ENGL 101: Calkins, J. (Fall 2024): Brainstorming search words
Your own brainstorming chart
Create a Brainstorming Chart
Click below to download your own "Search Word Brainstorming Chart."
Keep this chart with you to help you search more effectively!
- Brainstorming key wordsUse this chart to help you keep track of all the words you have found, or can think of, related to your topic and your question.
Brainstorm keywords
How to Brainstorm
-
State your research question/topic
- Example: "How do cigarette companies target children with their advertising?"
-
Extract main concepts:
| CONCEPT #1 | CONCEPT #2 | CONCEPT #3 |
|---|---|---|
| cigarettes | children | advertising |
-
Brainstorm key words:
| CONCEPT #1 | CONCEPT #2 | CONCEPT #3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
BRAINSTORM KEYWORDS |
cigarettes smoking chew tobacco smokeless tobacco nicotine smoking industry big tobacco |
children child adolescents adolescence teens teenagers students youth |
advertising ads advertisements marketing commercials promotions television spots product placement |
Keywords can be any of the following:
- synonyms
- related terms
- broader ideas
- narrower ideas
- alternate spellings
- specific examples
- abbreviations or acronyms
Identify your search words
Make a List of Search Words
To begin a search successfully, you must use a variety of words that related to your topic.
- Think of the different words and phrases that people use when they discuss your topic.
- Consider broader and narrower words, and synonyms (words that have the same meaning).
- Identify search words through your background research or ask a librarian for help in finding words that are used in your field of research.
Search smart!
Develop Efficient Strategies to Search for Books, Articles, and Websites
Searching is Creative
- use synonyms or different search words to find the sources you need
Learn as you search
- Keep your eyes open for new words or terminology that you find in your sources (book, article or website results). Use this new search vocabulary for your next search
Be a Detective
- If you find a good source, dig deeper and explore any links or other suggested resources. These will lead you to more information
Look in More Than One Place
- Use all the search tools available to you, such as the library catalog, library databases, and the internet
Don't Stop after one or two tries
- If you can't find what you need, ask a librarian for help
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