The first step is to define your research task. How can you get started if you aren’t sure what you’re doing?
Ask yourself this question:
What does my teacher want me to do?
You might also ask yourself:
What question am I answering? OR What problem am I solving?
For some research assignments, your teacher may tell you exactly what to do or what question to answer.
Example:
Are energy drinks dangerous? Analyze the health impacts of energy drinks and use at least three examples to answer this question.
Your teacher may even give you a thesis statement to use.
Example:
Oscar Wilde used satire to critique the strict moral values and gender stereotypes of the Victorian era.
For other assignments, your teacher might leave it up to you.
Example:
Write an argumentative paper about a current controversial topic in American politics.