Writing a research paper doesn’t have to be an
overwhelming task. High school and college students typically take on research
paper assignments at least a couple of times during their academic careers. It
helps to follow a series of steps to produce the best research paper
possible.
First, if you are not assigned a topic, choose one
that interests you. For assigned topics, think about the subject and jot down
some things you already know about it. Then determine what you will need to
research before you start writing the paper.
Next, do the research. Find as much information about
the topic as you can. Once you have found the information, you can start to
decipher the subject matter and focus on the relevant aspects of it.
Decide on the theme or thesis of the paper, and state
it as simply and directly as possible. A thesis is something you are going to
prove in your research paper, so it needs to be clear and concise.
Now, make an outline and organize the subtopics.
Start with the thesis and put the argument and other pertinent information in
order. The outline should arrange the facts in order of importance and assist in
making the paper flow. The purpose of the outline is to help you assemble your
thoughts, facts, and opinions and put them in a logical order.
Write the first draft using the outline and defend
the thesis as clearly as possible. Use the data collected to support the
position taken in the research paper.
Carefully review the outline and the first draft, and
check them for errors and omissions. Make edits where needed and determine
whether or not you satisfactorily supported the thesis. Make sure the paper
portrays the position taken, and correlates to the supporting data. Once you
have edited the paper, check it again for grammar, spelling, and punctuation
errors before writing the final draft.
Research papers should be written according to the
Modern Language
Association (MLA) format. This format
includes citations and documenting the sources for your research. The paper
should be formatted using a simple, easily read font, single-spaced text, and a
numbering header in the upper right corner of the page.
The first page of the paper should include your name,
date, teacher, and subject in the upper left corner, all double-spaced. Insert
another double space, then type the title of the paper, centering it on the
page. Double-space once more and start the content of the research paper using
single spacing. Quotes should be typed in italics. Footnotes and endnotes are to
be included on a separate page. Cited works are on their own page as well. The
instructions may vary depending on the instructor, but basic MLA format is
consistent.
Following these simple steps and organizing the paper
in advance will help create an excellent research paper that is sure to score a
high grade.
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