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State the question

The Addison Trail Information Literacy Instructional System is a process to help you think and work through questions and  projects. You need to follow a system to find and develop the best answers to your research questions.  The following steps were developed and adapted by the AT faculty.
State the Question

"Stating the Question" includes:
The task analysis (read the assignment and write down all that needs to be done), asking the questions and knowing what needs to be done (review your list with your teacher to be sure you did not miss a piece of the assignment).  
Set a timeline that allows you to meet your deadlines (write all of the due dates in your assignment notebook so you remember when the pieces are due).  
Read the all of the rubrics so that you know what is expected for each piece of this assignment. Avoid surprises by being organized! 
Your Teacher is your key resource for this step.  Ask questions NOW so you know what to do later!

Track down the Resources - Find out what resources you need to answer your questions and where do you find them.  What access do you have?
Use the Information - Sort and organize your information.  Paraphrase, quote and cite the sources you are using.  Make notes, use graphic organizers or an outline to bring order to your thoughts.
Do your assigned project.  Use the information to design your presentation.  Is it a PowerPoint presentation, a speech, a lab report or a research paper?  Remember your First Draft is not your final presentation.  Editing and revisions are a real part of presenting your thoughts based on the information you found.
You Evaluate.  How did you do?  What will you do differently when you do this again?  What do you think of your skill in gathering information, presenting, and meeting requirements?  Are you skilled at finding and using information?