1. Steps in Writing
1.3. Planning
Steps in planning:
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Select your topic
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Analyse the task: know the expectations
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Plan your time
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Brainstorm your topic
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Research (this is ongoing) - Don’t forget the note-taking strategies we covered earlier as this will help you identify themes that go across your research and should be included in your assignment.
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Create your thesis so that it meets the requirements of the task.
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Select a planning strategy and plan!
This video on planning is worth watching just to hear the presenter’s accent, besides the great content!
There’s lots of different planning strategies. Try a few until you find one that suits you.
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Traditional linear plans
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Use the headings of the basic assignment structure (please see below) and write your main points underneath.
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Reorganise these points so that they are in a logical order.
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Check to make sure you have satisfied task conditions.
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Use these notes to write up your assignment.
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(Please see an example of a linear plan below.)
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Mind mapping (more info on mind mapping https://www.mindmapping.com/)
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Mind mapping is a visual way to record your ideas.
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It can be created during and/or after your research.
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Graphic organisers
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Graphic organisers (more on these in the next section) are excellent ways to build your assignment as you do your research.
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They ensure you meet all the expectations of the task.
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You can create your own.
Try this link for more information.
Essay - Linear planIntroduction |
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Body | Key Point 1 |
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Key Point 2 | Repeat as above. | |
You may have any number of key points. | ||
Conclusion | Synthesis/ Evaluation |
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Concluding paragraph |
Conclusions can be inductive or deductive. In other words, you might like to start or finish with your thesis. (Notice how similar this is to your introduction?) |