Writing Essays - Part 3
Contents

Part 1	How do I interpret the topic?
Part 2	How do I plan the essay and organise my ideas?
Part 3	How do I research and gather information?

 
HOW DO I RESEARCH AND GATHER INFORMATION?

Research: How do I gather information?

1. Read widely!

Check yourself:

Are you familiar with the subject?

Have you used a variety of sources such as course materials, handouts, text books, reading lists, internet?

2. Read critically!

Check yourself:

Why is the author writing? For what purpose?

What is the main argument?

What supporting points and evidence is used? Is it fact or opinion?

Is the author strongly influenced by a specific issue or interest such as traditional views, minority group challenges, outdated or prejudiced ideals?

3. Read efficiently!

Do you skim the structure of the book/chapter/ website?

Do you look for parts relevant for your purpose so that you can later zoom in?

Have you noted the date/ place of publication or electronic source, then table of contents and layout of book?

Which chapters will be most helpful?

Did you read the first and last paragraphs, skimming the headings?

In one sentence ...what is it about?

4. Record bibliographic details

Check yourself:

Did you record....

Author's surname and initials?

year published?

publisher and location?

title of book/article/journal?

page numbers especially when taking quotes or figures?

dates that you accessed online sources?

5. Focus your attention by reading with questions in mind!

Use the assignment question or make up your own.

6. Paraphrase!

Rewrite the information in your own words, keeping your language objective.

[ON TO PART 4]