CARS Outline

Research Question: Can computer software help with the writing process?
I. Establishing a Territory
Computers are fast becoming an integral part of our society. Therefore, we should embrace computers in as many ways as we can. The writing process can be difficult for many people due to the complexities of the English language. For some time now, writers have used computers for things such as spell check or checking for grammatical errors. However, what if computer software could actually be used to make writing easier or help people with learning disabilities? Some of my research shows how computers software is making writing easier.

II. Establishing a Niche
My essay will explore the current research that has been completed in this subject area. Already, research has shown some computer software can help students with learning disabilities write more coherent sentences through sentence structure analysis. Also, computers help with collaboration when working on writing with a team of people. In addition, software can be used to help plan for writing. For example, teachers have been trying to get us students to use concept mapping before beginning to write in an attempt to help us organize our thoughts. New computer software, such as Cmap Tools, allows anyone to create bubble maps easily in a computerized format that enables a person to see where they can add analysis and how their thoughts flow together.

III. Occupying the Niche
The purpose of the essay is to argue that computer software is useful in improving the writing process. If software can help learning disabled students write, hopefully other software can be created to help other people write better as well. Obviously, we can not allow the computer to write papers for us, but maybe more research can be done into sentence structure analysis to help us figure out better ways of saying things in our papers. The principle findings of the essay is that computer software is improving the writing process through several methods such as: collaboration, assisting learning disabled students, and helping people have a better flow of ideas through better concept mapping. The research paper will begin with an introduction about previous thoughts about computer software in the education environment, followed by a discussion on the research I've listed above, and lastly my insights into the research.