Overview

There are different ways to approach writing a research paper. You can summarize opinions, provide your own opinion and support it with evidence, present original research, or combine two or more of these approaches.

A research paper has a lengthy prewriting phase. To begin, draw up a schedule; remember that a quality paper cannot be written in a weekend. When choosing a topic, keep in mind the scope—neither too broad nor too narrow—and consider whether enough resources are available. Determine your central idea and explore a variety of sources for multiple points of view. Write summaries, paraphrases, or quotes on note cards, including the citations for your sources. While you are taking notes, start organizing your note cards into an outline. After you have finished your research and prepared a final version of your outline, rewrite your central idea into a thesis statement.

Referring to your thesis statement, note cards, and outline, draft your paper. Include documentation. Usually, parenthetical documentation is preferred, with a separate alphabetized works-cited list at the end of the paper. Make sure your paper contains an identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion.

Revise your draft, ensuring that your ideas are logical and supported by your research. Then proofread by checking citations, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word usage. When preparing your final copy, you may want to create a cover sheet or enclose your paper in a folder.