Research and Writing Process for TEDtalk

LCI

Step 1: Brainstorm and Clarify

• Articulate your ideas for a peer to later review:• 1. What is your TEDtalk topic about?• 2. What occasion or reason motivates you to share this?• 3. What is the larger purpose you have for this speech?

You may have more than one. But can you articulate it beginning with an infinite verb [to educate, to share awareness…]

• 4. Write 1 paragraph, using sentencing tree branches and imagery, to write an anecdote connected to your topic (if you have one). If you don’t, skip to next step.

Step 1: Brainstorm and Clarify

Swap papers with your writing partner.• 5. Read your classmates’ free-write. Can

you ask these questions:• What do you want to know more about?• What are you confused about?• What is a cool idea that this person could

explore?• What could be a cool connection or resource?• What would you do if this was your TEDtalk?

Step 2: Inquiry• What are some areas of interest that you

would like to learn more about?• Can you list five questions that you want to

explore?

Step 3: Research

• Seek valid, credible and relevant sources.• Use Ms. Mo’s Cornell Notes on her

sharepoint page to document what you learn and the source of information.

• You will need THREE sources of information and THREE TYPES of evidence: anecdotal, statistical, and testimonial.

Step 4: Organize and Outline

1. For your sense of focus and purpose, complete this sentence frame:

• “I am ___ (verb)___(your topic)____ in order to _____(state your underlying purpose)_____.

• Ex: “I am reviewing a brief history of space exploration in order to illustrate the essence of the human spirit, inquiry and curiosity to explore beyond current boundaries.”

Step 4: Organize and Outline

2. Write a preliminary thesis:

1. Ex: “If we look at the pattern and history of space exploration, one realizes that it reflects a unique aspect to the human spirit; we are never complacent with what we have, we actually have an innate curiosity to explore and innovate.”

Now that you have a preliminary claim (it most likely will be

refined later)It is important to piece them together

in such a way that best helps your reader agree or clearly see your main

claim as clear and valid.

Every essay follows a basic structure

• I. Introduction• II. Body paragraphs• III. Closing paragraph

• ** Depending on the level of sophistication and complexity your claim/thesis, the number of body paragraphs can range from two to 15! (yep! That happens in college!)

Hence, don’t rely on a teacher to give you a template to fill-in-the

blank• Instead, let’s focus on the SKILL of

ordering, organizing, and outlining your thoughts and argument!

Overall Structure• I. Introduction

Framed Intro

Background

Thesis

• II. Body paragraphs• A. • B. • C. • III. Framed closing paragraph

Main idea #1

Main idea #2

Main idea #3

Read in chronological order, the thesis and topic sentences should read like roughly like a mini-summary of your entire paper. It gives a clear itinerary of the direction and development of your claim.

Make sure there are transition words within a paragraph as well as between paragraphs that help make close one paragraph and lead your reader to the next paragraph.

Reminders: Body Paragraphs• Make sure your body paragraphs carefully logically lead

from one to the next. Think about the DEVELOPMENT of an idea and the next point that needs to be discussed, elaborated.

• In speeches, particularly, your audience needs auditory cues to help them follow along.

• Hence, transitional sentences, phrases, or words are more important than ever to help the reader follow how you are connecting your ideas.

Let’s take a look at some sample structures and discuss how they differ due to different purposes.

Note: Writing is not a formulaic. And these are not templates to fill in. Consider the

information you have gathered/researched and your topic. As we look at these general

outlines, consider how you might adapt them for your argument.

Drumming up support

Identify problem

Possible solutions

Reasons we should face it/ examples of it

Imagine if..A picture of the benefits of it solved or consequences of it not solved.

Defining the meaning of a concept

General meaning of the word

My own deeper meaning of that word

What that moment taught me about that word

An anecdote illustrating the word

Redefining

Some people think…

What they tells me…(a new conclusion or definition

But I think and have discovered…

And others may think…

“If we look at the pattern and history of space exploration, one realizes that it reflects a unique aspect to the human spirit; we are never complacent with what we have, we actually have an innate curiosity to explore and

innovate.”

History of space

Other examples that reflect that curiosity and innovation

What this reveals to us about human spirit

Reinforce call to explore with more feeling

Powerful anecdote

What that reveals about human spirit

More examples that reflect a consistent pattern in humanity

Last thoughts and call to explore!

Reminders: Conclusion

A strong closing paragraph reminds the reader of your main ideas and claim. But it also then extends beyond the immediate subject or text by either

• making some text to self/text/world connection• drawing on a personal reflection, application of

some theme, lesson, truth, etc.• painting a last vivid image of a benefit, a

consequence or definition.

A few key reminders…• Your audience: You want to educate as well as

inspire with an idea, truth, perspective that is beyond your surface topic. You want to impart knowledge as well as engage the audience emotionally.

• So balance your TEDtalk with both statistical evidence, knowledge, testimonial evidence to establish logos, as well as any anecdotal evidence and presentation style to emotionally appeal to your audience.