You need to select a topic for a nonfiction paper. Basically, the steps you will take to choose that topic are start writing the final draft right away and polish it as you go.
ask and answer questions about possible topics, narrow choices, and select topic.
vote on a topic, change the topic into a major research question, and analyze evidence.
follow the research plan and change the major research question.
create a research plan, critique the research plan, and modify the research plan, if necessary.