Before you Begin: Know the Assignment

• What length is your final paper supposed to be?
• How many resources are required?
• What types of resources are required?
• When is the assignment due?

Before Searching:  Develop a Strategy

• PRE-search several topics that you are interested in to see what kind of information is available. Will there be enough to support the assignment requirements?
• Is there a way to narrow or expand your topic using keywords? These will become your search terms.

  Example Thesis: "A diet high in fiber is a critical part of maintaining a healthy weight. "

  Example Keywords: Diet, Fiber, Healthy, Weight

• Brainstorm additional search terms by finding words with similar meanings.

  Example 1, Keyword "Diet": regimen, plan

  Example 2, Keywords "Fiber": nutrition (wider term), soluble fiber (narrower term)