1.1 Define your topic

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Before you begin looking for information, you should identify:

• the exact problem you wish to solve
• the concepts and terms that describe the problem
• the amount of information required to solve the problem
• the type of information required to solve the problem.

Directive words indicate what you have to do. A list of directive words is available in the section "Analysing essay questions" of QUT Write.

Limiting words make your task more specific. Limiting words can provide general constraints such as discuss one aspect, specify importance such as what is the main cause, or indicate specific time frames such as in the last two years, or in the 1980s.

If you remove the directive words and the limiting words from your topic, you will be left with the key concepts.

This process helps to define your topic and answer the specific question at hand, rather than generally discussing the topic. Now you need to increase familiarity with your topic.