Research Paper Writing: A Step-by-Step Writing Guide

 A research paper examines, assesses, and presents both old and fresh data on a subject before providing support for an argument. Almost every college student will write at least one of them, and they all adhere to academic writing requirements. In addition to other disciplines, science depends on research papers as the most trustworthy means of information transfer.

How to write a research paper in 7 steps:

So you’re sitting at your computer, staring at a blank document. Now what? How do you write a research paper?

Here are the 7 steps you need to take in order to write a stellar academic research paper.

1. Understand your goal

2. Choose your topic

3. Research your topic

4. Build an outline and thesis statement

5. Write your first draft

6. Cite your sources

7. Edit and proofread

1. Understand your goal

Similar to baking a cake without following a recipe, trying to create a research paper without knowing the instructions is impossible. You're probably going to employ the incorrect tools and ingredients, which will lead to subpar outcomes.

Instead, carefully review the assignment's requirements:

• Your teacher will give you with a rubric and assignment instructions.
• Components and length requirements include an abstract, a literature review, a reference list, etc.
• Citation and body text formatting guidelines—MLA, APA, CMOS, AMA, or other
• Double spacing, margins, and other formatting specifications (typically dependent on a style guide)
• Date, time, file type, and submission instructions for the deadline.

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To review your efforts from step 7, you might find it useful to establish a checklist. After reviewing these components, if you still have any questions, consult your teacher before moving on. You won't have to spend the time or effort later on recreating everything. The following steps in producing a research paper are as follows once you have determined your purpose.

2. Choose your topic

You'll need to select a topic for your research paper if one hasn't already been given to you. You may narrow it down by asking yourself the following questions:

• What do I find interesting? The task will go more smoothly if you select a topic you enjoy.
• What particular area of this subject may I concentrate on? A suitable topic for a research paper is neither too generic nor too specialized to make it impossible to identify reliable sources of information.
• How much stuff will I have to work with? You must be able to debate supporting and contradictory evidence for your stance.
• What query(s) do I wish to address? Your answer to this question—which may also serve as your core idea—will aid in helping you concentrate your study. Add a few of sub-research questions that you may explore.
• What original viewpoint can I provide? Consider a topic that will allow you to expand on the current body of knowledge.

Depending on your prospective topic(s), you may need to spend some time scanning the research and resources that are accessible online or at a library in order to respond to the above. Remember to take notes on any sources you consult so you can correctly credit them later.

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3. Research your topic

The next step in learning how to write a research paper is to start the preliminary research after you've chosen a topic. You can go more deeply into some of the sources you looked at while selecting your topic. Look for information and proof that responds to the inquiries you created in step 2. Examine critically a range of reliable sources that both confirm and refute your own viewpoint.

Remember to keep track of reference information, such as page numbers and exact quotes, while you perform your research. You could be tempted to put off doing that activity so you can concentrate only on getting data from more study, but if you do, you'll regret it. Why make a second journey when you are already looking at the sources?

The failure to properly credit a source utilized in your research paper is plagiarism and may result in both academic and non-academic repercussions.

4. Build an outline and thesis statement

It's time to organize the data you've gathered for your research paper so that it will lead the reader from ignorance to knowledge.

Writing a research paper outline is similar to giving the reader step-by-step GPS directions that lead them to the finding you made throughout your investigation. Before you begin writing, map out your strategy so that you can structure your paper effectively and make sure nothing is missed.

Your research work is divided into sections with a logical flow using a handy outline. It should include the important topics you intend to discuss and any pertinent information that you don't want to overlook. It may be as detailed or as brief as you need to arrange your ideas and supporting evidence.

5. Write your first draft

Put words on the page once you've planned out what you'll say. It really is that easy. Focus on writing down your ideas rather than editing your words or censoring your thoughts.

You can begin wherever inspires you the most; you don't have to start with the introduction. Once all the components are done, you can ensure that everything fits together.

6. Cite your sources

Learning how to properly cite sources is essential to writing research papers. You could be required to include footnotes, a reference list, a works cited page, a reference list, or both, depending on the style manual you're using. Pay particular attention to the material provided and the punctuation and formatting of the citations.

Citing sources may be tiresome, so only do it when you're focused and in good health so you can adhere to the instructions to the letter. When you're exhausted, making mistakes is far too simple and can even result in unintentional plagiarism.

All research papers rely on previously published material and study; failing to correctly cite a source can have major repercussions, such as failing an assignment or receiving a bad mark, being sent out of school, or even going to jail.

Make sure all sources are properly cited.

7. Edit and proofread

You might have believed that step 5 was where the actual writing for a research paper would be done, but in reality, you are only now beginning. You are, however, also nearing the end of the research paper writing process and the completion of the assignment.

You need to think about both the large picture and the specifics when editing. These views could be simpler to alter in two steps, and you might want to go through each stage more than once. The big-picture stage takes into account crucial elements like these:

• Formatting Headings and Organization
• Idea and argument flow
• support for the thesis statement or primary research question

After studying the bigger difficulties, you may go on to the specifics:

• punctuation, spelling, and grammar
• sentences and word selections that are exact and clear
• Transitional phrases and words
• Definitions of words that readers may not be familiar with
• complete and in-text citations
• The guidelines for drafting a research paper are outlined in Step 1.
• Remove everything that doesn't contribute to your argument or support your thesis at both phases, including whole paragraphs and pointless words. Cutting might be the most difficult yet most fruitful step in the writing process.

Conversely, you may need to add content if your paper is too short after cutting or if you realize some parts need a bit more fleshing out.