# Research note — blank authoring template

This is a reusable template, not a completed finding. Replace the writing prompts
with your own work. Remove instructions that do not apply. Do not include private
material in a public copy.

## Document record

- Document ID:
- Title:
- Author:
- Date and version:
- Scope and intended audience:
- Review status:

## Question

What question is this note intended to answer? What period and material are in scope?

## Current answer

State the answer, or say that it remains open. Distinguish observation from inference.

## Supporting material

Record each relevant observation or source passage. Put the source ID and page or
section beside it. Clearly label quotations, paraphrases, and your interpretation.

## Source ledger

For every source record its stable ID, title, author or organization, date, original
location or URL, exact page or section used, access date, and extent reviewed.

## Limits and alternative explanations

What does the material not establish? What is missing or conflicting? Which
assumptions could change the answer?

## Next step

What should be checked next, by whom, and why?

## Revision notes

Record substantive changes and why they were made.