabling trade and communication.
“The Nile.” Britanica Encyclopedia. Web. 3/25/14
The Nile’s current helped the Egyptians to move downriver, but they had to raise
sails to capture the wind as they traveled upriver.
The Nile River provided a natural highway for transporting large quantities of goods
in Ancient Egypt. The trip from Memphis to Thebes took about two weeks in the
flood season while it could have taken up to two months in the dry season.
“Transportation in Ancient Egypt.” HistoryLink101. Web. 3/26/14
Crops grew included staples such as wheat and barley. In addition to irrigating the
When the winds were not blowing the Egyptians used paddles or long poles to move
crops and fertilizing the soil, the Nile's inundation period also supplied much-needed them forward.
drinking water.
Cargo boats carried granite, cattle, and food to people along the river.
The Egyptians experienced so much success cultivating the Nile that the area became
densely populated.
Traders used the Nile for transportation. They would carry products such as coffee
beans, wheat, or furs. Traders bartered to gain the best deals.
Rafts, boats and ships were the main means of transportation.
“The Nile River” Think Quest Educational Foundation
Organize Your Facts in an Outline
Introduction
Hook
Overview of
Your Topic
What
background
information
does the reader
need to know?
The Nile is the world longest river at 4,175 miles in length!
(“The Great Nile” National Geographic. Web. 3/25/13).
1 . Who the paper is about – N/A
2. What the paper is about- The Nile rivers effect on Ancient Egyptians
3. When the idea (s) occurred/event took place- Around 3,000 BC the earliest settlements on the
River banks.
4. Where the topic takes place- It rises south of the Equator and flows northward through northeastern
Africa to drain into the Mediterranean Sea. Only 22% of the river is actually in Egypt.
The Nile flows through eight other countries.
5. How the event(s), technique(s), idea(s) emerged- The river is north flowing due to the heavy rainfall
in southern countries in and around Ethiopia. This rainfall causes floodwaters to run downstream. This
flooding leaves behind fertile silt ideal for farming.
“The Nile.” Britannica Encyclopedia. Web. 3/25/13
6. Why is this significant to the Egyptians- Most of the land around Egypt is desert so to have this rich
fertile soil was extremely beneficial. The Nile also provided a means of transportation for trade which
also lead to economic success. The Nile is still important to modern day Egyptians for agriculture and
transportation.
Thesis
The ancient Egyptians relied on the Nile River for agriculture as well as for a
form of transportation.
Introduction
The Nile is the world longest river at 4,135 miles! However, only 22% of
the river is actually in Egypt, the Nile flows through eight other countries and
acted as a connecting highway for Ancient Egyptians. The Nile is a major northflowing river in northeastern Africa with the mouth of the river opening up to
Mediterranean Sea which was ideal for trade routes. The river is north flowing
due to the heavy rainfall in southern countries in and around Ethiopia. This
rainfall contributes to the floodwaters that rush downstream, flood the Nile and
create magnificently fertile soil a midst a vast desert. It is the Nile that supports
many aspects of life in Ancient Egypt as well as in modern times. In about
3000BC settlements began to appear in small groups around the Nile, we now
call this the Nile River Valley. The Nile also provided a means of transportation
for trade which also lead to economic success. The ancient Egyptians relied on
the Nile River for agriculture as well as for a form of transportation.
Proof Paragraph #1
Topic Sentence
The agricultural benefits the Nile provided sustained life for the ancient Egyptians.
Fact/Evidence
#1
Egypt is surrounded by tons of sand, which isn't exactly conducive to agriculture and other
cornerstones of civilization. Sometime around the end of October, the river would begin to recede,
leaving rich silt deposits.
( “The Nile.” Britanica Encyclopedia. Web. 3/25/13 ).
Summary/
Analysis
Because vast amounts of Egypt is sand, the ancient Egyptians planned their farming around the flood season.
Each summer the Nile would flood. Around October, when the floods would recede black silt was left behind on
the banks. This was extremely fertile and ideal for farming.
