Question

Read the description a student gave about how she wrote her research paper.

Once I analyzed the prompt, I was able to determine my purpose and audience. Since I knew it was a research-based essay, I found several valid sources, making sure to write citation information for each, so I could use the citations in my paper and on my Works Cited page. Then I wrote a research question by synthesizing the information from my source. Finally, I created an outline that I could use to organize my writing. I was ready to write my first draft.

Which change should the student have made to the writing process?

She should have begun the whole writing process by creating an outline.
She should have written a research question before conducting research.
She should have found one valid source in order to write a research question.
She should have decided on a purpose and audience before analyzing the prompt.

Answer 1

She should have written a research question before conducting research.

Reason: developing a research question first gives focus and direction to your research so you know what to look for and which sources will be relevant. Analyzing the prompt and deciding purpose/audience should come first, then a guiding research question, then targeted source-finding, synthesis, outlining, and drafting.