Choose your topic. Try to pick something that interests you, because you will be spending a lot of time on the subject. Try to narrow your topic as much as possible from the beginning; for instance, instead of "the Internet," you might choose "violent video games."
Do your research. Learn about the theories, studies, and information already available. Any good academic paper shows that its author understands what others have already said about the topic. Think of your paper as a chance to contribute to the conversation.
Ask a question you want your paper to answer. For instance, you could start with "Why are young men drawn to violent video game play?" rather than a statement that you must prove in the paper. Make your question very specific, and avoid general, black-and-white questions such as "Are violent video games good or bad?" These will lead you to broad, general theories of your own, which are less useful and less interesting than specific ones.
Develop an argument, or thesis --- your own theory. The thesis is probably the most important part of your paper. A good thesis is specific, focused, and includes not just a description of what is, but a supportable theory that describes why it is so. A thesis is generally composed of two parts: an arguable statement and a reason (or two). The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill emphasizes that a good thesis or theory is arguable, meaning that it makes a point that others might try to dispute.
Construct a paper in support of your theory. Tell your reader what others have said about your topic and where you stand on those ideas and theories --- where you agree, where you disagree. Present your own theory on the subject as clearly as possible and support it with data and testimony from experts.