Creating the informal or research outline Research Writing: Creating the informal or research outline

Step One: Identifying Your Goals Ask yourself THREE questions: What do I know about my topic? What do I want to know about my topic? What does my audience need to know about my topic?

Step Two: Identifying Your Audience Who are you writing for? What is your audience like? What is the purpose of your research? How do you hope to illuminate your audience?

Step Three: Identifying Your Needs Make a list of ideas you want to cover in your writing—include 4-5 main ideas Example: Domestic Surveillance Overview of domestic surveillance program History of domestic security methods Reactions Historical influence on governmental policy Is it just?

Step Four: Focus Questions Ask 5-7 Questions to help guide your research—this will help you focus on what you information you need to look for. Example: Domestic Surveillance What is America’s domestic surveillance program comprised of? What events lead to the inception of these techniques? What causes countries to spy on their own people? Why is it so controversial? What shapes governmental policy?

Voila! You are ready to research! 4-5 Main ideas Overview D. S. program History of security methods Reactions Historical influence Is it just? 5-7 focus Questions What is America’s domestic surveillance program comprised of? What events lead to the inception of these techniques? What causes countries to spy on their own people? Why is it so controversial? What shapes governmental policy?