Imagine you are taking a course that lists a research paper as its final assignment. What is the first step to take?

Beginning with brainstorming all possible topics for your paper is a crucial first step in the research process. This activity allows you to explore your interests and considers various angles or aspects of a subject that intrigue you. By generating a comprehensive list of ideas, you can later refine your selections based on the course focus, relevance to the assignment, and your personal interests or available resources.

This approach encourages creativity and open-mindedness and helps in identifying a research question that will engage you throughout the writing process. Once you have a solid grasp of potential topics, you can research to narrow down your options further, ensuring you choose a suitable and manageable topic for your paper. This foundational step can ultimately lead to more focused research and writing, making the entire process more effective and enjoyable.