This type of academic work is what you are going to face inevitably when acquiring a college or university degree. In a nutshell, a research paper is an expanded essay that represents a student’s own interpretation and vision of the given topic. It has to be backed up by existing knowledge and facts.
Writing this type of work requires conducting an in-depth study of the subject matter. A student has to collect lots of sources of information and incorporate them into their project.
However, there is much more to it than just collect relevant data from external sources. A research paper should analyze a current perspective and put front an author’s point that will be argued in the body of work. Simply put, the final piece should showcase a student’s own thinking, supported by valid facts and expert opinions.
Research Paper Writing Step by Step
The art of write essay for me work will come in handy not only to college students but also to young professionals and expert scientists. However, mastering it may not be as easy as it seems. Working on this kind of project requires dedication, accuracy, as well as strong research and writing skills.
Besides, it is very time-consuming, no wonder why so many students are struggling to handle it. Probably the easiest way to cope with a paper is to ask for expert help at https://essaypro.com/write-my-essay.html. In this case, a professional writer will help you complete the paper in the shortest terms. But, what if you want to handle it on your own?
To help you nail a research paper even on the most complex subjects, we have prepared a step-by-step guide with plenty of writing tips and tricks:
1. Study the Given Guidelines
As a rule, your professor will supply you with a comprehensive list of instructions for this assignment. The first thing you should do is to carefully read these guidelines to ensure you know what’s expected from you.
2. Define the Purpose of Your Paper
There are basically two main types of research papers you can be dealing with: an analytical and argumentative one. The structure of both types should be about the same. However, the purpose will be different.
An analytical text should observe the given topic and analyze it. Whereas an argumentative one should deliver strong arguments and debate on the topic. To write an A-worthy research work, you should define your purpose from the onset.
3. Define the Subject
Once you’ve studied the guidelines and defined your purpose, it is time to look at the topic. At this stage, it is vital to understand that the overall success of your project is directly affected by the chosen subject.
Tips for choosing a great topic:
- It should be relevant and new;
- A topic has to be arguable;
- It should give scope for further investigation;
- There should be enough information on the subject;
- It has to be engaging;
- It shouldn’t be too broad or too narrow;
- It has to be manageable.
Following these tips, you should be able to define a good subject that will help you write an A-worthy work.
4. Study the Subject
Once you define a topic, you can move on to studying available sources and collecting information. At this stage, it is vital to look at valid and relevant sources.
To get started, check what literature is available on your subject. Also, you can use online academic databases to collect information from past studies on similar topics.
5. Analyze the Information and Create an Outline
When you have enough information collected, start sorting it out based on relevancy, validity, and value. After analyzing the collected info, you should be able to define your main arguments.
Then you can start making an outline. The basic elements of a research paper are:
- Cover page;
- Title page;
- Abstract;
- Content;
- Introduction;
- Main body;
- Findings (i.e. Results);
- Discussion;
- Conclusion;
- Bibliography/reference list;
- Appendix (if necessary).
Make sure you include all these sections into the outline. The more detailed and accurate the plan is, the easier it will be for you to write the paper.
6. Make a Strong Thesis Statement
A thesis is a statement you are going to argue in a paper. In a nutshell, it is a short theory, fact, or prediction that you are going to prove or invalidate by your research.
Here are the main points that characterize a good thesis statement:
- It reflects a relevant and actual problem;
- It is arguable;
- It gives readers an insight into the topic.
Finally, it is vital to ensure that you have enough arguments and information to support the thesis.
7. Write the Paper
When you have a developed thesis, you can move on to writing. At this stage, it is vital to follow the outline to ensure a logical flow of points and arguments.
8. Proofread and Edit
The last tip for nailing a research paper on any subject is to devote enough time to proofreading and editing. Many students choose to skip this step after they finish writing. However, that’s not a good idea. Proper proofreading and editing are vital steps that help to ensure the excellent quality of the text and, respectively, a high grade.