Research Guides: Literature and Literary Criticism: Research Strategies

Research Paper Guides

Research (Excelsior OWL)
Guide to writing a research paper
The Writing Process (Excelsior OWL)
Includes tips for writing a thesis statement

ASK QUESTIONS TO DEFINE YOUR TOPIC	Or A 'concept map' may be helpful:
Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? So What? What is the *definition? What other words* could be used to research this topic? What are some causes ? What are some *results or consequences* ? What *larger social or political issues* are related to this topic?	[source https://classweb.gmu.edu/WAC/adjguide/academic_papers/identifying.html]

ASK QUESTIONS TO DEFINE YOUR TOPIC

Or A 'concept map' may be helpful:

Who? What? Where? When?

Why? How? So What?

What is the definition?

What other words could be used to research this topic?

What are some causes ?

What are some results or consequences ?

What larger social or political issues are related to this topic?

[source https://classweb.gmu.edu/WAC/adjguide/academic_papers/identifying.html]

Prewriting Strategies (Excelsior OWL)
This section explains the prewriting (invention) stage of the composing process. It includes processes, strategies, and questions to help you begin to write.