Effective Research

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is centered around the preparatory phase of conducting research for technical writing. It provides a planner with seven questions designed to prompt students to consider what they already know about a topic, including firsthand knowledge, previously read materials, hearsay, and any questions they might have. The worksheet also encourages students to think about keywords for online research and strategies for evaluating the reliability of the information they find. By completing this planner, students are guided through the initial steps of gathering and assessing information for their writing projects.

The worksheet aims to teach students how to approach research in a structured and reflective manner. It helps them identify their starting point regarding a topic and encourages them to critically assess both their own knowledge and external sources. Students learn to formulate research strategies and consider the credibility of their information sources. This activity is fundamental in helping students understand the importance of a solid research foundation for producing accurate and reliable technical documents.