COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL RESEARCH HANDBOOK

EIGHT STEPS

1. If you are allowed to find your own topic, the best topic is one that a) interests you
   b)has available sources for it
   c) can be done in the assigned length.
   Use your imagination and curiosity about the world, as well as the sources in the library.
2. Preliminary Bibliography: At this point, you should be gathering sources, starting with encyclopedias and books about your topic. When you have exhausted those two areas, next start finding articles. As you begin finding sources, begin writing down the proper
   bibliographic information on 3x5 cards (unless some other method is allowed by your teacher). See the Research Guide's sections for proper bibliographic form for your works.
3. Preliminary Reading: During this stage, you are SKIMMING through as many sources as possible, becoming familiar with the topic and the specialized vocabulary if there is one. DO NOT TAKE NOTES YET, as you have no thesis. You should be trying to narrow your topic
   into one that can be done in the length you have been assigned. Be thinking of a thesis.
4. Thesis: At this point, you need to write a one-sentence statement of your thesis. This statement drives your whole paper and needs to be solid. Your thesis generally needs to be approved by your teacher.
5. Informal (working) Outline: Now that you have a thesis, you need to construct a simple, relatively short outline that will help you through the next phases.
6. Take notes: Now, with a good working outline you can start taking notes in earnest. Your teacher may have you do these on 3x5 cards.
7. Rough draft: Depending on the assignment and teacher, this stage may be required, as wellas a conference with the teacher.
8. Final draft: Make sure all the requirements are followed, as well as all the proper formats.

REMEMBER, ALL OF THE ABOVE ARE EXPLAINED IN DETAIL IN THE GUIDE!