You are a re-entry student, and you haven’t written a paper in fourteen years. You got by in high school on your charm and good looks and never had to write a research paper. You’ve written research papers before, but each time feels like the first, and the first time felt like a root canal. Where do you begin? Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to start a research paper.
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Steps for How to Start a Research Paper
Here are the steps for how to start a research paper.
1. Choosing a topic: Interest, information, and focus
If you select a topic that interests you, your job will be more enjoyable, and you will be more likely to remember information. Even if a broad topic is offered (“Write about the effects of GMO crops on global food supply”), try to develop a method that reflects your interests. Your topic should be one on which you can locate sufficient information; this may need some prior study.
2. Preliminary reading & recordkeeping
Bring some index cards or a small notebook with you as you read. Read a generic article on your topic, such as one from an encyclopaedia. Record the author, article and/or book title, and all publishing information on an index card or in a notebook in the format required by your instructor (MLA or APA, for example). (If you need to know what publishing information is required for different sorts of sources, use a writing guide like SF Writer.) Write down the information you wish to utilise from each recognised source, including page numbers, on index cards or in your notebook.
3. Organizing: Mind map or outline
Create a functioning mind map or outline based on your preliminary reading. Include any significant, fascinating, or provoking aspects, as well as your personal thoughts on the subject. A mental map is less linear and may include queries to which you desire answers. Choose the approach that is most convenient for you. The goal is simple to organise thoughts into logical categories. This mind map or outline may be revised at any time; it is far faster to restructure a paper by crossing out or adding parts to a mind map or outline than it is to laboriously start over with the writing itself.
4. Formulating a thesis: Focus and craftsmanship
Write a three- to five-point thesis statement that is clearly defined and focused, but be prepared to alter it later if necessary. Take your time developing this statement into one or two sentences, since it will lead and develop your whole article.
5. Researching: Facts and examples
Begin your extensive investigation now. For a variety of sources, try the internet, electronic databases, reference books, newspaper articles, and books. Write down the publishing information for each source on an index card (or on a separate page of your notebook) for your works cited (MLA) or bibliography (APA) page. Make a distinction between direct quotes and paraphrase when writing crucial arguments, facts, and instances. Remember that a professional perspective is more legitimate than a broad opinion, and that for some areas (such as science and history), newer research may be more useful than older research.
6. Rethinking: Matching mind map and thesis
Expand or edit your working mind map or outline by adding facts, explanations, and examples once you have thoroughly studied and acquired a large amount of material. In creating each of your primary themes, strive for balance (they should be spelled out in your thesis statement). Return to the library for further material if necessary to develop these ideas equally, or alter your thesis statement to better represent what you have learned or the path your work appears to have gone.
7. Drafting: Beginning in the middle
Write the body of the paper, beginning with the thesis statement and skipping the introduction for the time being (unless you already know exactly how to begin, but few writers do). To logically and methodically justify your thesis statement, use supporting detail. For the time being, leave off the ending as well.
8. Revising: Organization and attribution
Read, rewrite, and double-check that your thoughts are well-organized and support your thesis statement. Each paragraph should contain a specific topic that stems from the thesis statement. If any paragraph does not, remove it or change your argument if you believe it is necessary. Check that you have accurately cited and paraphrased, and that you have acknowledged your sources, even if you are paraphrasing. Every concept that did not occur to you as a consequence of a personal revelation or your own rigorous reasoning should be ascribed to its owner.
9. Writing: Intro, conclusion, and citations
Complete the final draught. Include a one-paragraph introduction and conclusion. The thesis statement is usually included in the last phrase or two of the first, introductory paragraph. Check that all citations are in the right format for the style (MLA, APA). The conclusion should refer to your argument rather than just restating it.
10. Proofreading: Time and objectivity
Allow a few days between the time you finish writing your final copy and begin making final revisions, if time allows. This “break” will make you more attentive, objective, and analytical.
