The Preliminaries:
 

___ 1. Choose a topic

___ 2. Begin preliminary reading

___ 3. Restrict the subject

___ 4. Develop a preliminary thesis sentence

Gathering Data:

___ 1. Compile the working bibliography

___ 2. Prepare the bibliography in correct MLA form

___ 3. Begin extensive work in the library; be sure to check:

___ a. general bibliographies

___ b. online indexes (periodicals, newspaper indexes, Humanities Index, MLA).

___ c. UMD's online library catalogue.

___ d. You can also search the online catalogues of other regional libraries and request books and articles via Interlibrary Loan. Keep in mind, however, that interlibrary loan requests must allow at least two weeks to access and ship the materials.

___e. if all else fails, ask the reference librarian!

Taking Notes on Sources:

___ 1. Develop a preliminary outline

___ 2. Evaluate your source material: which is primary material and which is secondary material?

___ 3. Begin note-taking

___ 4. Keep careful track of sources and page numbers as you take notes to avoid plagiarism

___ 1. Develop the final outline; test your outline

___ 2. Prepare to write: put your notes in the order that your outline is in.

___ 3. Write the rough draft

___ 4. Edit; check your documentation carefully

___ 5. Revise and rewrite

___ 6. Type your paper according to MLA format. 6th edition.

___ 7. Proofread