Requirements are functions and attributes of the final product as envisioned by the instructor (product owner in Scrum). Starting with a complete set of requirements exposes writing teams and all other stakeholders to the complexity of writing projects, supporting empathy and challenging participants to make realistic plans.
Requirements lists tend to evolve over time. They vary widely by discipline, genre, instructor, department, and course.
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Research requirements |
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Base your writing on real research |
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Each author starts with a research question |
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Research question is focused on human impact |
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Research focuses on cause and effect |
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Writer develops hypothesis to test while researching |
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Methodology accounts for research process (how it was done and why) |
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Critical thinking requirements (for annotating sources and evaluating drafts) |
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Writer evaluates sources (determine source credibility and why topic matters) |
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Writers interprets accurately (paraphrase relevant source material) |
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Writers raise questions about missing information and where they find answers |
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Identify counter-arguments (limitations, opposition, alternatives) |
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Apply (discuss the value that source material will add to your own writing) |
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Define technical terms |
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ID tone (what is the author's attitude toward the subject; note fear, hope, or other emotions) |
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Analyze your level of trust in source and what trust/distrust is based on |
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Consider audience (look at vocabulary and describe real readers/users) |
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Determine and describe author’s purpose (how author would have you think or act or do) |
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Distinguish facts and claims |
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Genre/Structure of technical/professional writing |
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Use the orientation function |
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Use the thesis function |
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Use the evaluative/human impact function |
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Use the counter-argument function |
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Use the refutation function |
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Use the coda function |
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Paragraph development in your own work |
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Use topic sentence claims as required |
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Use signal phrases as required |
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Always paraphrase (no block quotes) |
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Include citations |
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Include evaluative conclusions |
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Review & editing of your own work |
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Copy edit as you write |
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Use document styles throughout |
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Conduct and weigh peer reviews carefully |
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Address all instructor review notes |
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Revise thoroughly |
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Proofread before submitting |
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Submit according to instructions |