How to Write a Research Paper

Everyone must write a research paper at least once in their educational careers, but writing a good research paper doesn't have to be a brain-bending experience. Follow these steps and you will be well on your way to writing a great research paper!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Research Topic
• Paper
• Pencil
• Patience
• Information Sources

1. Choose a topic to write about in your research paper.
2. Begin preliminary reading on your research subject.
3. Restrict the subject down to its most important points. When you write a research paper, you want the information to be concise. Having too much broad information is not good.
4. Develop a preliminary thesis statement for your research topic.
5. Compile the working bibliography for the research paper.
6. Prepare the bibliography for the research paper on cards in correct form (3" x 5" cards).
7. Begin extensive research in the library reference room; be sure to check: general bibliographies, trade bibliographies, indexes (books and collections, literature in periodicals, newspaper indexes, pamphlet indexes), library electronic catalogs.
8. Develop a preliminary outline for the research paper.
9. Evaluate your source material; which is primary material and which is secondary material?
10. Begin note-taking on cards (4" x 6" cards).
11. Avoid plagiarism. When writing a research paper, it's important to always use your original research.
12. Develop the final outline for your research paper; test your outline.
13. Prepare to write the research paper: put your note cards in the order that your outline is in and consider your (real and imagined) readers and how their expectations may affect your tone and style.
14. Write the rough draft of your research paper.
15. Check the documentation you plan to use in your research paper carefully.
16. Revise and rewrite the research paper.
17. Check the format of the text, citations, notes, and bibliography in your research paper(most instructors recommend MLA or APA format).
18. Proofread your research paper.