• Introduction
• Simple and complex questions
• Clarifying the assignment
• Exploration
• Defining the subject
• Main question
• Sub-questions and search questions
• Summary

Exploration

Once the general outline and scope of your assignment are clear, you can explore the possibilities within your subject. Carry out a wide-ranging search for information on your subject and let yourself be guided by what you find. During this exploratory phase, you will increasingly get a clear idea of your subject. This will help you to define your subject and ultimately formulate specific search questions.

In order to explore your subject, you can:

• make use of a search engine;
• consult an encyclopaedia;
• read manuals and introductory course books;
• make use of subject guides or portals;
• read news bulletins for trends and current affairs;
• make use of hyperlinks to view related websites;
• make use of the backward chaining or forward chaining to find related documents;
• consult experts.

During the exploratory phase, you will often come across jargon and English terms. This can also be useful in finding the right search terms. Note these terms down. (See Think up search terms). You will also often find references to literature that will help you find new sources. Note these down too.