managing the main points generating main points: the bottom-up approach class_6

7/29/2019 Managing the Main Points Generating Main Points: The Bottom-Up Approach Class_6

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MANAGING THE MAIN POINTS

Generating Main Points:

The Bottom-Up Approach


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3 methods to stimulate thinking


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Talking

Focused dialogue in small groups is usually best for this

technique.

Great way to clarify what you already know and dont know

about a topic.

And you can build on the ideas of others, discover what you

think & evaluate your own reasoning.


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Talk the talk, and walk the talk.


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Still talking

Its important that you take notes since what is significant toone person may not to another; and you never know what

youll need for your essay.


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Free Writing

Free Writing is talking written down.

And business communication is talking written down in a clear

and orderly fashion. This never goes out of fashion. Never.


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Brainstorming

(youve done this before)


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What else?


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Generating Main Points: Top Down Approach


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The 12 questions to answer:

Answer these questions to generate ideas:

1. How is your subject made or done?

2. How does your subject work?

3. What are the main kinds of your subject?4. What are the componentparts of your subject?

5. What are the significantfeatures, characteristics, orfunctions

of your subject?

6. What are the causes of your subject?7. What are the effects or consequences of your subject?


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The 12 questions to answer cont:

8. What are the similarities and/or differences between your

subject and X?

9. What are the main advantages/disadvantages of your

subject?

10. What are the reasons infavor of/againstyour subject?

11. What does your subject look, feel, sound, smell, and/or taste

like?

12. How did your subject happen?13. This is the theory. Lets test it.


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Subject:

Law enforcement officers

Selected Question:

What are the main functions of law enforcement officers? Main Points:

Preventing crime

Apprehending criminals

Enforcing the law

Acting as role models

Helping those in need


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Another Example:

Subject:

Job interviews

Selected Question:

How do you make a negative impression in a job interview? Main Points:

Be inappropriately dressed.

Be ignorant about the company.

Complain about former employers.


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Testing Your Main Points


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Main points must be significant, distinct & relevant.

Reasons for attending college:

1. to learn career skills2. to improve your general knowledge of the world

3. to enjoy the social life

4. to participate in student government


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Are your main points distinct?

Advantages of cycling:

1. improves fitness2. stimulates enjoyment of surroundings

3. keeps one in shape

4. doesnt damage the environment


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Are your main points relevant?

Why buy all-season tires?

1. better control on turns

2. increased traction in loose snow

3. added expense

4. decreased stopping distance


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Organizing Your Main Points


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There are 4 ways to order your main thoughts:

1. CHRONOLOGICAL

2. CLIMACTIC

3. LOGICAL

4. RANDOM


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1. CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER

Example: the evolution of a relationship

1. first meeting

2. attraction

3. discovery

4. intimacy

5. disillusionment


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2. CLIMACTIC

Example: Advantages of a postsecondary education

1. development of skills & knowledge

2. friendships & contacts with compatible people

3. potential for higher income

4. discovery of ones own potential


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3. LOGICAL

Example: the main causes of youth crime

1. lack of opportunity for work

2. lack of recreational facilities

3. boredom

4. craving for excitement


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4. RANDOM

Example: the garbage disposal crisis

1. disposal sites are hard to find

2. cartage costs are high

3. new technologies are not yet fully developed


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Huh?

So youve learned how to identify main points

How to test them for suitability

How to arrange them in the best order

managing the main points generating main points: the bottom-up approach class_6

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