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Turn a broad question into a research brief
Turn a broad topic into a question you can answer.
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Turn a broad question into a research brief
Turn a broad topic into a question you can answer.
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Source-based teaching example · Fictional data · Reviewed 2026-10-03. Microsoft Mark · locally synthesized. On a small screen, use fullscreen for diagram details or read the transcript.
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0:00 · What you will learn
Turn a broad topic into a question you can answer.
What appears on screen
Turn a broad topic into a question you can answer.
0:05 · 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.
What appears on screen
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.
0:19 · One useful term
Research brief. A short plan stating the question, audience, scope and evidence needed.
What appears on screen
A short plan stating the question, audience, scope and evidence needed.
0:29 · 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.
What appears on screen
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.
0:45 · Your turn to think
Do eighteen favorable replies prove citywide demand? Pause and decide before continuing.
What appears on screen
Do eighteen favorable replies prove citywide demand? Pause the video if you need more time.
1:02 · Why this answer works
No. Check how replies were collected and who they represent. Staffing and demand are separate questions.
What appears on screen
No. Check how replies were collected and who they represent. Staffing and demand are separate questions.
1:12 · Check 1
Name the decision and scope.
What appears on screen
Name the decision and scope.
1:17 · Check 2
List evidence gaps.
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List evidence gaps.
1:21 · Check 3
Do not generalize beyond the sample.
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Do not generalize beyond the sample.
1:27 · 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.
What appears on screen
Open the lesson Try the new case Check and revise The full task and its requirements are in the linked lesson.
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