Research the topic. Before you even begin to write your paper, you must first execute a little background research. Familiarize yourself with the citizenship process in the United States. Speak directly with someone from the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, or thoroughly review its website. Prepare a few questions before calling. Other reliable resources for your research can also be found in your local or campus library. Take plenty of notes on your findings.
Review your notes. Decide which information will be most valuable for your essay so you can decide in which direction to take your paper. Keep your topic narrow. For instance, if you are writing an essay on immigration, concentrate on one aspect, since the topic itself is too broad. An example of a more definite topic for this would be writing about how immigrants choose to become citizens. Consider the goal of your paper and what it is you want the reader to know.
Prepare a thesis. A thesis statement is usually found at the end of your opening paragraph. Its function is to tell the reader the goal of your paper in a few words, for example, "This essay will investigate the process of obtaining citizenship in the United States."
Put your research to good use. If your paper is focusing on the process of obtaining citizenship in the United States, summarize your research in your own words. Share some reliable statistics, such as the number of immigrants residing in the United States today, or even go into a little detail about the level of difficulty there is in acquiring citizenship.
Cite your sources. If you are using a direct quote from an outside source, cite the source at the end of the quote or at the end of the essay, depending on the format you are using or any special instructions from your instructor, if you're writing the essay for a class assignment. Your instructor may ask for a Works Cited page at the end of your essay, and may prefer a specific format, such as MLA or APA.
Write a succinct conclusion. The essay's conclusion is the time to summarize your paper and share a final thought or opinion.