What is the first step of writing a research paper

Citations may seem confusing at first with all their rules and specific information. A good tirst paper provides focused, in-depth information and analysis. Table of Contents. To determine your research question, review the freewriting you completed citing apa in a research paper. After identifying potential topic te, you will need to evaluate reseacrh ideas stfp choose one topic to pursue. The Butte College Library Reference Librarians are more than happy to assist you at this or any stage of your research. Organizing: Mind map or outline Based on your preliminary reading, draw up a working mind map or outline. Set aside time to conduct preliminary research about your potential topics. Learn how to identify key points and arguments without getting bogged down and reading every word. If you read a fascinating blog comment that gives you a new idea for your paper, be sure to check out other, more reliable sources as well to make sure the idea is worth pursuing. Write the first draft with title, in-text citations, and Works Cited page. Take time to understand exactly what you are being asked to write and how you will be graded on it.