Fact/Evidence
#2
The water that had been collected in the canals and basins during the flood period was enough to
supply nourishment for the crops for the next year. Crops were harvested in June before the return of
the floods. The cycle somewhat reliably repeated every year ( “The Nile.” Britanica Encyclopedia. Web.
3/25/13 ).
Summary/
Analysis
Eventually canals were made to take the water from the Nile to use for irrigation when the river was not flooding
so they could have water for their crops year round.
Fact/Evidence
#3
Crops grew included staples such as wheat and barley. They also grew vegetables, figs, melons,
pomegranates, and vines. Some of the vegetables included onions, leeks, cabbage, and lettuce. They
grew flax which was made into clothing. Grain was the most important crop used to make porridge
and bread. (“Ancient Egyptian Farming” National Geographic).
Summary/
Analysis
Egyptians main crops were wheat and barley. These grains were so important and were used to make porridge
and bread that could feed many. They also grew vegetables, figs, melons, pomegranates, and vines. Some of
the vegetables included onions, leeks, cabbage, and lettuce. Flax was harvested as well and used to make
clothing.
Sum it up!
Due to the predictability of the flooding season, ancient Egyptian farmers were able to utilize the rich fertile soil
and control the water so efficiently they grew everything they needed on the banks of the Nile.
Proof Paragraph #1
Agricultural benefits from the Nile sustained life in ancient Egypt. Because
vast amounts of Egypt are sand, the ancient Egyptians planned their farming around
the flood season. Each summer the Nile would flood. Around October, when the
floods would recede black silt was left behind on the banks. This was extremely fertile
and ideal for farming. Eventually canals were even made to take the water from the
Nile to use for irrigation. This was done so when the river was not flooding they could
have water for their crops year round. According to the Britannica Encyclopedia, the
water that had been collected in the canals and basins during the flood period was
enough to supply nourishment for the crops for the next year (“The Nile” Britannica
Encyclopedia). Egyptian’s main crops were wheat and barley. These grains were so
important and were used to make porridge and bread that could feed many. They
also grew vegetables, figs, melons, pomegranates, and vines. Some of the
vegetables included onions, leeks, cabbage, and lettuce. Flax was harvested as well
and used to make clothing. Due to the predictability of the flooding season, ancient
Egyptian farmers were able to utilize the rich fertile soil and control the water so
efficiently they grew everything they needed on the banks of the Nile.
Proof Paragraph #2
Transition
Sentence
In addition to providing fertile soil and irrigation for agricultural success, the Nile also provided an important means
of transportation.
Fact/Evidenc
e #1
The Nile was the country's most important roadway, serving as the main thoroughfare to encourage travel
and communication capabilities. This function helped to connect outlying portions of Egypt to the capital,
enabling trade and communication. The Nile was also used as highway to travel to countries along its
banks.
“The Nile.” Britanica Encyclopedia. Web. 3/25/13
Summary/
Analysis
The Nile allowed the Egyptians to communicate more freely with one another and connected the small villages to
the capital. This increased trade and communication for the Ancient Egyptians. In a similar fashion, the Nile
connected Egypt to other countries allowing for an increase in trade and communication as well.
Fact/Evidenc
e #2
Cargo boats carried granite, cattle, and food to people along the river. Traders used the Nile for
transportation. They would carry products such as coffee beans, wheat, or furs. Traders bartered to gain
the best deals. Rafts, boats and ships were the main means of transportation.
Summary/
Analysis
The communication with other countries brought goods that the Egyptians needed. Their surplus grains were
traded as well as granite, cattle, furs and other foods. rafts, boats and ships were the main means of
transportation.
Fact/Evidenc
e #3
The trip from Memphis to Thebes took about two weeks in the flood season while it could have taken up
to two months in the dry season. The Nile’s current helped the Egyptians to move downriver, but they had
to raise sails to capture the wind as they traveled upriver. When the winds were not blowing the Egyptians
used paddles or long poles to move them forward.
“Transportation in Ancient Egypt.” HistoryLink101. Web. 3/26/13
Summary/
Analysis
While the trip from Memphis to Thebes only took about two weeks during flood season, it could take up to two
months in the dry season. The current moved the boats along while headed downriver, however sails were needed
to travel upriver. Egyptians used paddles or long poles to move them forward when there was no wind.
