Chapter 5 Response
I really liked this chapter. I was very skeptical coming into this project because I hadn't done a research essay in a few years. I definitely have a few concerns about the topic. I want to write about something modern but I also want it to be very passionate to me. I would also like it to be related to my major, but entertaining to my reader. Once I figure out my topic, I believe I'll be able to produce a great piece of writing.
One tip I thought was really helpful from the chapter was one of the brainstorming methods. I like thought of listing all my interest because it gives an opportunity to think about which topics I know best and which topics I'd like to talk about. I think this method is even more helpful when taking the next step in brainstorming. Taking two topics and putting them together helps produce not only a higher level question, but a higher level of thinking also.
I know I bashed the guided process before, but I actually find it helpful for this project. For this project, I think the best way to approach it is to see how others have and/or can. It also helped me realize that I'm gonna have to do some deep research finding a lot of credible sources. It's gonna be helpful using Wikipedia for reference and not as a source because it will help with the idea process.
One tip I thought was really helpful from the chapter was one of the brainstorming methods. I like thought of listing all my interest because it gives an opportunity to think about which topics I know best and which topics I'd like to talk about. I think this method is even more helpful when taking the next step in brainstorming. Taking two topics and putting them together helps produce not only a higher level question, but a higher level of thinking also.
I know I bashed the guided process before, but I actually find it helpful for this project. For this project, I think the best way to approach it is to see how others have and/or can. It also helped me realize that I'm gonna have to do some deep research finding a lot of credible sources. It's gonna be helpful using Wikipedia for reference and not as a source because it will help with the idea process.
I agree with you on the brainstorming method. I always think of every possible thing and then think realistically. From example, you cannot write anything too current or else you won't have sources in depth enough. And yes, the more specific you get, like combining topics, does need a higher level of critical thinking. This is why I always like to consult people and talk it through. I would say that is the best thing to do.
ReplyDeleteI also found the guides to be helpful for the first time in this book. With such a long and complex process having those step by step instructions on how to achieve a good question are going to be very useful to keep in mind. It's also interesting how you mentioned combining two topics, as I was thinking of doing the same thing. My major is business and my minor is psychology, so i was thinking of some research that would bring these two fields together.
ReplyDeleteIt has definitely been a while for me too with the whole research paper thing. Come to think of it, I can't really remember the last time I had to write one. The brainstorming method was really great, I agree. I had a bit of trouble at first, but this chapter really helped me out too. Great post!
ReplyDeleteyeah at first I was struggling with coming up with a good idea because it had been so long since I wrote a research paper but after reading chapter 5 I was defiantly pointing in the right direction. The tips from the book I found the most helpful has to be the brainstorming ideas an I used those to help narrow down my topic.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you found this chapter quite helpful, as I did too. Like you, I wrote a few research papers in high school, but it's been a while and I'm definitely a little rusty. It was interesting to read about how you thought the brainstorming idea was helpful--I will definitely be trying it for this project.
ReplyDeleteLike you and every other commenter above me, I also found this chapter pretty helpful. Seeing every middle school teacher in the world bash wikipedia just for it to come around as a very helpful source is rather hilarious. Good luck on the essay!
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