Pre-writing: Audience, Topic to Question,Outlining

PreliminariesDetermine who your readers are.

Compose questions to address a gap in knowledge.

Draft “claims” that answer knowledge-gap questions.

Find supporting reasons and evidence for claims.

Address alternative views.

Determine the warrants necessary to move from reasons to claim.

Ask “why” and “how” questions; identify a “puzzle” or “paradox”: Topic > Puzzle > Question

Outlining: A Recursive Process

Begin outlining during research and reading.

Draft a “topic” outline.

Merely a list of subjects to cover–phrases, not sentences

Draft a “point”/“reason” outline.

Relate together the main points to cover in each section.

Save each outline draft in a separate file!

Sample “Topic” Outline (p. 175 The Craft of Research, 3rd ed.)

Introduction: Laptops in Classrooms

UsesLabsClassroom

Studies of laptops in classroom“Laptops are good” studies“Laptops are bad” studies

Conclusions

“Point” (Reason) Outline (p. 176 The Craft of Research, 3rd ed.)

I. Introduction: Value of classroom computers uncertain.II. Different uses have different effects.

A. All uses increase flexibility.B. Networked computers allow student interaction.C. Classroom instruction does not enhance learning.D. In-class laptops often a distraction.

III. Studies show that the effect on writing quality is limited.A. Writers are more wordy.B. Writers need hard copy to revise.

IV. Conclusion: Too soon to tell how much laptops improve learning.A. Too few reliable empirical studies.B. Too little history, too many programs in transitionC. Some schools adding programs; some dropping

programs.

“Topic” OutlineBroad to Narrow

Community participation related to tobacco laws

Two laws established B.E. 2535Nonsmokers Health Protection Act

Prevention of smoking in public spaces

Tobacco Products Control ActPrevention of sale to minors

Community implementation or compliance with the laws

Awareness of the laws and the consequences of smoking

Compliance with the law and smoking behavior

Why is this interesting?What’s the “puzzle,” “paradox,” or

“problem?

Two laws passed 22 years ago but have been ineffective in (rural) communities

Evidence that merchants still sell to minors(previous research)

Evidence that people still smoke in public spaces

(Previous research)

Topic to Question

Take the most interesting (narrowed) topic and turn it into a “how” or “why” question.

Q1: Why do people still disobey the tobacco laws, even after 20 years?

Q2: How might people’s participation in a public campaign enhance their compliance with the laws?

Q3: How might a locally based participatory intervention enhance people’s compliance?

Again:Outlining is a Recursive Process

Revise your outline after your first draft and continuously.

Transpose your “free form point/reason outline into a required standard format.

Introduction

Background

Methods & Materials (Data & Methodology)

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

Avoid “Writer-Based” Prose(pp. 177-78 The Craft of Research, 3rd ed.)

Do not organize your report as a narrativeof your thinking.

Do not organize your report as a patchwork of your sources

Write “Reader-Based” Prose(pp. 179-86 The Craft of Research, 3rd ed.)

For ease of understanding and processing information

Chronological order: old to new

Content: simple to complex

Organize according to basic reader needs.

Definitions

Conditions, Background, History, etc.

Warrants

Data description

Write “Reader-Based” Prose(pp. 179-86 The Craft of Research, 3rd ed.)

Organize strategically.

Move from uncontested to contested claims.

Establish common ground (warrants) first.

Warrants – Evidence/Grounds – Claim

Acknowledge opposite points of view.