28. Place the following steps of writing a research paper in order from first to last.
Answer: C,B,D,A
Choosing a topic is the first step in writing a research paper.
The initial step in writing a research paper is to choose a topic, as it sets the foundation for the entire research process.
A) Write draft
Writing a draft is one of the final steps in the research paper process. It occurs after the topic has been chosen, sources have been located, and an outline has been created, making this option incorrect for the first step.
B) Locate sources
Locating sources is an essential step that follows topic selection. After deciding on a topic, researchers then find relevant literature and resources to support their argument. Thus, this option cannot be the first step.
C) Choose topic
Choosing a topic is the correct first step in writing a research paper. This foundational decision guides the direction of the research and determines the subsequent steps, such as locating sources and creating an outline.
D) Create outline
Creating an outline is a critical part of the writing process but comes after the topic is chosen and sources are located. It helps organize the information and arguments but cannot be the first step.
Conclusion
Choosing a topic is definitively the first step in writing a research paper, as it informs all subsequent activities, including source location and outline creation. All other options represent stages that logically follow the initial selection of a topic, making them incorrect for the position of first step.