When I have to write a paper for school, my first thoughts are about topic. I list three or four things I want to write about, and I consider which ones I already know something about. I pick the one that interests me first, and begin looking for information on the internet to see how much info is out there. If my choices are scanty, I select another and do the same. When I find the one that has a decent amount of data, and is somewhat interesting, I print 3 or 4 of the resources and read through them to see if I can find 3 key points. Once this is done, I can develop my thesis statement and list 3 references. I use free writing often to get some ideas on paper so I don't forget something.
The next step is to start my outline. I lay out my paper this way: 1) Introduction; 2) Thesis statement; 3) First key point; 4) Second key point; 5) Third key point; 6) Conclusion. Then I start filling in the blanks. I can begin using my references and my knowledge to fill in the key point paragraphs. Then I go back to fill in the intro and conclusion.
As I am developing my paragraphs, I immediately list my references at the bottom of the page in proper APA format, adding new ones as I add in-text citations. By the time I finish, I have a first draft, complete with references. I add a title page and set up the reference page, and I am ready to tweak the body of the paper so it flows. At this point I like to send it to the Writing Center for comments, so I will have feedback to realign the paper.
I hope there is something here that will help you!
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