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

2. 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?

3. 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?

4. 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?

5. 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?

6. 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?