Turn a broad question into a research brief
Turn a broad topic into a question you can answer.
Reviewed: 2026-10-03
Source-based teaching example · Fictional data
Narration: Microsoft Mark · locally synthesized

00:00:00.000 — What you will learn

Turn a broad topic into a question you can answer.

Visual description:
Turn a broad topic into a question you can answer.

00:00:05.792 — The idea

Start with the decision your reader needs to make. State which place, people and period the question covers. List the missing evidence before asking for a recommendation.

Visual description:
Start with the decision your reader needs to make. State which place, people and period the question covers. List the missing evidence before asking for a recommendation.

00:00:19.708 — One useful term

Research brief. A short plan stating the question, audience, scope and evidence needed.

Visual description:
A short plan stating the question, audience, scope and evidence needed.

00:00:29.083 — A worked example

A library has eighteen replies favoring evening workshops. The total respondent count and available staffing are unknown. Ask whether one branch can run a pilot, not whether the whole city wants evening events.

Visual description:
A library has eighteen replies favoring evening workshops. The total respondent count and available staffing are unknown. Ask whether one branch can run a pilot, not whether the whole city wants evening events.

00:00:45.708 — Your turn to think

Do eighteen favorable replies prove citywide demand? Pause and decide before continuing.

Visual description:
Do eighteen favorable replies prove citywide demand?
Pause the video if you need more time.

00:01:02.667 — Why this answer works

No. Check how replies were collected and who they represent. Staffing and demand are separate questions.

Visual description:
No. Check how replies were collected and who they represent. Staffing and demand are separate questions.

00:01:12.917 — Check 1

Name the decision and scope.

Visual description:
Name the decision and scope.

00:01:17.542 — Check 2

List evidence gaps.

Visual description:
List evidence gaps.

00:01:21.958 — Check 3

Do not generalize beyond the sample.

Visual description:
Do not generalize beyond the sample.

00:01:27.208 — Now try a different case

Open the lesson and try its different practice case. Use every check in the full task. Watching alone does not mark the lesson complete.

Visual description:
Open the lesson
Try the new case
Check and revise
The full task and its requirements are in the linked lesson.