Steps in Writing a Research Paper
1. Choose a topic
- Choose a topic that interests you.
- Choose a topic that is worth researching, one that is more important than trivial or just factual.
- Choose a topic where there is sufficient information.
2. Read a general background article
- Become familiar with different aspects of your topic.
- Discover a specific and interesting aspect of your topic and thereby limit your topic.
- Scan for ideas which will cause you to ask how and why this is true and may, therefore, provide a temporary thesis
3. Formulate a temporary thesis statement and outline. Having a temporary thesis gives you a guideline to what you should focus on as you do your research.
*Try applying some of the following classifications when working up a temporary thesis and
outline:
1. problem - cause - effect - solution
2. social causes - political causes - economical causes - psychological causes
3. the various effects/solutions of a problem
4. different kinds of irony, values, or attitudes
5. different/similar characteristics of something or someone
6. different ways of evaluating your topic
7. different advantages/disadvantages of a particular method, machine, approach, or process.
4. Prepare a preliminary Works Cited list.
Make sure there is enough information available.
Order any needed material through inter-library loan.
Discover different aspects/ideas on your topic through titles of books, articles, etc.
5. Begin research reading.
Evaluate each source as you read.
Make sure your sources are reliable and not unduly slanted.
Re-evaluate and make any necessary changes in your thesis as you research and take notes.
6. Prepare Works Cited cards according to MLA guidelines.
7. Gather information.
Follow the acceptable form - espacially concerning cross reference numbers, page numbers, and
proper methods of taking notes.
Take notes.
*Summarize.
*Paraphrase
*Quote only when wording is especially appropriate.
Write only one idea per card.
Go back and revise the working thesis and outling and label slugs accordingly.
8. Write a first draft.
* Reconsider your thesis, making sure it is a declarative sentence and that it is specific.
* Check your outline and specific examples, facts, reasons, etc., for relevancy to your topic.
* Write the thesis, then the body, developing your first point first.
1. Get all your ideas and specifics on paper rapidly and later go back and polish your style.
2. Arrange note cards for Roman numeral #1 and write this section first; then do the same for
Roman numeral #2, etc.
3. Make sure you document as you write your rough draft.
4. Write your introduction.
5. Write your conclusion. Present the conclusion you have reached with your research.
* Edit and revise.
* Polish and refine your style
9. Check and make sure you have documented within the text whenever you used borrowed
information/ideas.
10. Type the paper, outline, and Works Cited page.
11. Put the paper into required order, rubber band note cards in the order used, and rubber band Works
Cited cards in alphabetical order.
*Try applying some of the following classifications when working up a temporary thesis and
outline:
1. problem - cause - effect - solution
2. social causes - political causes - economical causes - psychological causes
3. the various effects/solutions of a problem
4. different kinds of irony, values, or attitudes
5. different/similar characteristics of something or someone
6. different ways of evaluating your topic
7. different advantages/disadvantages of a particular method, machine, approach, or process.
4. Prepare a preliminary Works Cited list.
Make sure there is enough information available.
Order any needed material through inter-library loan.
Discover different aspects/ideas on your topic through titles of books, articles, etc.
5. Begin research reading.
Evaluate each source as you read.
Make sure your sources are reliable and not unduly slanted.
Re-evaluate and make any necessary changes in your thesis as you research and take notes.
6. Prepare Works Cited cards according to MLA guidelines.
7. Gather information.
Follow the acceptable form - espacially concerning cross reference numbers, page numbers, and
proper methods of taking notes.
Take notes.
*Summarize.
*Paraphrase
*Quote only when wording is especially appropriate.
Write only one idea per card.
Go back and revise the working thesis and outling and label slugs accordingly.
8. Write a first draft.
* Reconsider your thesis, making sure it is a declarative sentence and that it is specific.
* Check your outline and specific examples, facts, reasons, etc., for relevancy to your topic.
* Write the thesis, then the body, developing your first point first.
1. Get all your ideas and specifics on paper rapidly and later go back and polish your style.
2. Arrange note cards for Roman numeral #1 and write this section first; then do the same for
Roman numeral #2, etc.
3. Make sure you document as you write your rough draft.
4. Write your introduction.
5. Write your conclusion. Present the conclusion you have reached with your research.
* Edit and revise.
* Polish and refine your style
9. Check and make sure you have documented within the text whenever you used borrowed
information/ideas.
10. Type the paper, outline, and Works Cited page.
11. Put the paper into required order, rubber band note cards in the order used, and rubber band Works
Cited cards in alphabetical order.