How to Write a Research Paper

By eHow Education Editor

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Writing a good research paper is a tough challenge, but breaking it down into smaller pieces helps a lot.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Choose a topic that is broad enough to be interesting but narrow enough to be manageable.
Step2
Find your sources. Start with three or four, check their bibliographies for additional sources, and repeat the process until you have enough material to work with.
Step3
Reserve one index card for each source. Record the bibliographic information for the source on its index card, and number each card for ease of future reference.
Step4
Take reading notes on index cards, writing down only the material that is most relevant to your project. Write the source number on each card.
Step5
Organize your index cards by topic and subtopic.
Step6
Use the cards as a basis for an outline (see 'How to Outline a Paper').
Step7
Write an introduction that grabs the reader and plots out the trajectory of your argument.
Step8
Write the body of the paper, following the structure you created in your outline. Be sure to cite sources.
Step9
Write the conclusion, reviewing how you've made your points.
Step10
Come up with a title after you've written the paper, not before: You don't want the content of the paper to be hamstrung by an inappropriate title.
Step11
Read your paper at least twice to be sure your argument makes sense and is presented logically.
Step12
Proofread carefully; teachers hate typographical errors. Use your word processor's spelling checker, but don't rely on it utterly.

Tips & Warnings

  • Don't leave such a difficult task to the last minute. Start early, and work gradually.
  • Use bibliography software to help manage your sources. Consult a style guide, such as the MLA (Modern Language Association) manual of style, for details on citation of sources.
  • Consider taking a class on writing a research paper.
  • Be sure to cite your sources whenever you make use of an idea from someone else. (See "How to Avoid Plagiarism in a Research Paper.")

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 2/12/2007 For the first sentence in a research paper, relate the topic with some event that happened. Also, try to put the topic sentence in the paper as early as you can.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Try to keep your work neat and organized. Trying to read sloppy handwriting can really burn your time.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Don't buy a canned paper and submit it as your work. If you found it, your professor can find it.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Having an index card or some other method of recording sources is VITAL. Having to go back and locate the source to find some obscure information can be a hassle. Be very thorough when documenting the author, editor, publishing date, etc. Also, consider buying an MLA Handbook, which will tell you how to correctly cite a source (in MLA format, of course).

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 1/9/2008 When writing the introduction for your research paper, consider starting with a question asking the reader about some aspect of the topic.

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eHow Article:  How to Write a Research Paper

eHow Education Editor

eHow Education Editor

Category: Education

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