Steps to writing a good research paper
If you need to write a research paper for a class, you need to get started as soon as it is assigned. Herein you should establish a time table to ensure that things are done properly and within plenty of time. This is because there are numerous steps that need to be taken to put this paper together, including:
1. Take a few minutes to brainstorm topics that interest you then narrow it down to the one topic that you want to work on the most. This should be something that you do not already have a strong opinion about but that you do have some background in. You should also take some time right now to learn how to use the various library resources.
2. Spend some time reading several general pieces about your topic so that you can narrow things down and decide upon which aspect you will focus. You should also run a preliminary database search to make sure that there is enough material available to support your research. Herein you should also decide whether you want to explain some information or persuade about a specific opinion.
3. It is now time to draft your preliminary thesis wherein you state your primary idea about the topic. Remember! This is only a preliminary thesis and you need to keep revising it until you are able to clearly communicate your controlling idea.
4. Now is the time to start doing your research and taking your notes. Of course, this involves purposeful, critical reading wherein you take meaningful, accurate notes. Without these notes you are not going to be able to produce a good research paper no matter how great a writer you are. However, you cannot just take notes. You also need to include complete citation of any of the information that you plan on using.
5. Once you have taken your notes you need to draft your tentative working outline. In this informal outline you will be able to organize your main ideas, as well as the major and minor details that you want to use in order to develop and support your thesis. This will also help you be able to present your ideas in a logical manner.
6. You may find that you need to do some more research and take some more notes after you have drafted your tentative outline. This is because there are probably some holes in it. If you are struggling here, it is also a good time to get a tutor to help you ensure that everything is put together to the best of your ability.
7. After you have your outline together, it is time to actually write your first draft. Herein you should also rewrite your thesis statement so that it is clear and focused. Make sure that your paper includes a combination of direct quotes, idea summaries and paraphrased ideas, which are all properly credited. You do not have to be perfect at first though because you will need to rewrite and edit this several times before you have a completed paper. It is also important to develop a works cited sheet for at the end of your paper.