Asked by caleb
What is the best first step for completing a research paper on a topic?
Do some research to learn more about the topic.
Make an outline.
Write a research question.
Think of a good first paragraph.
All Answers 1
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
Do some research to learn more about the topic.
Why: preliminary/background research helps you understand what's already known, narrow or focus your topic, find key sources and terms, and shape a clear research question. After that you can write a focused research question, then make an outline, and finally draft your introduction.
Quick tips for the first step: skim encyclopedia entries or review articles, search scholarly databases for recent papers, take brief notes and record citations, and jot down questions or gaps you notice.
Why: preliminary/background research helps you understand what's already known, narrow or focus your topic, find key sources and terms, and shape a clear research question. After that you can write a focused research question, then make an outline, and finally draft your introduction.
Quick tips for the first step: skim encyclopedia entries or review articles, search scholarly databases for recent papers, take brief notes and record citations, and jot down questions or gaps you notice.
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