Sum it Up
The Nile River provided a natural highway which connected the people living on its banks, and was ideal for
transporting large quantities of goods in Ancient Egypt.
Proof Paragraph #2
In addition to providing fertile soil and irrigation for agricultural success, the
Nile also provided an important means of transportation. The Nile allowed the
Egyptians to communicate more freely with one another and connected the small
villages to the capital. This increased trade and communication for the Ancient
Egyptians. In a similar fashion, the Nile connected Egypt to other countries allowing for
an increase in trade and communication with them as well. The communication with
other countries brought goods that the Egyptians needed and was an outlet to sell their
goods both which supported their economy. Their surplus grains were traded as well as
granite, cattle, furs and other foods. Travel on the Nile was not always easy but rafts,
boats and ships were the main means of transportation. Travel during the flood season
was easier than in the dry season. While the trip from Memphis to Thebes only took
about two weeks during flood season, it could take up to two months in the dry season.
The current moved the boats along while headed downriver, however sails were
needed to travel upriver. Egyptians used paddles or long poles to move them forward
when there was no wind. The Nile River provided a natural highway which connected
the people living on its banks, and was ideal for transporting large quantities of goods in
and out of Egypt.
Conclusion
Restate Your Thesis
Don’t repeat-reword
The ancient Egyptians depended on the fertile soil of the Nile for agricultural success, and as a
means of transportation that sustained communication and trade.
Summarize Your
Paper
Remind the Reader of
the Key Ideas & Main
Points--- Show How
Your Evidence Proves
Your Thesis
Ancient Egypt could not have existed without the river Nile. Since rainfall is almost nonexistent in Egypt, the floods provided the only source of moisture to sustain crops.
The Nile connected Egyptians with a natural highway. Communication was possible, and trade
successful . These successes were not limited to Egyptians, because the Nile was so long they
were able to trade with other countries along the Niles banks as well as in the Mediterranean.
Without the Nile, trade and communication across long distances would not have been
possible resulting in a weaker economy.
Explain Why Your
Topic Was Important
to the Egyptians
Reference Your
Introduction
The Nile has given great opportunities to millions of people throughout history, and continues
to do so to this day.
Take Away Ending
The people who lived along the Nile in ancient times used the river for agriculture and
transportation. That hasn't changed, although the methods of agriculture and transportation
have. Although the ancient Egyptian society eventually collapsed, the Nile continues to flow!
Virtually everyone acknowledges that Ancient Egypt could never have existed without the
great body of water.
Conclusion
It was on the banks of this river that one of the first civilizations
began. The ancient Egyptians depended on the fertile soil of the Nile for
agricultural success, and as a means of transportation that sustained
communication and trade. Ancient Egypt could not have existed without the
river Nile. Since rainfall is almost non-existent in Egypt, the floods provided
the only source of moisture to sustain crops. The Nile connected Egyptians
with a natural highway, communication was possible, and trade successful.
The Nile has given great opportunities to millions of people throughout
history, and continues to do so to this day. Virtually everyone acknowledges
that Ancient Egypt could never have existed without the great body of water.
The people who lived along the Nile in ancient times used the river for
agriculture and transportation. That hasn't changed, although the methods of
agriculture and transportation have. While the ancient Egyptian society
eventually collapsed, the Nile continues to flow!
Add Transition Words
Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links
between ideas in your paper and can help your reader
understand the logic of your paper.
Identify Transition Words
in my Research Paper!
1. We will read and highlight the transition words
found in my introduction together using the transition
words handout.
2. Secondly, you will read and highlight transition
words found in my proof paragraphs and conclusion.
3. Finally you will add transition words to your own
research paper to connect ideas resulting in a paper
that is well written and flows for the reader.
