If you are allowed to choose your own topic, the best topic is one that
a) interests you,
b)has available sources for it, and
c) can be competed in the assigned length. Use your imagination and curiosity about the world, as well as the sources in the library and online.
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. 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. All the while, you should be considering possible thesis statements.
As you find viable sources, collect the source information in a Google Doc or use Click on the "MLA" link to your left to find the proper way to cite source information.
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.
Now that you have a thesis, you need to construct a simple, relatively short outline that will help you organize the next phases.
Now, with a good working outline, you can start taking notes in earnest. You will take notes using a specific format on index cards (See the "Step 6: Note Cards" tab to your left).
Now that you have all of your research completed, you need to organize it all into a final outline. You will start with your thesis statement and use your organized note cards to develop a DETAILED outline proving your controlling idea (thesis).
This is the first paragraph of a thesis driven paper. In essence, it is your reader’s introduction to what your paper is going to prove and how you will prove it. It includes 3 components: a hook, an explanation of the issue, and your thesis statement.
Since you have a detailed final outline, this step should be relatively easy. Simply flesh out your evidence with strong analysis working toward proving your controlling idea (thesis).
Make sure all the requirements are followed, as well as all the proper formats for headings, margins, etc.