Define the Task
What does your teacher want you to do? Make sure you understand exactly what the question is asking, so you know how to answer it really well. Ask your teacher to explain the assignment again if it seems confusing. Restate the assignment to your teacher using your own words and ask if you are correct.
Think about what information you need to include in your writing assignment? Write a list of questions to which you need to “find answers.”
Locate information
List all of the possible sources of information that will help you answer the questions you had in #1. Consider using library books, encyclopedias, surveys, what you already know about your subject, reliable websites, and especially the databases provided by our school.
Select resources
Choose the BEST, most reliable information to use in your assignment.
Organize notes
Turn your information into a good set of notes that will make the writing process quicker and easier. Take notes on note cards, a data chart, a word document, or notebook paper. Try to paraphrase or summarize these ideas in your own words, instead of just copying information word-for-word from your sources. Be sure to cite (give credit to) your sources.
Present the ideas
Plan the points you want to make, and decide how you want to make them. Write the first draft of your paper. Include the notes you took from your sources. Give credit to all the appropriate sources ( a bibliography should be arranged in alphabetical order by author’s last name). Then ask your teacher for a content conference. Your paper should be more than just a summary of other people’s ideas or what you found on the Internet. It should represent mostly your ideas and conclusions. It should be a thoughtful response to the assignment. Make changes to improve your work and revise your paper, correcting spelling and grammar.
Evaluate your work
Check over everything before you hand your paper in. Is it more than just a summary of other people’s ideas? Did you remember a title page (title, your name, your teacher’s name, date, etc.)? Make sure your work is the best it can be and be proud to put your name on it.