in search of an answerin search of an answertelling the tale:the next step of the quest

Your band of travelers has traveled far and wide. You have talked to many people at length and in-depth, you have explored art, you’ve followed leads and points of insight, you’ve dug deep into the research archives and read widely, you’ve documented your journey…

You’ve listened in carefully to the ongoing conversation.

Now you will speak…

by now…by now…

from inquiry to argumentfrom inquiry to argumentNow that you’ve heard what others have been saying with an open mind, you must begin thinking about what you have to say.

• what have others said?• what was especially insightful?• any patterns or trends?• what does your group think?

a provisional thesisa provisional thesisIn the final research manuscript that your group writes, you must make an argument.

• draft a thesis• a simple answer may not be possible• shoot for understanding/insight• it can be complex (but should be clear)• the scope should fit the project• negotiate and construct meaning

as a group• communicate, communicate!

an outlinean outlineTo manage a writing project of this size and scope, an outline will prove helpful.

• draft an outline to plan organization• allow the outline to change as needed• consider claims, reason, and evidence• communicate, communicate!

collaborative writingcollaborative writingWriting a single paper with multiple authors can be very challenging…

• what should the final paper sound like?• should it have a single voice?• is it ok to include disagreements?

task managementtask managementThere are many ways to write collaboratively. One common way:

• individual writing tasks are assigned• intros, transitions, and conclusions

are written together to ensure “flow”• revise and edit for coherence to ensure

that each section leads to the mainpoint

• if you skip the final editing stage, thepaper will be incomprehensible

gather everyone to writegather everyone to writeWriting with whole group together has some advantages, but can be difficult.

• groups can sometimes make better decisions than individuals

• don’t get caught up in debate overlower-order concerns

• plan for more than one meeting• leave time to critique the draft and

make revisions; writing together is not a substitute for revision

work smartwork smartCoordinate the group effort fairly and efficiently. Take advantage of the group strength.

• leverage people’s individual strengths• break tasks down equally and fairly• everyone needs to read and critique

each draft• make sure that everyone, not just the

final editor, reads and approves ofwhat will be turned in

deadline remindersdeadline remindersRemember, the deadlines and plan accordingly. Budget your time!

• end of this week: thesis and outline• start of next week: draft of manuscript• week 16: project is due