Starting a research paper or assignment and be overwhelming at first. Here are a few steps to help you. And don't forget to give yourself plenty of time to research, write, edit, and cite!
- Understand Your Assignment:
- Paper length - a short paper will require a focused idea, and a longer paper a broader one.
- Due date(s) - make sure you give yourself ample time to explore sources and modify your topic
- Required Sources - How many and what type of sources do you need?
- Select A Topic
- Brainstorm ideas
- Consider things you are passionate about, topics discussed in class or current event
- Once you have a topic idea, gather some background information to help you develop a research question
- Start your research!
