We should always plan before we start writing or researching. This makes our work better, and saves us time!
When planning, you should:
1. Make sure you understand your topic or question. What do you need to do? How do you need to do it?
2. a) Work out what you already know (Use prior knowledge) b) Move your ideas if you need to, so they’re in the most logical order. (This may be how you’re going to write them, like subheading planning). c) Ask yourself- “What brainstormed information have I written down that is related to the topic?” You may choose to colour code information you will use and information you won’t.
3. Work out what questions you still have or need to answer. Double check- what questions are related to your topic or question? (Only try to answer the questions that are related to your topic!)
4. Work out what key words you might use to find those questions and how to start searching. You can also think about what kind of websites might be useful to look at.
5. See the teacher- talk about your progress, ask them for advice on the next step and ask them to check how you're going! It’s important to check in early so you don't waste your time looking at the wrong things!