1. 10th World Studies 3.9.18 Turn in: Research!!! Take out: Outlining
40 Note Cards by end of 5th…
Take out:
Notecards
Device
Today’s objective:
I can perform meaningful research!
Today’s Agenda:
Research!!!
Outlining
HW:
Outline due Monday
TRS #1 due Monday as well…I’d wait until you’re done outlining…

2. OUTLINING
I would argue this might be the most important step in the writing process—while also being one of the most overlooked…
Template online—download, save a copy, and utilize it…
I like to use physical note cards in organizing it first…easier to “edit” by moving a card than typing…

3. “Whatever…I write better when I jam it out the night before it’s due!”
Ummm…no. No, you don’t… and no, this isn’t just Steen’s “opinion”
“Whatever…I write better when I jam it out the night before it’s due!”
But why outline…can’t I just start my essay?
1. Focus
An outline helps you focus your attention.
It helps you determine what to write.
It gives you a roadmap from start, through the middle, and to the end.
Outlining actually helps you write more quickly, more effectively.
2. Flow
It is far easier to review the flow of your information when it’s structured in pieces.
What do you need to tell your audience?
Are the transitions logical?
Is it in the right order?
What are the relationships between topics and subtopics?
Is the hierarchy transparent?

4. But why outline…can’t I just start my essay?
3. Balance
Reviewing an outline makes it easy to determine if the right amount of emphasis is placed on each topic.
You might find that you need to move things around to get the right balance, or perhaps you will decide to remove information.
4. Completeness
An outline is much easier to review for any gaping holes.
You will not have to go through the whole document looking for those holes.
You can look at the topics (BTS) and subtopics (Evidence) to ensure you have covered everything you must tell your audience.

5. Can you categorize your evidence into topics?
OUTLINING
Can you categorize your evidence into topics?
Does it apply to your research question in some way?
Can you then create a way in which that topic begins to answer your research question?
What common thread can you find between your topics? How do these begin to answer your research question?

6. THEN, start adding in 2 sentence analysis…
WHAT does your evidence MEAN?
HOW does your evidence PROVE your thesis?
But I don’t even have a thesis yet!!!
WHAT is the CONTEXT of your evidence?
HOW does your evidence ANSWER your research question? (this is the beginning of your thesis…)

7. Outlining… This is a process…
It will not be “perfect” at the first attempt…but the more effort you put in now, the easier it will be later…
WATS: You’ll be well-served to go through the process again…
Keep it for your “drafts”—if you do, you can remove the formatting, and it’s pretty well set…
Look for the patterns you see in your evidence—this is the start of your thesis…be patient!