HOW TO START WRITING: QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS!!!!!!!!!!

INTERCULTURAL DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH ASSOCIATIONWRITING IN PROCESS: PRE-WRITING SUGGESTIONS



Research Projects: The importance of questions.


Much of the research done is topical in nature. Students are asked to "go find out about" a certain person, place, event or topic. The main skill Involved is the gathering of information. The "go find out about it" research project can begin with students asking questions. "What questions can you ask about how to do this assignment?"


"Where do I find out about it?"


"Where do I start?"


"Which references are very general to give the big ideas?"


"Which references are too detailed for what I want to know?"


"What resources can I use besides books?"


"How will I know what is important about the topic?"


"How will I know how to organize the ideas?"


Notice that these kinds of questions lead you to develop a plan based on a clarification of goals and what you know about available resources. The essence of this type of research assignment is finding enough information to give a general description. "A" papers hit all the high points on the topic, are well-organized and well-written. Every student can be guided by the questions which produce a quality description by means of questioning tools.


A more meaningful, curiosity driven version of the research project begins with student questions. Students should be able to guide research. Then, your research paper assignment is to choose a dilemma to address in detail, presenting both sides of the issue and drawing a personal conclusion. Under the careful guidance of a teacher and with support for answering questions you care about, research papers can become a source of great satisfaction.