Getting Started and Choosing a Topic

Defining the Assignment

Whether you're writing a paper for a class or looking for lesson plans for your students, you need to have a clear understanding of the assignment and what is expected of you. Remember that your instructor is always your best resource if you have questions about your assignment, or about the kinds of sources you're expected to use. To help you get started, begin by asking yourself the questions listed below. Your answers will set the direction for your next steps.

1. What type of information do I need? (statistics, background, survey data...)
2. How much information do I need? (two good sources for a brief speech, a thorough literature review for my thesis...)
3. How soon do I need it? (is the paper due tomorrow or at the end of the term?)
4. Where do I expect to find the information? (books, articles, the Web, I have no idea...)
5. How will I present the information? (in a research paper, speech, class presentation...)