A-manual-for-writers-of-research-papers-theses-and-dissertations

6.2.6).6.2 Create a Plan That Meets Your Readers' NeedsSome fields stipulate the plan of a report. Readers in the experimental sciences, for example,expect reports to follow some version of this:IntroductionMethods and MaterialsResultsDiscussionConclusionIf you must follow a preset plan, ask your instructor or find a secondary source for a model.But if you must create your own, it must make sense not just to you, but visibly to yourreaders. To create that visible form, go back to your storyboard or outline.6.2.1 Converting a Storyboard into an OutlineIf you prefer to work from an outline, you can turn your storyboard into one:Start with a sentence numbered I that states your claim.Add complete sentences under it numbered II, III, . ., each of which states a reasonsupporting your claim.Under each reason, use capital letters to list sentences summarizing your evidence; thenlist by numbers the evidence itself. For example (the data are invented for the illustration):I. Introduction: Value of classroom computers is uncertain.II. Different uses have different effects.A. All uses increase number of words produced.1. Study 1: 950 vs. 7802. Study 2: 1,103 vs. 922B. Labs allow students to interact.III. Studies show limited benefit on revision.A. Study A: writers on computers are more wordy.1. Average of 2.3 more words per sentence2. Average of 20% more words per essayB. Study B: writers need hard copy to revise effectively.1. 22% fewer typos when done on hard copy vs. computer screenwww.itpub.net