1. Getting Started

First Things First - Assignment Requirements

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

Q. How long is the paper?

Your paper should be one page.

Q. How do you cite sources?

Your Works Cited page and in-text citations should be in MLA format. You may want to remind yourself what information you need to create the MLA Works Cited page and in-text citations.

Q. When is it due?

Check with your instructor and in D2L for due dates for each of your assignments.

Q. What other requirements should you make note of?

Are there requirements to include a certain number of quotes or paraphrases? Do you need to have a certain number of paragraphs? Make note of any other requirements on the assignment sheet, and ask your instructor for clarification on any parts you're not sure about.

Selecting a Topic

You will be writing on a single modern technology. Potential topics could include robotics, consumer electronics, genetic engineering, aerospace or military technology, alternative energy sources as well as internet-related technologies. Emphasis will be placed on the origins and evolution of the technology, and its impact on society. Some assessment should be made as to where that technology is today and where it's likely to go in the future. This is a research paper, entailing citations within the text of the paper as well as a works cited page.

Here are some examples of modern technologies:

3-D printing
Commercial space flight
DNA testing
Speakers
Telephone / cell phone / smart phone
Genetic engineering
Computers

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.