Introduction
The Nile is the world longest river at 4,135 miles! However, only 22% of the
river is actually in Egypt, the Nile flows through eight other countries and acted
as a connecting highway for Ancient Egyptians. The Nile is a major northflowing river in northeastern Africa with the mouth of the river opening up to
Mediterranean Sea which was ideal for trade routes. The river is north flowing
due to the heavy rainfall in southern countries in and around Ethiopia. This
rainfall contributes to the floodwaters that rush downstream, flood the Nile and
create magnificently fertile soil a midst a vast desert. Without a doubt it is the
Nile that supports many aspects of life in Ancient Egypt as well as in modern
times. In about 3000BC settlements began to appear in small groups around
the Nile, we now call this the Nile River Valley. The Nile also provided a means
of transportation for trade which also lead to economic success. The ancient
Egyptians relied on the Nile River for agriculture as well as for a form of
transportation.
Proof Paragraph #1
Agricultural benefits from the Nile sustained life in ancient Egypt. Because
vast amounts of Egypt are sand, the ancient Egyptians planned their
farming around the flood season. Each summer the Nile would flood.
Around October, when the floods would recede black silt was left behind on
the banks. As a result this was extremely fertile and ideal for farming.
Eventually canals were even made to take the water from the Nile to use for
irrigation. This was done so when the river was not flooding they could have
water for their crops year round. In fact, according to the Britannica
Encyclopedia, the water that had been collected in the canals and basins
during the flood period was enough to supply nourishment for the crops for
the next year (78). Egyptian’s main crops were wheat and barley. These
grains were so important and were used to make porridge and bread that
could feed many. In addition they also grew vegetables, figs, melons,
pomegranates, and vines. Some of the vegetables included onions, leeks,
cabbage, and lettuce. Flax was harvested as well and used to make
clothing. To summarize, due to the predictability of the flooding season,
ancient Egyptian farmers were able to utilize the rich fertile soil and control
the water so efficiently they grew everything they needed on the banks of
the Nile.
Proof Paragraph #2
In addition to providing fertile soil and irrigation for agricultural success, the
Nile also provided an important means of transportation. For that reason the
Nile allowed the Egyptians to communicate more freely with one another and
connected the small villages to the capital. Consequently this increased trade
and communication for the Ancient Egyptians. In a similar fashion, the Nile
connected Egypt to other countries allowing for an increase in trade and
communication with them as well. As a result the communication with other
countries brought goods that the Egyptians needed and was an outlet to sell
their goods both which supported their economy. Similarly their surplus
grains were traded as well as granite, cattle, furs and other foods. Travel on
the Nile was not always easy but rafts, boats and ships were the main means
of transportation. Travel during the flood season was easier than in the dry
season. While the trip from Memphis to Thebes only took about two weeks
during flood season, it could take up to two months in the dry season. The
current moved the boats along while headed downriver, however sails were
needed to travel upriver. On account of that Egyptians used paddles or long
poles to move them forward when there was no wind. In brief, the Nile River
provided a natural highway which connected the people living on its banks,
and was ideal for transporting large quantities of goods in and out of Egypt.
Conclusion
It was in fact on the banks of this river that one of the first civilizations
began. In summary the ancient Egyptians depended on the fertile soil
of the Nile for agricultural success, and as a means of transportation
that sustained communication and trade. Therefore ancient Egypt
could not have existed without the river Nile. Since rainfall is almost
non-existent in Egypt, the floods provided the only source of moisture
to sustain crops. The Nile connected Egyptians with a natural
highway as a result communication was possible and trade
successful. Undoubtedly the Nile has given great opportunities to
millions of people throughout history, and continues to do so to this
day. Virtually everyone acknowledges that Ancient Egypt could never
have existed without the great body of water. In conclusion, the
people who lived along the Nile in ancient times used the river for
agriculture and transportation. That hasn't changed, although the
methods of agriculture and transportation have. While the ancient
Egyptian society eventually collapsed, the Nile continues to flow!
Citation Overview & Rules
In MLA style, referring to the works of others in your
text is done by using what is known as parenthetical
citation. This method involves placing relevant source
information (Author’s last Name & Page #) in parentheses
after a quote or a paraphrase.
Any source information that you provide in-text must
correspond to the source information on the Works
Cited page.
Paraphrasing, or rewording needs a citation.
