Once you have found good sources for your research paper, it is time to read them and take notes. Remember that this step can be one of the most time-consuming steps of the process of writing a research paper so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time.
Good notetaking helps you gain a better understanding of the subject matter and makes the writing process easier. Learning how to take notes will allow you to write more efficiently and avoid plagiarism. A good set of notes that are easily organized and rearranged will allow you to outline your paper quickly and will make it seem like the paper is "writing itself". While there is no one right method for taking and organizing notes, you will benefit from learning the different methods. Over the course of your college career, you will develop a method that works best for you.