Step 1. Conduct preliminary research on your topic in order to under what is being written about it. You should at least review 10-12 sources. Collect the following types of sources to develop a well-rounded picture for your audience: • At least two to three sources for background information and if it applies (historical information) • At least three to four expert sources on your topic, academic articles (people who write and have expertise and degrees, such as MD or Ph D.) • At least two proposing viewpoints on your topic, academic articles or other reliable sources (those sources that agree with your hypothesis) • At least two opposing viewpoints on your topic, academic articles or other reliable sources (those sources that disagree with your hypothesis) • At least two government sources if applicable (e.g., census bureau, health department, center for disease control (CDC), the National Institute of Health, (NIH), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Central Intelligence Bureau (CIA) etc.) • At least one to two organization or think tank source, or a combination, (any .org that pertains to your research) • At least three statistical data/ evidence to support claims (make sure to verify for accuracy)
Step 2. Develop a working hypothesis (thesis statement/ main idea) that you can make a valid argument for by using your research to back it up and sketch out a preliminary sentence outline.
Step 3. Based on the hypothesis you have created, develop four to five research questions that you want to pinpoint research on. It might be a good idea to review your acquired sources as to what questions to develop. Review your sentence outline and revise as needed.