Research papers are a major part of academics and should be approached with due care and preparation. This article aims to provide students with information and tips for writing research papers in 2017. Choosing a topic, conducting research, developing a thesis statement, creating an outline, writing drafts and properly citing sources are all examined to help students produce high quality research papers.
Choosing a Topic
The topic is the foundation of the paper and directly influences the quality of research and discussion. It should be focused enough to thoroughly explore within the constraints of the paper but broad enough to allow an original perspective and argument. When choosing a topic, research current events and trends to identify questions or debates that would offer meaningful discussion. Consult with instructors and visit the library databases to explore topic options and evaluate which can be sufficiently researched. Narrowing down potential topics to a final choice requires careful consideration of interests, requirements and feasibility.
Conducting Research
With the topic selection, research using various sources gets underway. Library databases should be the primary method for finding relevant peer-reviewed journal articles, reports and studies. Google Scholar can also uncover academic materials. Ensure sources are credible and from respected experts, researchers, and institutions. Reading expanding sections of sources helps identify additional useful references. Keep thorough notes on sources with citations in a format like APA or MLA for later inclusion. Track and organize sources as well as notes using a tool like Evernote or customized files on a laptop/drive for easy access later in the writing process. As research progresses, new questions or ideas may branch off the original topic—pursuing tangents sometimes leads to new discoveries.
Developing a Thesis Statement
With research findings compiled, focus shifts to forming an analytical thesis statement. This is one complete sentence declaring the overall point or argument that will guide the paper’s content and discussion. It presents a debatable topic, stance and preview of how the stance will be defended. Ensuring the thesis is specific and direct aids in controlling the paper’s scope. Multiple potential thesis statements should be crafted and evaluated with an instructor to determine which most effectively focuses research towards a succinct but substantive discussion. Finalizing the thesis locks in the paper’s aim and provides direction for an outline.
Creating an Outline
Structure is imperative for long writing assignments, so outlining serves as a helpful checkpoint. It previews how research will be logically presented to support the thesis. Main points representing body paragraphs are listed with sub-points offering supporting detail from research. This allows arranging content in a flow that builds understanding for the reader towards accepting the thesis. Focusing on the outline prevents unnecessary drifting during writing. It can continue evolving as research uncovers new connections between ideas. Formatting outlines with roman numerals, letters and numbers creates a clear visual plan to reference while drafting sections of the paper.
Writing Drafts
With the outline guiding content flow, draft writing commences. Each body paragraph directly connects back to the thesis and supports or proves a main point. Effective paragraphs feature a topic sentence stating the main point, relevant supporting sentences from research findings and a concluding sentence that circles the detail back to the thesis. Transitional phrases aid coherence as paragraphs flow together to present a cohesive argument. Direct quotes from sources should be properly incorporated with APA or MLA in-text citations containing the author’s last name and year of publication. Internal citations are punctuated and lead to full reference listings at the conclusion. Multiple drafts allow refining structure, strengthening arguments and polishing writing. Peer reviews help recognize any gaps or areas needing further clarification.
Proper Citing and Formatting
Research papers must follow standard citation formats to avoid plagiarism and enable readers to easily reference sources. The most commonly used are APA and MLA styles, depending on theinstructor’s guidelines. Both systems include parenthetical in-text citations whenever directly quoting or referencing sources. Full reference listings should be organized alphabetically at the conclusion in a References or Works Cited section. Google Scholar even has an APA/MLA citation generator button for sources. Beyond citations, papers adhere to formatting guidelines regarding pagination, spacing, font styles and sizes. Components like a title page with running head, headings and footnotes if needed are also properly styled. Checking papers rigorously ensures all sources are cited and formatted requirements are followed to represent research accurately and professionally.
Conclusion
Investing time in the stages of writing a research paper, from topic selection through citing sources properly, ultimately produces a high quality final product. Consultation with instructors and peer reviewers helps detect any issues developing along the way. With diligent research applied to clearly arguing a thesis through a well-constructed essay, students can demonstrate their analysis abilities and topic knowledge. Following the guidance outlined here equips individuals for research paper success and should result in strong marks. Proper preparation is invaluable for maximizing learning outcomes and grades.
Andrew Stroud