We've all had to write a research paper at some point or another, and I've definitely experienced all of these stages when writing mine.

1. Putting it off until the last possible minute

Research papers are the worst, so you avoid writing it as long as you possibly can.

2. Panic

"What am I doing? What is this paper even about? Why did I take this class? I'm dropping out". You've procrastinated so long that now you need to sit yourself down and devote time and effort into the paper.

3. Actually trying

You get really motivated for a short period of time.

4. You start to understand what you're talking about

Just for a little bit, then you're right back at not really knowing what you're talking about.

5. Giving up

At this point, you don't really know where you're going with the paper, and you still don't really understand the subject, but it's time to turn your paper in, and you just go with it.