Read all the required source material. If a book is expected to be read, read it in advance. If it is about a subject or topic such as the literary influence of the Enlightenment on modern writers, then research in that area is the first step.

Begin research on a topic or do further research on a novel, poem or author with a simple internet search. Use information only from sources ending in .org, .gov or .edu. Make note of all sources so they can be cited later.

Write each note on a separate index card. Give each note an organizing topic, such as “background” or “critical theory” and keep like cards together.

Visit the library. University libraries have, in addition to books, online journal databases that are excellent sources for scholarly research material.

Formulate a hypothesis. A hypothesis is the guiding principle of the paper. It can be an argument that the paper serves to prove or it can be a statement that the paper elaborates on. Select all remaining notes and ideas to support the hypothesis.

If you use inappropriate material, it can influence either your research questions and hypotheses or your conclusions.