Creating a Document Plan RRU Writing Centre To report problems:

Why Use A Document Plan? Creating a document plan will: Help you to stay on track Identify gaps in your research or logic before you start to write Help prevent writer’s block Allow you to own the writing process rather the writing process owning you

Develop A Plan 1. Choose your topic 2. Brainstorm 3. Identify connections 4. Theme your ideas 5. Create a conceptual map (mind-map) 6. Identify your thesis statement/research question, sections, paragraphs, and evidence

Choose Topic & Brainstorm Ideas What makes RRU unique? Peacocks Focus on teamwork Online & F2F learning Gardens Applied programs Returning learners

2. Brainstorm Keep brainstorming until you run out of ideas. Don’t worry whether or not your ideas make sense at this stage – record everything that comes to mind and you can assess the ideas at the next stage.

3. Identify Connections Identify the connections between your ideas. In this case, colours are used to indicate ideas that “belong” together. Also, decide at this stage if some ideas should be saved for another project.

4. Theme Your Ideas History History First Nations The Dunsmuirs Royal Roads Military College Royal Roads University Wildlife Wildlife Cougars Deer Peacocks Hatley Park Hatley Park Unique ecosystems Gardens Hiking paths Educational programs Educational programs Focus on life-long learning Workplace learners Applied focus Blended model of delivery

5. Create Your Document Plan

Linear Outline A linear outline contains exactly the same information as the conceptual map – the only difference is how the information is presented. Use the plan that makes the most sense to you.

Try Other Formats Try different formats until you find the style of document plan that works for you.

6. Identify the Components Research question: What makes RRU unique? Sections: Educational programs, Hatley Park, wildlife, history Sub-sections within the Hatley Park section: Hiking paths, gardens, unique ecosystems Paragraphs within the unique ecosystems sub-section: Wetlands, coastal douglas fir zone Evidence within the wetlands paragraph: Lilies, skunk cabbage, trilliums

Questions? Contact the RRU Writing Centre: Website: Phone: (250) ext. 4353