Goal: Preparing for the assignment and getting ready to choose a topic.
Feelings: Don't be surprised if you feel like many people do, as they get started - worried about the amount of work ahead of you and a bit unsure of yourself. You might even feel a little excitement, anticipating the project.

If you know how other students feel as they go through the research and writing process and you feel about the same way, you'll know your project is right on track!

Thoughts and Actions: Follow the steps below to get an idea of things you should be thinking about and doing, and some of the strategies, which will help. Note the type of information search you should be doing at this stage.

1.1 Understand the assignment
Read over the instructions for the assignment to make sure you fully understand what the instructor has in mind and on what basis you will be graded.
Report: Sometimes, a teacher will assign topics or give students a range of topics to choose from and ask that the students write a research paper on the topic. This type of research paper is really 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. Frequently, reports require an oral presentation to the class as well.

Issue Analysis: A research paper may highlight a particular issue or problem in a field of study. The paper may focus on analysis of the issue and its solutions, possibly from both historical and current perspectives. The posture of the writer is frequently that of a neutral observer more than an advocate for a particular position. The success of the paper is often based on how completely and clearly the writer has identified the key aspects of the issue and their significance to the field to which they relate.

Advocacy or Persuasion: A research paper may involve taking a stand on an issue and defending it against opposing points of view. The student 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 its case and defends against possible opposition.

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