This manual was designed for students with a research assignment who do not know how to begin. Students are required to read each chapter completely and follow the instructions it contains before going on to the next chapter. First, a checklist of necessary materials and supplies is provided. Then, Chapter I helps the student clarify the purposes of the research project and the directions he/she has been given. Chapter II shows how to identify the one general question the paper will answer and the specific questions that will be investigated. Chapter III defines primary and secondary materials and requires the student to list those he/she will be using. Chapter IV outlines a quick and easy way to take notes, explaining the preparation of bibliography cards and delineating what each note card should include. Chapter V shows how to sort the note cards according to the research questions identified, and Chapter VI considers the construction of a topic outline. Chapter VII focuses on the preparation of the first draft, looking at ways of writing an introduction, supportive arguments, and the conclusion. Chapter VIII discusses the problems of quotations and plagiarism. Chapter IX tells the student why and how to write subsequent drafts, and Chapter X considers the finished paper and the use of footnotes, the title page, table of contents, pagination, and the bibliography. Illustrations and highlighted hints are provided throughout the text. (AYC)