Writing a Quality Research Paper
Research
- Searching Resources:
- Computer Databases, Internet, Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, Journals, Books, etc.
- Printing/Making Copies:
- After printing, highlight the relevant information.
- Paraphrase important information in the margins.
- Cite Bibliography from each resource
Organize the Information
- After reviewing the data, develop basic contentions and sub-points.
- Group research into the contention that each bit of data falls under.
- Develop your own thoughts and analysis, expanding on what your research says.
- Construct a thesis statement: a sentence that is an umbrella statement including each contention.
- Make an outline and fit contentions and sub-points together in Roman Numeral fashion.
Write
- Introduction with a developed thesis.
- Paragraphs that point to the thesis and correctly incorporate data and quotations.
- Cite quotations according to the chosen documentation style (MLA, APA, Turabian).
- Do not plagiarize by failing to credit the author with his or her thoughts.
- Your own analysis and your perception of the relevance to the thesis after each bit of data.
- Original conclusion with a recapitulation of major points.
Add Finishing Touches
- Create a Works Cited or Bibliography page conforming to the chosen documentation style.
- Follow the step-by-step guidelines provided in the documentation manual.
- Keep in mind specific assignment constraints.
- Finish early enough to review your final draft with the Writing Center or other peers.
- Make the appropriate changes.