Examples
Title
Of
Website
URL: http://www.historylink101.net/egypt_1/a-transportation.htm
Website
Transportation in Ancient Egypt
The Nile River provided a natural highway for transporting large
quantities of goods in Ancient Egypt. The trip from Memphis to Thebes
took about two weeks during the flood season, while it could have
taken up to two months in the dry season.
My
Research
Paper
Travel on the Nile was not always easy but rafts, boats and
ships were the main means of transportation. Travel during the
flood season was easier than in the dry season. While the trip
from Memphis to Thebes only took about two weeks during
flood season, it could take up to two months in the dry season
(“Transportation in Ancient Egypt”).
Or…
Book
Title or
Website
Title
According to the Britannica Encyclopedia, the
water that had been collected in the canals and
basins during the flood period was enough to
supply nourishment for the crops for the next
year.
Or…
When the Nile floods it leaves black silt on the
banks which is very fertile and ideal for farming.
(Authors last name 78).
In Summary…
Website – No Author
(“Page Tile”).
Example: (“The Nile”).
Book
(Author’s Last Name Page #).
Example: (Gomes 78).
Website With Author
Title/Author Stated in Paper
(Author’s last Name, “Page Title”).
(Page #).
Example: (Moniz, “The Nile”)
Example: According to the Britannica
Encyclopedia, the water that had been
collected in the canals and basins during
the flood period was enough to supply
nourishment for the crops for the next
year (78).
MLA Parenthetical Documentation
looks like this…
Website No Author:
While the trip from Memphis to Thebes only took about two weeks during flood season,
it could take up to two months in the dry season (“Transportation in Ancient Egypt”).
Website With Author:
While the trip from Memphis to Thebes only took about two weeks during flood season,
it could take up to two months in the dry season (Moniz, “Transportation in Ancient
Egypt”).
Book With Author
While the trip from Memphis to Thebes only took about two weeks during flood season,
it could take up to two months in the dry season (Gomes, 78).
Title/Author Stated in Text:
According to the Britannica Encyclopedia…… (78).
According to Gomes…(78).
Authors last name, first name. "Title of Page/ Document." Title of the
Web Site.Web. Date you visited the site.
Citing Sources Within Your Paper
Text
Book
Web
Cite in Paper
(Author’s last name page #).
Website with author:
(Author’s last name, "Document Title").
Website with no author:
Magazine
("Document Title").
(Author’s last name page #).
Works Cited Page
Any source information that you provide
in-text must match up to the source
information on the Works Cited page.
Parenthetical Documentation Must
Match Works Cited
Parenthetical Documentation
Book With Author
While the trip from Memphis to Thebes only took
about two weeks during flood season, it could
take up to two months in the dry season (Gomes,
78).
Works Cited
Gomes, Amanda. Transportation
on the Nile. New York:
Harcourt, 2001.
*Use the publisher in place of the author of text
books & encyclopedias
Website With Author:
While the trip from Memphis to Thebes only took
about two weeks during flood season, it could
take up to two months in the dry season (Moniz,
“Transportation in Ancient Egypt”).
Moniz, Kristen. "Transportation in
Ancient Egypt." History
101. Web. 4/3/13.
How to Make a Works Cited Page
Text
Cite in Works Cited
Book
Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of the
Book. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year.
List in alphabetical order
Must have at least two
sources
Web
Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of
Page/ Document." Title of the Web Site.
Web. Date you visited the site.
Double Space
Indent each line that
follows the first for each
source
Magazine
Author’s Last Name, First Name. "Title of
Article." Title of Magazine Day Month
Year: pages of the article __ - __. Print or
Web.
Works Cited is typed at
the top of the page and
centered
Sample Works Cited Page
Works Cited
Gomes, Amanda. Transportation on the
Nile. New York: Harcourt, 2001.
Moniz, Kristen. "Transportation in
Egypt." History 101. Web. 4/3/13.
Ancient
MLA Format
MLA Heading
Title Centered
Times New Roman Font
Size 12
Do not Underline or Use Bold Print
Double Space
1 Inch Margins
Header With Your Last Name and Page Number