10 Basic Steps to Writing a Research Paper
Step #1
Choose a topic. (You may be given a topic by your instructor.)
Step #2
Narrow or focus your topic using questions like who? why? where?
when? how?
Step #3
Choose a research question. Develop a tentative thesis statement
that answers your research question.
Step #4
Begin preliminary research. Remember, as you research take careful
notes... you want to be able to trace all of your summary, paraphrase,
or quotation to its original source.
Step #5
Use preliminary research materials to refocus your thesis and development
an outline.
Step #6
Using your outline, begin more advanced research.
Step #7
Using your outline as a guide, organize your research materials
(on note cards if you prefer) into the order in which you intend
to use them.
Step #8
Draft your essay body including source materials and documenting
them as you write. For now, skip the introduction and conclusion.
(Follow link to Essay Blueprints)
Step #9
Revise. Focus on transitions between paragraphs.
Step #10
Write a stunning introduction and conclusion. (Follow link to Beginnings
& Endings)
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