This week, we will learn how to prepare, choose a topic, and research a research paper.

Discussed in the Video:

So you want to write a research paper … or rather, you have to write a research paper. And it’s an important skill to learn to prepare for college.

It can be daunting picking a topic, looking at a blank page, and then diving in. But it can also be a fascinating process, and with some organizations and a good template, can be done bite by bite.

In this lesson, we will learn how to prepare, choose a topic, and research a research paper.

Before you get started, check your paper requirements:

1. What is the required length?

• For this course, the length should be between 5 and 7 pages, double-spaced, with font no larger than 12 points.

2. Are there specific topics to choose from?

• Refer to the Questions to Ponder section.

3. What is the deadline?

• Your final paper is due at the final lesson.

4. Does the instructor prefer MLA or APA style? We’ll get to that later this week. But these are two ways of citing your work. You’ll want to know which one to use for your paper. 

• We will use MLA style. 

When writing the research paper note that it should include the following elements:

1. A title.

2. An introduction (thesis statement).

3. A conclusion.

4. Credible source material.

Ok. Let’s get started! Head to the next lesson.