How to research
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After you read this introduction, hover over the Research button (black and white) above to see an index of resources).
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ASK A TEACHER
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Begin with your teacher's expectations for your project. Mrs. Morehead provides a great resource every year to her students which may help any student. Check with your own teacher for more specific details and advice.
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BACKGROUND READING
Read broadly on your topic. Encyclopedias? Not usually cited in a final project, but essential for background. Books are also excellent resources.
Most importantly, items in a book format (table of contents, chapters, indexes) whether print or online will help you develop a cohesive overview of topics that might interest you.
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DEVELOP YOUR THESIS STATEMENT
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Work with your teacher to make sure you are on the right track. Avoid writing a report on a topic. Try to go deeper. Click here to learn about one process of developing the thesis statement.
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LOCATE AND EVALUATE RESOURCES A.K.A. ASK A LIBRARIAN
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A great first step is simply to ASK. Send us a request for reliable resources by clicking here. A good rule of thumb is to start early. You need time to review and evaluate your resources. The process of doing this WILL lead you to revise and re-think your thesis statement.
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The following links deal primarily with evaluating websites, but you can apply them to any source. HINT: usually the sources provided by our library have already been reviewed for overall quality. You just have to decide if they help you develop your argument.
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YouTube - a video playlist to make evaluation FUN
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MAKE NOTES AND GATHER CITATION INFORMATION
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If you take great notes and ALWAYS collect citation information, your paper will write itself.
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Don't have a note taking system yet? Learn Cornell notes. Then, learn how to synthesize your notes to support your thesis statement and develop a structure for your paper.
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Reminders:​
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Always put quotes around words that are not your own.
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Try to "tag" what you quote with a brief concept word. Always be summarizing and reflecting.
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Don't force a quote to fit your argument.
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As a final reflective step, try to link different sources that refer to similar concepts. Always be synthesizing.
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Be willing to revise your thesis statement.
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Click here to read a detailed lesson on note taking with examples.
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WRITE THE PAPER
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Have great notes? The paper will unfold easily.
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Check with your teacher for final formatting. If you need help with MLA 8 format, click here.
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Feel free to ask a librarian for help with other styles. Send us a request for help by clicking here