So I worked some thesis ideas from my chaos and formulated an outline:
T. How I go about solving crossword puzzles and writing academic texts share two important characteristics: sound is important, and “critical distance.” The two processes differ, though, in equally key ways: the writing process is much more linear for me, and the crossword solving lends easily to looking up answers I don’t know. I have no compulsion about giving up when it comes to crosswords (though I’m likely to go at it for a long time before I do). Furthermore, my personal processes are likely more involved, particularly when it comes to academic writing, just because it’s what I practice and study; most people will employ less attention to the early invention phases. Ultimately, though, my writing process seems quite dictated by deadlines these days, which contrasts greatly with my crosswording. If I had more time, I feel certain I could improve both processes. I’m not so certain that I’d want to.
I. Sound is important to both my crossword-solving process and my writing of academic texts.
II. “Critical distance” is also important to both processes.
III. The writing process is much more linear for me, though, as opposed to the crossword solving experience.
IV. And the crossword solving lends easily to looking up answers I don’t know, whereas there is much more critical thinking involved in the research that goes into academic writing for me.
(etc.)
NEXT…
I gotta think of some details!!! Usually, if I haven’t thought of some already, I list questions and explore their answers. Something like this:
I. Sound is important to both my crossword-solving process and my writing of academic texts.
- When is sound important in crossword-solving? Give an example of a specific puzzle.
- When is sound important in academic writing? Give an example of a specific text in process.
- Why do you think sound is important in these processes? Is it always important? For everyone? What makes it important? What if you didn’t have it?
PDArrington says
Here’s an important point: If, in working out the details, I realize my claim is a bit off, or needs to be completely reversed or scrapped, I feel free to change it up. Stuffing Drizella’s foot into Cinderella’s shoe can be a bloody mess! Don’t do it. Change the shoe.