1. “Brainstorm possible topics. One way to do this is to consider things you’re interested in, list them, and see what comes to mind as you think of them. An argument isn’t going to pop into your head.” The Writer’s Practice, p. 174
Be Curious!
1. “Brainstorm possible topics. One way to do this is to consider things you’re interested in, list them, and see what comes to mind as you think of them. An argument isn’t going to pop into your head.” The Writer’s Practice, p. 174
2. “Develop your topic. Once you have an area of interest, do some research. Dig around and see what other people might be saying, in an effort to help you spur your own thinking.” The Writer’s Practice, p. 175.
Google News gives us links to up-to-the-minute articles from over 50,000 news sources worldwide back to 2003 (use TOOLS to go to the Archives).
Browse & Brainstorm and Narrow Down your topic through your Reading.
Ask Questions.
Collect Keywords.
Be Curious.
3. “Develop an organizing question.” p. 176.
ex. from The Writer’s Practice: Why does Instagram make me sad?
“Any question that keeps the thinking momentum going is a good one.” The Writer’s Practice, p. 176.
4. “Do additional, more systematic research…Your main question will spawn additional questions…This stage is for gathering as much valid, reliable information that pertains to your question as possible.” p. 176-177
Look for valid, reliable information through academic research!