Understand the topic or question. Thinking about the question is always the first step. Determine which materials you will need to answer it . From the relevant materials, take notes on any facts and explanations that have to do with the topic or question. If your sources have described the interaction of literacy and readership, your notes should reflect it.
Poor note taking can lead to an unsound thesis.
Organize your paper by outlining it, first in your head and then on paper. Begin to flesh out your first draft. Reasons for the rise in literacy Evidence that such a rise actually occurred Reasons for the growing popularity of newspapers Evidence that circulation increased Changes in the technology for printing newspapers Changes in the format and content of newspapers How rising literacy interacted with changes in the nature of newspapers 7. Weave together the paragraphs created in step 6 so that each point follows clearly from the one before it and that each adds support to your thesis. This is your rough draft.