Step One

Understand Your Assignment

• Read your assignment carefully before you start to ensure you understand the requirements.
• Note any specific deadlines for submitting your topic, sources, outlines, or drafts.
• Consult with your instructor if you have questions in these areas.

Step Two

Define Your Topic

• Write down your research question or topic.
• Note keywords and subject terms that can be used as search terms.
• Go to the Writing Center for help brainstorming, outlining, or talking through your topic ideas.
• Visit the Library’s InfoGuides for the best places to start with your research.
• Consult Library Databases for Topic Ideas (note that logging in is your DSC Email and Password):

Step Three

Investigate Your Topic

• Refine your topic and ask more specific questions to define your thesis statement.
• Are you on track?
  • Consult with your instructor on the direction of your paper.
  • Visit the Library’s research assistance desk to provide guidance on locating information and resources to help you refine your topic.
  • Visit the Writing Center to refine your topic idea based on the research you’ve done and the assignment requirements.

Step Four

Retrieve Information on Your Topic

• Plan your search strategy. 
• Search and choose sources.
• Use the Library Catalog and Databases to gather your information.
• Are you on track?
  • Consult with your instructor on the direction of your paper.
  • Visit the Library’s research assistance desk to provide guidance on locating information and resources to help you refine your topic.

Step Five

Read and Evaluate Information

• Keep track of your sources and record the citation information as you go.
• View the Citation and Documentation research guide.
• Evaluate the gathered information for your research:
  • Have you found enough information on your topic?
  • Does the information support your thesis?
  • Have you answered the questions: What, Why, Where, When, How?
• Are you on track?
  • Consult with your instructor on the direction of your paper.
  • Visit the Library’s research assistance desk to provide guidance on locating information and resources to help you refine your topic.
  • Work with a Writing Center tutor if you feel like you want to make sure you’re still on track.

Step Six

Create Your Outline

• Organize your ideas.
• Organize your notes.
• Outline the format of your paper.
• Visit the Writing Center’s resource page for helpful tips and additional resources for outlining.

Step Seven

Write the First Draft

• Writing Center tutors are available to help you get started or work through writer’s block. They also have helpful online resources, too!
• The learning specialists in the Academic Support Center are also available to assist you with quick writing questions on a walk-in basis. For more information, please call (386) 506-4217 or visit their InfoGuide.

Step Eight

Conduct Additional Research as Necessary

• Reread your assignment.
• Keep looking for more resources that support your thesis or argument.
• Are you on track?
  • Consult with your instructor on the direction of your paper.
  • Schedule a Librarian Consultation to provide guidance on locating information and resources to help you refine your topic.

Step Nine

Revise and Rewrite: Second Draft

• Complete bibliography.
• View the Citation Style Guide.
• The Writing Center’s website has links and presentations to help you with revision and citation styles.

Step Ten

Proofread Your Paper

• Look for spelling and grammatical errors.
• Does your paper fulfill the assignment requirements?
• The Writing Center can help you learn proofreading strategies, and you can visit their online resources for additional help.
• Final review.

Step Eleven

Final Draft

Write the final draft of your paper.

The Writing Center can be an extra pair of eyes to be sure that you’ve fulfilled the assignment requirements.

Step Twelve

Assignment Due Date

• Submit your paper!