Producing a Research Paper

In order to write an academic research paper you will need to complete several tasks. If you go through the tasks carefully and completely you will write a paper of which you will be proud.

1. Choose a topic.

           Choosing the right topic is perhaps the most important task you will complete. If your topic is too broad (there is too much research about it) you will spend too much time going through the research. If your topic is too narrow you won’t find enough research. It should be something of interest to you.

2. Ask a question.

           A research paper is basically answering a question. “I wonder why the sky is blue”, is a question that might interest you. Don’t start with a question that has an obvious answer like “Why is Mr. McMahon developing a bald spot?” Obviously, at my age, this is to be expected. It should be a real question; something to which you would like to know the answer.

3. Answer the question.

              What do you think the answer might be? With the knowledge you have, come up with a real possible answer to your question. This will become your thesis statement. Your paper will be an attempt to prove that your answer is correct. Sometimes, when writing a research paper, you end up changing your answer. That is fine.

4. Do the research.

          Once you have a topic, have asked the question and answered it, it is time for you to do your research. Gather as much information as possible to prove you point. The more sources you have, the better your paper will be. It is really important for you to organize your information so you will be able to find it when you need it.

5. Make an outline.

Now that your research is complete, you can develop your outline. Using the research you have completed, decide in what order you will present the information.

6. Write your paper.

            Now that the outline is complete, the easiest thing you will do is write the paper. Begin with your thesis statement. Next, prove it. Finally, end by restating your thesis statement

7. Cite your sources.

            If you don’t cite all sources, you are plagiarizing. It is perfectly acceptable for you to use someone else’s work as long as you give them credit.

8. Proof read.

          Once your paper is finished, wait a day or two and read it. Look for errors in spelling, grammar and format.

9. Revise.

              Now, rewrite your paper to correct errors and develop something that makes you proud.

10. You are finished.