Writing a research paper on climate change can feel overwhelming due to the expansiveness and complexity of the topic. Breaking it down step-by-step and following Modern Language Association (MLA) format guidelines can help make the writing process more manageable.
The first step is to choose a specific climate change topic to research. Some possible topics include: the impacts of rising sea levels, effects of climate change on biodiversity, factors contributing to climate change, potential solutions and policies to address it, how climate change affects different regions of the world, or the relationship between climate change and social justice issues. Narrowing your focus will help make your paper more focused and cohesive.
After selecting a topic, perform research to gather credible, authoritative sources on the subject. Reputable sources will come from peer-reviewed journals, reports by scientific organizations like the UN’s IPCC, or books published by university presses. When researching, take detailed notes and be sure to record full bibliographic information for all sources to properly cite them. Aim to gather at least 8-10 high-quality sources to support your thesis and analysis in the paper.
With sources in hand, it’s time to start outlining and drafting the paper itself. MLA format specifies the following basic structure and formatting guidelines:
Use Times New Roman 12 point font, double spaced lines, and 1 inch margins all around. Number all pages consecutively in the top right header half an inch from the top edge of the paper.
The title of your paper should be centered about one third of the way down the first page. It should capture the essence of your research question or thesis in a clear, concise manner.
Provide your name, professor’s name, class name, and date in the top left corner of the first page.
Begin with an engaging introductory paragraph that provides context and background on the topic, states your research question or thesis clearly towards the end, and gives an overview of what will follow.
Body paragraphs should each focus on a key point or element supporting your thesis. They should start with a topic sentence related to your overarching argument and include analysis of sources to back up claims made. Weave quoted and paraphrased evidence from sources seamlessly into sentences.
Include a minimum of one full quote or paraphrase from sources per body paragraph, with proper in-text citations following (Author last name page number).
Conclude by restating your thesis and main takeaways without simply repeating what was already covered. Consider implications, need for further research, or a call to action on the issue.
Include a Works Cited page after the conclusion, continuing page numbering. List all sources in alphabetical order by author’s last name, with proper bibliographic information for each according to MLA specifications.
As for technical requirements, MLA papers must have 1-inch margins on all sides, be double-spaced throughout, use a clean 12 point font like Times New Roman, and include a header with your last name and page number 0.5 inches from the top of each page. Your final draft should be polished, with proper spelling, grammar, coherent flow of ideas, clear analysis, and cited evidence woven appropriately. Following MLA requirements ensures your research is consistently formatted and easy for others to follow. With thorough research and analysis structured around a focused climate change topic, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a strong MLA paper on this vital issue.