How to write a research paper; Writing research papers is an important part of the requirement to obtain a degree. Hence, students often find it difficult to write a successful and effective research paper due to a lack of better guidance. To help you this article has been created as a complete guide to aid you write an appropriate research paper. Keep reading!
To know how to write a research paper you must first understand what it means. So before we get into the main aspect of this article, let’s explain what a research paper entails.
A research paper is an academic writing assignment that offers analysis, explanation, and justification based on extensive, independent study.
Term papers and research papers are comparable, but research papers are typically lengthier and more in-depth projects that are meant to gauge both your writing and scholarly research abilities. When writing a research paper, you must show that you are well-versed in your subject, interact with a range of sources, and add something unique to the conversation.
You will be guided step-by-step through the full process of how to write a research paper in this article. This will be from comprehending your assignment to editing your finished product.
How to Write a Research Paper | A Complete Guide
Understand the assignment
Completing a research paper entails completing the precise responsibilities assigned to you. Make sure you fully comprehend the assignment worksheet before you begin:
Read it carefully, looking for any unclear language you might require your lecturer to explain.
Determine the assignment’s purpose, due date, length requirements, format, and submission method.
Make a list of the main points in bullet points, and as you write, go back and check off the items as you go.
Be reasonable when estimating your deadline and word count, and allow ample time for research, writing, and editing.
Choose a Topic
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There are various ways to come up with a topic for a research paper, from writing down ideas on paper to discussing them with a classmate or lecturer.
Try free writing, which entails choosing a broad subject and writing continuously. You can write for two or three minutes to find absolutely anything pertinent that might be fascinating.
You can get ideas from other research as well. Research paper discussion or recommendation sections frequently offer suggestions for additional specialized subjects that merit in-depth study.
Once you’ve selected a wide subject area, focus on a particular area by selecting a topic that interests you, satisfies the requirements of your assignment, and is doable in terms of research. Make an effort to come up with unique and focused ideas.
Gather Preliminary Research
The earlier you begin your research, the better; after all, a research paper is what it is called for a reason.
Find out as soon as possible what research is available on your issue to hone your topic and craft your thesis statement.
Early research will help you clear up any misunderstandings you may have about the subject and show you the best avenues to take when looking for additional information.
Usually, you may discover sources in a library or online. Make sure to use reliable sources when conducting online research, such as academic papers or scientific journals. You can explore only reputable sources and academic databases on several search engines, which are included in the Tools and Resources section below.
As you search, keep in mind the distinction between primary and secondary sources. Secondary sources are further distant and include things like critical reviews or secondhand biographies; primary sources include firsthand accounts like published articles or memoirs.
When acquiring information for your research, it is preferable to scan sources rather than fully reading each potential source. Put a source aside to read it in its entirety later if it sounds beneficial. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck spending time reading over sources you ultimately won’t use when you could be spending that time locating a useful source.
A literature review, which explains your sources and submits them to an authority for approval, may occasionally be requested of you. Even if a literature review is not necessary, creating an early list of relevant sources is still beneficial; you’ll be glad you did.
Thesis Statement
The aim and stance of your work are established by the thesis statement, which summarizes your main argument. The thesis statement should respond to the research question you used as a starting point. It should also outline the arguments and supporting data you’ll utilize to back up your position.
The thesis should be succinct, debatable, and coherent. This implies it should make a cohesive point that connects to every section of the work, make a claim that needs more support or analysis, and succinctly summarize your argument in one or two sentences.
The thesis statement can be a guide while you write, however, you will probably edit and improve it as you conduct more research. Each sentence should work to advance and reinforce this main idea.
Create an Outline
Many students are interested in learning how to create a research paper outline. Outlines are especially crucial for research papers because they demand a rigorous and systematic framework more than unstructured essays to ensure that all themes are covered.
Create an outline for your outline. Do this by first making a list of all the significant categories and subtopics you must cover. When assembling your supporting evidence, take into account all the data you gathered and consider the best approach to separate and organize everything.
Write your Introduction
The What, Why, and How questions must receive answers in the research paper’s introduction. The reader should know what the paper is about, why it is worthwhile reading, and how you will support your claims when you have finished the introduction.
What? Be clear about the paper’s subject, provide background information, and describe any important terminology or concepts.
Why? The most crucial and challenging aspect of the introduction is this. Try to give succinct responses to the following inquiries: What fresh information or viewpoint do you present? What significant questions does your article attempt to define or address?
How? The beginning should provide a “map” of what you are presenting. So, briefly outline the most important aspects of the work in a chronological sequence. This will let the reader know what to expect from the rest of the paper.
Write the Body of the work
How to organize the information offered in the paper is the main challenge for most writers. This is one of the reasons why an outline is so helpful. However, keep in mind that the outline is merely a guide. Hence you can be flexible with the presentation of the facts and reasons when writing.
Use your thesis statement and topic sentences as a means to keep your writing on course. The subject sentences are in comparison to the thesis statement, each for similarity and logical order, and to the topic sentence of that paragraph.
Watch out for sentences that seem to address the same topics in different paragraphs. If two paragraphs cover the same subject, they must do so in separate ways. Try to make the transitions between sentences, paragraphs, and sections as seamless as possible.
Citations
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Part of what distinguishes research papers from more informal nonfiction like personal essays is the use of citations. By citing your sources, you can link your research article to the larger scientific community while also having your findings go through validations. Citations must adhere to specific formatting guidelines because of their significance, yet there are multiple sets of guidelines!
Proof Read
Read your work to avoid possible mistakes and grammatical errors, this might render your work not up to standard. You can as well give it to someone to read it to help you cross-check.
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