Probe the topic to generate ideas for research. Delve into your topic using either journal writing over a few days, free writing (writing nonstop for ten minutes or longer), or brainstorming. Compile a descriptive list from this process to use in your research.
Conduct primary research on the topic you are writing about. Observe the subject in its natural environment. If you are writing about a person, conduct an interview if at all possible. Surveys and questionnaires are also effective methods of primary research. Use these when writing about events and places people have attended. Analyze documents and artifacts. Studying primary documents is important in order to experience firsthand the context of your topic.
Take detailed notes from your primary sources. Note details such as sights, smells, sounds, textures and tastes. These observations will provide you with the necessary imagery to use in your essay. Use a journal so you can refer back to and reflect on your observations.
Conduct secondary research using books, articles and websites. The library is a vast resource for this type of research. Search catalogs, indexes, databases and the Internet. Use solid keyword searching strategies with library resources and online. Your descriptive lists are a rich source of keywords for your searches.
Create a working bibliography of sources you have used and intend to use during the research process. It helps you to develop your final bibliography and avoid plagiarism. Summarize, paraphrase and quote your sources.