Questioning as Pre-Writing

Asking Questions as Pre-Writing: Heuristics

Written by Joe Moxley

Parent Category: The Writing Process

Category: Organizing

Available at https://writingcommons.org/asking-questions-heuristics

Determine the questions typically addressed in the document you are writing.

Writing and thinking involve asking and answering questions. The term heuristic is derived from the Greek word heuresis, which means to discover or invent. Heuristic questions refer to the questions both writers and readers commonly ask of documents.

Note: The heuristics discussed here can help you develop any of the writing assignments provided in the Projects section. These questioning strategies can help you develop an idea.

Journalistic Questions: Use the journalist's questions to probe your subject matter.

The Common Topoi and Tagmemic Questions: Use this online tool to systematically explore a topic.

Burke's Pentad:Use Burke's Pentad (a series of questions designed to generate insights) to interpret human events, stories, and movies.