CHAPTER 31 – CONDUCTING RESEARCH on the INTERNET

We should first get organized. We should be sure to have the question that we need answered in front of us so that it is easy to refer back to it as you begin to collect data. We should plan how we intend to answer the question. Most essays include the following: a debate on an issue, personal opinion, and answers the questions briefly of who, what, when, where, why and how as it relates to the subject. We should start research by typing the main subject of the question into the internet search engine window and notice what comes up when we search. And second step starts visiting websites at least 3 to 10 sites that appear on the front page (if they are not specific to the subject of our essay try another search using another set of words.) we should make notes on our paper of the following as we review these sites: recent stories, studies or interviews about the subject, any similar information written about the question you are trying to answer -- we may want to include the main subject plus the word "essay" to see what other people have written about it (read as much as you can so that we have an idea how to write our essay), statistical information related to the subject (may be used as our opening paragraph tied in with our own experience), what others have done or expect as it relates to the subject, and end with a future outlook, famous quote or your personal opinion. Third step is beginning writing. Whatever comes to our mind based on the research we have found write it, no matter how it sounds. We are attempting to brainstorm for the best ways to convey our points and sometimes that comes from purging out all the unclear and confusing thoughts first. Leave space for details we don't know offhand simply by creating blank lines.