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Research is simply a way of asking questions and looking for reliable answers. It’s about carefully searching for information, checking facts, and making sense of what you find so you can explain or solve something.
Identify your topic: find a topic you understand and interests you or make sure you understand the given topic. Then, turn it into a question you want to answer and identify the main concepts of your topic.
Make a timeline: check when your project is due. Break the work into smaller tasks and set mini-deadlines. This makes the project less stressful.
Think about the format of your project: will your project be an essay, slideshow, video, or something else? Knowing this early will help you collect the right kind of information.
Learn the basics: look up the meaning of key words or main concepts in dictionaries, encyclopedias, or other reference sources. This gives you a strong foundation.
Brainstorm and map out ideas: put your topic in the middle of a page and draw branches for related ideas, questions, and keywords. Use colours, doodles, or symbols—whatever helps you think.
Research in the Library: use the online catalogue to find books, the databases for journal articles, and the print periodicals for magazine articles and news. Use web resources. Take pictures, visit museums and exhibitions, take interviews from family members and friends. Learn how to speed read.
Evaluate your sources: ask yourself: Is this reliable? (Who wrote it? Is it from a trusted source?) Is it current? (When was it published?) Is it primary (original evidence) or secondary (commentary/analysis)?
Organise & synthesise your ideas: go back to your mind map or notes. Sort your information into categories that make sense for your project. Focus on answering your main question and those you think that are more demanding and challenging.
Academic integrity: don’t just copy. Put things into your own words and always give credit (cite your sources).
Works cited list: keep track of all your sources as you go. Use MLA style for your bibliography.
Write & revise: draft your paper or presentation. Then read it over, edit, and improve.
Ask for help: if you get stuck, ask your supervisor or the school librarians
