1. Getting Started

First Things First - Assignment Requirements

Before you begin work on any presentation, examine the assignment closely for any requirements.

Q. What is due?

8-10 minute presentation OR podcast

Q. When is it due?

How long do you have to work on this project? Is there one due date for everything or are there multiple due dates for different parts of the assignment? Plan out your time, so you don't get stuck doing all the work at the last minute. Plan extra time in case you have problems or get stuck.

Q. What other requirements should you make note of?

Your presentation should include at least two types of visual evidence - screenshots, photos, illustrations, timelines, video/audio clips, or other media.

Q. What types of sources should you use?

At least two scholarly sources about the author/story/poems.

Selecting a Topic

The first thing you need to do before you begin a research paper is to select a topic that you're going to write about. Consider the following:

Q. Do you have a choice?

Review your assignment - are you allowed to choose an author or is there already one or more assigned? Are given choices for a thesis or can you create one on your own?

Q. Do you have an interest?

If you have a choice on what topic you can write about, consider which one you find the most interesting. Which topic do you think would be the easiest to write about? Which topic would you have the most to say about?

Q. Are there sources?

Before you totally commit to a topic, you'll want to make sure that there are enough outside sources on the topic for your assignment. Not every topic is going to have information written about it. Newer topics or topics that aren't as well known may be harder to find sources for. Do some searching in the library's databases to make sure there are sources, and Ask-A-Librarian to double-check if you're not sure there are enough sources for a topic you're really interested in.