Planning and drafting a document

This branch covers turning an assignment or idea into a completed draft. It divides by stage: clarifying the brief, developing an outline and drafting through to completion. Finding sources, defining audience and purpose, study-specific reporting requirements, revising and reviewing, and checking documentation belong to neighbouring branches and topics.

• The document brief — scope, intended outcome, clarification, evidence, instructions and planning practice
• From an idea to an outline — boundaries, focus and problem statements, sorting material, outline forms and testing the plan
• Drafting and finishing — readiness, uninterrupted time, starting points, avoidance, temporary blocks and limits to polishing