Summary: Be a Search Strategizer!

It is important to develop a search strategy before you begin your search:

1. Think about the topic and write down questions that define the topic:

• What are the effects of TV violence on children?
• What are the laws on drinking and driving in Texas?

2. Identify keywords

• violence, TV, children
• laws, drinking, texas

3. Brainstorm synonyms and word variations

• media, kids, television
• legal, alcohol, intoxication, DUI

4. Use keyword tools for better search results

• expanding or limiting the search with connectors:
  • and, or, not
  • phrases, using quotemarks " "
• truncate to locate keyword variations
• nesting to organize keywords