To find the information you need to write your research paper, the best way to begin is to make a list of the things you need to know about your theme. However, before you take this step, you first must develop a general knowledge of your topic so that you will have an idea about what sorts of information you will need to find. To do so, look up your topic in an encyclopedia and your course textbook, and do some preliminary reading.

If your theme is "The Division of Korea at the End of World War II," you will need to know the following:

• Where is Korea?
• How did Japan come to control Korea?
• Whose side was Korea on in the war?
• How did the war affect Korea?
• What was happening in Korea just before and during World War II?
• How did the defeat of the Japanese by the Americans affect Korea?
• What countries divided Korea at the end of the war?