I suggest that you take notes. This begins the discussion that will help you write your research paper…remember that it is worth 860 points!

1) Understanding the assignment -Is it a report? Report: A form of individual study. The measure of success is how well the student can conduct research, analyze, and organize the information and communicate it clearly in written form. -Is it issue analysis? Issue Analysis: Focuses on analysis of the issue and its solutions, possibly from both historical and current perspectives. The writer is a neutral observer more than an advocate for a particular position. The success of the paper is based on how completely and clearly the writer has identified the key aspects of the issue and their significance to the field.

-Is it advocacy or persuasion? Advocacy or persuasion: Taking a stand on an issue and defending it against opposing points of view. Students will research the issues and read others’ arguments for and against. The paper will anticipate and deflect arguments against the position, while presenting supporting evidence in favor of the position. Success will depend on how persuasively the paper makes the case and defends against possible opposition.

2) Consider the process you’ll use The paper is your final product, but a research paper involves an extensive process before you can generate the product. If you focus too quickly on the end product, you may miss some of the important research steps and find yourself writing a paper without enough understanding of the topic to do an A+ job.

3) Set your deadlines for each step of the assignment. Ideally, you will have at least four weeks to complete a 7-8 page research paper. Shorter papers may not require four weeks worth of work. While 15-page papers are typically a semester project. 4) Think about possible topics. Focus on a broad idea/term that can be narrowed to something specific. Always choose something that interests you.

5) Info search-browse, read, relax. Thumb through textbooks or the course packet for the class in which the paper was assigned. Browse the table of contents, chapter headings, and subheadings. Go to the library and browse the catalog and reference section. The idea is to get a feel for the subject matter, to give your brain some ideas to work on while you’re getting ready for the step of choosing a topic.

6) Relate your prior experience and learning. The process of successful research and writing involves building on what you know. You don’t need to know a lot about a subject in order to use it as your topic, but choosing one you’re totally unfamiliar with could be a mistake. It may take so much time and effort to become informed about the subject that you don’t really have time to get into the depth required by your assignment.

7) Jot down your questions and ideas for your possible topic Use your notebook to starting recording questions which interest you or ideas for possible topics. If you're researching a paper for a 20th century American history class, write down questions you wonder about: Why did the stock market crash in 1929? Who was the worst 20th century American President? Did the Cigarette Smoking Man from X-Files really kill JFK? You'll end up with a list of ideas, some of which are obviously ridiculous and not reasonable topics for your paper, but don't worry about that at this point. Think about things which interest you and which build upon some experience or knowledge you have or build upon things you're presently learning in class.