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.