Define the Task
Step 1

Information Literacy Project

Remember that there are 6 steps that you use when you are doing research. Below is a review of the steps. You will now begin with step 1.

Task Definition	Define the task (the information problem). Identify the information needed to complete the task.
Information Seeking Strategies	Brainstorm all possible sources and select the best source.
Location and Access	Locate sources. Find the needed information within the source.
Use of Information	Engage in the source (read, hear, view, touch). Extract relevant information.
Synthesis	Organize information from multiple sources. Present the information.
Evaluation	Judge the process (efficiency). Judge the product (effectiveness).

The descriptions, text, and images of the Big6™ , Big6™ Skills, Big6™ process, and Big6™ curriculum are copyrighted by Eisenberg, Berkowitz, 1987. Permission is granted for non-commercial use in educational settings.

To complete your project, follow the instructions below. Some of your work will be completed in your classroom and some in the media center.

Print and complete this page.

1. TASK DEFINITION: Step one of the Big Six is to define the task (the information problem.) Identify the information needed to complete the task.

Develop a thesis statement using S+D+3R (Subject + Direction + 3 Reasons).

Example:

S (Students achieve more in school) +

D(because) +

3R ( they have supportive families, participate in extra curricular school activities, and participate in community activities.)

If you need help choosing a topic, see mrs. gwaltney!

Write your thesis statement below.

______________________________________________________________________

because 1)__________________________________________, 2) ____________________________

and 3) ________________________________________________________

Ask Mrs. Gwaltney to check your thesis statement.
Remember that your thesis statement may change as you get into your project.

Look at your thesis statement and think of keywords or terms that relate to your topic. Think of the most specific terms possible. (Example: school, grades, families, extra curricular activities, community participation, achievement, etc.)

___________________ ___________________ ___________________

Choose the terms that seems to best describe your topic and use Boolean operators to narrow or

broaden the topic. (Example: achievement OR grades AND school; school AND extra curricular AND activities.) Use only those terms needed to define your topic. Remember that you will probably use AND more than OR or AND NOT.

__________________________ AND __________________________

__________________________ AND __________________________

__________________________ AND __________________________

__________________________ OR (optional)________________________

_________________________ AND NOT (optional) ___________________

Remember that OR is used when two words or terms mean about the same thing or when you need to broaden or expand your topic.

This work is the basis for actually finding the information that you need.