How to Write A Major Paper: The Paul Method

1. Read the assignment instructions carefully
2. Re-read the instructions
3. Have you written anything else for this professor? If so, read the comments from that paper.
4. Choose your topic
5. Choose an appropriate number of sources. Make sure you use some current sources. Check JSTOR or some other academic database for online access to current journals.
6. You need a break. Watch TV, or even better, download an episode of your favourite TV show onto your computer
7. Make an outline
8. You need a break. Go for a walk
9. That outline doesn't look any good. Rewrite it
10. Re-read the assignment instructions
11. Write your first paragraph
12. That looks great! You're on a roll!
13. Update your facebook status to tell everybody about your great success so far at writing this paper
14. That first paragraph sucks. Rewrite it
15. You need a break. Surf the internet for awhile
16. Write steadily for 20 minutes
17. You're doing great! This is an easy paper to write!
18. How many pages?
19. Three! Awesome! That's practically done!
20. Wait. How long does this paper have to be again?
21. Re-read the assignment instructions
22. THAT long!?!?
    
23. Panic
24. You need a break. Go buy some junk food, and eat it while staring at a blank page
25. Write a paragraph
26. That paragraph sucks. Delete it.
27. Update your facebook status to show that your previous enthusiasm is waning
28. Re-read one of your sources
29. Stare at a blank screen
30. You need a break. Watch another episode of True Blood
31. Okay. Focus.
32. Man, it's late. You'd better get to bed
33. Next day: re-read what you have so far
34. Update your facebook status
35. Write for 20 solid minutes
36. Wow! You're amazing!
37. Update your facebook status
38. You've earned a break. Surf the net for awhile
39. Update your facebook status
40. Re-read the assignment instructions
41. Re-read what you have so far
42. Check the time
43. CRAP! The paper is due first thing tomorrow, and you're only halfway done!
44. Panic
45. Update your facebook status
46. Write steadily for 20 minutes
47. Re-read what you have so far
48. ... I guess it makes sense if you move THAT part over HERE
49. Now just add a conclusion
50. Conclusion...
51. Stare at your paper
52. Update your facebook status
53. Re-state your introduction
54. Go to bed
55. Wake up
56. Shoot! You need a bibliography!
57. Panic
    
58. Assemble and write your bibliography
59. Print your paper, and hand it in
60. Update your facebook status