 |
"Pardon the interruption
Detective McStickler, but I'd like to show you the specific topic I developed by using the
5W-How Process."
Detective M. replies, "No problem, Willie.
Let's see what you have." |
"Well, as you recall, I was
having trouble writing a research paper that was
focused on specific information. I had so much information because the topics I
selected were too broad.
Then you told me about a process you use when investigating that helps eliminate
unnecessary information--the 5W-How Process.
I tried to follow the examples you gave
and this is what I have:"
Step 1. Select a
topic: Musical Styles |
Step 2.
Ask: what, who, when, where, why, and how |
N
A
R
R
O
W
I
N
G
T
H
E
T
O
P
I
C |
|
What musical styles
do I want to know more about? |
 |
boogie-woogie, jazz,
rock steady,
country and western,
rhythm and blues |
|
Who is responsible
for the creation of these musical styles? |
 |
?
(to be discovered through research) |
|
When did these
musical styles first originate? |
 |
?
(to be discovered through research) |
|
Where were these
styles originated? |
 |
?
(to be discovered through research) |
|
Why are these styles
still
in existence today? |
 |
?
(to be discovered through research) |
|
How, if at all, have
these musical styles changed since their birth? |
 |
?
(to be discovered through research) |
Step 3. Develop and
Present a Specific Topic: |
The Origins of Various Musical
Styles and How They've |
Changed through the Years |
|
"Now, I have a specific
topic that has been narrowed and is focused with a clear purpose for writing. I know
which direction to take my research;
and any information that doesn't address my topic specifically,
can be eliminated from my notes.
What do you think?"
|
"Willie,
you've caught on to the 5W-How Process
nicely and it shows in your work here.
I think your teacher will be pleased
with this topic indeed!" |
|
|