Analyzing Your Rhetorical Situation and Setting a Schedule

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Making your research project manageable begins with defining the scope and goals of your research project. Begin by analyzing your rhetorical situation:

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Also be sure you consider the following practical issues before you begin your research project:

If you’re not sure of the answers to these questions, ask your instructor to clarify the assignment or define any confusing terms so that you can work most efficiently.

Finally, set a schedule. Be sure to take into consideration the projects you have due for other classes as well as other responsibilities (to work or family, for example) or activities. A sample schedule is shown in Figure 23.2.

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Some library Web sites may offer an online scheduler to help you with this process. Look for a link on your library’s Web site, or try out an assignment calculator, such as the one found at the University of Minnesota library’s Web site, www.lib.umn.edu/help/calculator/.

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FIGURE 23.2 Sample Schedule for a 3- to 5-Page Research Project