Policy Brief

A policy brief is a concise summary of a particular issue, the policy options to deal with it, and some recommendations on the best option. It is aimed at government policymakers and others who are interested in formulating or influencing policy. From "Writing Effective Reports" by the FAO 

Steps
Understand your assignment

Reading your assignment instructions carefully. Questions about your policy brief? Ask your instructor or TA. 

Percent time spent on this step
5
Find and read background information on your policy issue

Whether you were assigned an issue or chose one, do some background research and reading on your topic.   

Sources like course readings, news articles, and more can provide background information. Read them to get an overview of your topic.   

  • Tip: Ask yourself ‘who,’ ’what,’ ‘when,’ and ‘where’ questions as you read to find key information on your topic.   
Percent time spent on this step
15
Find sources

Have questions about finding sources?     Ask for research help from Universities of Toronto Libraries at UTM, St. George, or UTSC.

Percent time spent on this step
15
Evaluate sources

Choose the best sources for your assignment. Consider: 

  • Type of Sources: Does it fulfill your assignment requirements and/or information needs? 
  • Relevance of Source: Is the source relevant to your research topic? Is it relevant to your discipline? How will it help you discuss your research question or thesis? 
  • Additional Criteria: Consider the RADAR test to evaluate and select sources. 
Percent time spent on this step
5
Analyze research results

Look for patterns and themes in your research. Try using a note-taking worksheet to gather and analyze your research.  

Consider the role of sources in your assignment to decide how you will integrate them into your essay. 

 

Percent time spent on this step
10
Write an outline

Review your assignment hand-out for any details on how your instructor would like you to structure your policy brief and ensure that you have included all the required elements in your policy brief outline.   

Ask for writing help from University of Toronto Writing Centres at UTM, St. George, or UTSC.   

Percent time spent on this step
15
Write a first draft

Write a first draft. 

Percent time spent on this step
15
Revise and rewrite

Revise drafts of your work. 

Ask for writing help from University of Toronto Writing Centres at UTM, St. George, or UTSC.   

Percent time spent on this step
10
Put assignment in final form

Proofread your work carefully. 

Cite your sources correctly. 

Check your work for academic integrity. 

Percent time spent on this step
10