Although you cannot start writing your American literature research paper for several hours, it is still not a reason to panic. After all, panic and negative emotions will only make the situation worse.
 
Instead, let us figure out what exactly prevents you from writing this research paper on American literature. What is your problem? We presume that the main reason why you feel confused at the moment is the scope of your work.
 
American literature is a too general topic, and a teacher is not expecting you to cover all possible aspects related to it. What we are talking about is that first you need to narrow down the focus of your American literature research paper. Until you select a specific topic idea, work on your American literature research paper will not progress.
 
What follows next are several good ways to narrow the scope of your work.
 
Biography or literature analysis?
 
Think about the purposes of writing your American literature research paper. Do you want to investigate biography of some American author or you want to analyze a literary work? If you choose biographies, our tips for writing Robert Frost research papers and research papers on Edgar Allen Poe will be useful.
 
Who is your fave American writer?
 
If you have a favorite writer, do not waste your time and devote your research paper on American literature to this person and his/her works.
 
What period in American literature do you like the most?
 
Considering periods in literature can also help you decide on a good topic idea for your American literature research paper. If you find, for instance, 20th century literature more fascinating, easier to understand, go ahead and discuss it in your work.
 
So, good luck with your research papers on American literature.