1 Research and Collect Data Arturo likes the special foods his grandmother cooks. Many groups have foods that are special to their culture. Choose a food from a specific culture to research, such as Mexican food.

Use the Internet to research and learn more about your topic.

Internet
InsideNG.com

• Access a search engine. Use search words like traditional foods and the culture you’re interested in.

Ask: What are traditional foods from this culture? For example, these are some traditional Mexican dishes: enchiladas, quesadillas, menudo, salsa, and guacamole.

2 Narrow the Topic Focus your topic by asking more specific questions. Ask: Which three dishes are the most popular? For example, these are the most popular Mexican dishes: salsa, guacamole, and quesadillas.

3 Support Your Research Use two or three authoritative sources to support your topic. Authoritative sources contain trustworthy, reliable, and factual information. These are some examples of authoritative sources: an encyclopedia, an important research report, an interview with a trusted expert, and a dictionary.

4 Gather and Share Information Use facts, details, examples, and explanations to describe three dishes to the class.

• • A fact is something that is true. Fact: Salsa is a sauce.

• • A detail is a specific point about something. Detail: Salsa contains tomatoes and onions.

• • An example gives more information. Example: Salsa can be used in many dishes. Salsa can be used over rice, meat, or in tacos.

• • An explanation provides reasons for something. Explanation: Salsa can be spicy because it often includes chili peppers.

5 Present Your Results Describe your dishes to the class. Tell why you chose that culture and what you learned about it. Use the data you gathered to discuss this question: How is food important to a person’s culture?