Most students, when they hear research paper writing, think about a stack of articles and books that they have to review. However, a research paper is much more than just evaluating and reading sources. While it is based on the ideas and research of others, the finished research paper that you write should present a novice idea backed up by previous literature.
Think of a lawyer who reads cases and arguments of different people to develop his own case. Similarly, if a student is evaluating the Spanish-American war, they will read a plethora of different articles and journals related to this. But, in the end, will provide a new viewpoint with evidence for the paper writing to have some credibility.
This blog will help you to write an amazing research paper in simple easy steps. Let’s explore further.
What Is A Research Paper
Research paper writing is a type of academic writing that analyzes and interprets an argument based on thorough research. They are very similar to essays, but are usually more in-depth and have references to back up statements.
Moreover, paper writing requires you to have a strong understanding of the topics at hand and engage with a database of sources to make an original contribution to your field of study.
How To Write A Research Paper
Here is a step-by-step guide that will help you in the research paper writing process.
Step 1: Understand the task
Before you start writing the research paper, it is important to understand what your university or supervisor wants you to do. Read the requirements carefully, and if you are confused, clarify any queries with your professor before the writing process. Make sure you know the timeframe and word limit so you can plan your work accordingly.
Step 2: Choose a topic
Generate the idea for your research paper. Look for the areas you are interested in. You can use previous research papers to gain inspiration for your own. Once you have a broader area which you want to explore, narrow it down to more original and specific concepts. For instance, World War I is a broad topic. You can make it brief by just talking about its impact on Australian merchants.
Step 3: Conduct preliminary research
Preliminary research involves exploring sources related to your ideas before you actually start the writing process. Look for sources that contradict your point of view. Use various sources, such as journals, books, websites, and libraries.
Step 4: Make your thesis statement
A thesis statement is the culmination of the main argument. The entire purpose and position of your paper are dependent on the thesis statement. If you have started your paper with a research question, the thesis statement will answer it.
Additionally, make sure that your thesis statement is concise and coherent. It should make a claim that you can further explore and relate to every section of the rest of the paper.
Once you continue with your research, there is a high chance that you will update your thesis along the way.
Step 5: Make an outline
The research paper outline highlights the key topics and evidence and divides the whole paper into different sections that you will include. If you spend some time developing the perfect online, your writing process can be more efficient.
Step 6: Write the first draft
The first draft is never perfect and continues to be polished later. You need to write first and make it impeccable later. Ensure that there is a logical order between paragraphs. Express your ideas carefully.
The best thing about first drafts is that you do not need to write them in one flow. Actually, it is better if you do not start with the introduction. Start with what feels natural. Most students start with the background study section.
Step 7: Final your paper writing
Once your first draft is ready, prepare the final document. Remove any extra information and structure the content properly. Check if you answered the main thesis statement properly.
Step 8: Revise and edit
The proofreading and editing step allows you to revise any mistakes made in the writing process. You can use tools like Grammarly to make necessary amendments. Moreover, try to read the content out loud 2 to 3 times to ensure that there is a flow between the paragraphs and check your introduction against the thesis statement.
Conclusion
Research paper writing is important for students and is a compulsory part of most academic degrees, especially social sciences. A good research paper is clear and coherent. To write the research paper, make sure you understand the assignment and prepare an outline and a first draft before writing the final one.
Once you are done with your final draft, revise and edit to ensure that your research paper answers your thesis statement impeccably.