Instead of an essay outline that details what you plan to accomplish in each section of the essay, we are going to take a less formal approach to the first stage of writing.
We are moving from focused research into the write/read/revise stage of the process, also know as drafting. In order to begin writing, the first thing I want us to do is reflect on what we have found in the research. This week, your assignment is to answer the following questions as best you can, given the research you have already done:
1. What did I find out about my topic?
2. What does what I found about my topic mean?
3. Which of my original thoughts or ideas on the topic are supported by data? How?
4. How does this research answer my research question(s)?
5. What additional questions or data must I ask or find in order to answer my research question(s)?
These questions, and your answers, should help give form to your ideas, provide you with a basis of what you still need to collect, and start the initial writing process.
Once you have answered these questions, use them to propel you into an actual draft of your proposal or paper. Then, when you get stuck, hate your topic (school, your professors for assigning this evil project, and your dog for breathing too loud), and want to give up you will know it is time to go find new answers or revise your ideas again.
Whatever you do this week you must write. Write your way out of the research fog and start forming your ideas into words.
Happy drafting!
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