Reading

For some assignments (lab reports, information reports, case studies), getting started means reading our notes carefully, looking for logical ways to organize the information that we have gathered. Sometimes, we may be able to fit our notes into the format prescribed for the assignment (a lab report, for example). Sometimes, however, we have to construct a logical organization that fits the information we want to convey. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you think about organizing: What does a reader need to know first? Does a reader need to follow a process chronologically? Do we need to give a reader background information? Where do we need to introduce key words or key concepts?

Anticipating a reader's needs often helps writers to find the logic in their many notes.

To learn about reading in the context of the writing process, click here.