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Basic Research Guide

English 1000

Start Your Research


Use the subtabs to navigate the Start Your Research section based on where you are in your research process. 

  • Finding/Focusing Topics - if you need help choosing or narrowing your paper topic.
  • Background Sources - if you want to learn more about your topic before diving deeper into detailed research.
  • Search Strategies - if you're ready to plan how to look for sources effectively.
  • Keyword Tips - if you want to turn your topic into search terms and refine your results. 

Who Can Help?

Librarians

  • Answer quick questions about brainstorming tools at the library.
  • Guide you to background sources to explore your ideas.
  • Help shape and focus your research question so it's clear.

Writing Tutors

  • Serve as a sounding board to share and shape your ideas.
  • Help you focus on your strongest ideas as you choose a topic.