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Define and refine your topic. Start by brainstorming, on your own or with a friend, to identify what you already know about the topic, what you want to know, and what you need to know.
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If you are writing an essay, identify the possible topics or arguments you are going to explore in your paper to support your thesis statement.
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Use your instructor's assessment information to identify specific information that is required.
- Make sure you understand the assignment . Talk to your instructor if you need clarification about the assignment requirements or how you'll be assessed.
- Use an encyclopedia to get an overview of your topic. Choose your subject, then scroll down the page to see a list of multi-disciplinary and/or subject-specific encyclopedias available @ the library or online.
- If you need help writing an outline or drafting your report, contact Learner Support . These websites offer suggestions, more details, and examples that may be helpful:
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Use a graphic organizer to classify or sort your ideas and/or the instructor's requirements. Here's a sample organizer for planning a vacation to Thailand. Items in the bubbles represent things to be researched.
Getting Started is the first step in the Research Process.
[
Step Two: Gathering Information] [
Step Three: Analyzing and Evaluating ] [
Step Four: Presenting Information and Citing Sources]
