Now that we have set goals, created a schedule, and a to-do list, let’s look at how to break larger tasks into smaller more manageable tasks. Let’s use writing a 1400 – 2000 word term paper as an example. On the first day of a six-week course, you find out that you have a paper due at the end of the semester. At the 3-week mark, you have to turn in your rough draft. Let’s break down this large task into smaller ones.
- Pick a topic – Week 1
- Start research – Week 1
- Write an outline – Week 2
- Write a thesis statement – Week 2
- Write first draft – Week 2 and 3
- Make corrections from feedback – Week 4
- More research – Week 5
- Write final draft – Week 5 and 6
Above is a list of steps on how to break down the paper into the 6-week time frame. Each week you should perform a different step for the paper.
During week 1, take a few days to pick your topic. If the topic has already been selected for your then use week 1 to research the topic. You don’t want to spend too much time choosing a topic because this will slow down the research step. You want to make sure that you are performing plenty of research because you want to do a thorough outline. Remember, research doesn’t stop in week 1, it should continue throughout each week because you may want to add or subtract information as you go.
At the beginning of week 2 start working on your outline. You want to outline the material that you gathered from doing your research in week 1. Once you have your outline written, then work on your thesis statement. Towards the end of week 2, start writing your rough draft.
Continue to write your rough draft during week 2 and 3, then turn your rough draft in for feedback. In the rough draft, you want to make sure that your formatting is correct. and you included all of the research you conducted in each week.
In week 4 thoroughly review your feedback and begin to make corrections. Please ensure that you take your time when going through the feedback because you don’t want to lose points in your final draft because you missed something. Using a Change Matrix or feedback log can help you with this.
During week 5, continue to do research to add more information to your paper, making sure that you are reaching that 1400 – 2000 word mark. In the middle and end of week 5 start to put together your final draft. In week 6 put the finishing touches on your final draft and get ready to turn it in. Don’t forget to proofread!
You can use this example of breaking down any large task. Look at the specific time frame that you have and use that to create a schedule to break down each task. If you have a specific task that you need assistance with breaking down, please feel free to reach out to me.