When your professor hands out a paper, it can be terrifying! After all, you haven’t written a research paper in years and it seems like every time is like the first time. In this article, we outline the steps to starting and finishing a research paper so that you can have a step-by-step approach to writing one on top of your other classes.

Step 1: What is a research paper?

A research paper is a piece of writing that reports on the findings of an individual’s research. The main purpose of a research paper is to showcase the writer’s ability to conduct original research, critically analyze information, and present their findings in a clear and concise manner. A research paper should be well-organized and follow a logical structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In order to write my research paper, writers must first choose a topic that is both interesting and manageable. Once a topic has been selected, writers should begin by conducting thorough research. After the data has been gathered and analyzed, writers can then begin drafting their paper. The final step in the process is to proofread and edit the paper for any errors or typos before submitting it for grading or publication.

Step 2: Why do we write research papers?

There are a few reasons why writing research papers is important. First, research papers help establish you as an expert in your field. By writing about your research, you are able to share your findings and contribute to the body of knowledge in your field. Secondly, research papers can help you get published in academic journals. This can be a great way to get your work out there and make a name for yourself. Lastly, research papers can be used to support or refute arguments in other papers. By critically analyzing the work of others, you can add your own voice to the conversation and make a valuable contribution to the scholarly discourse.

Step 3: What are the different types of research papers?

There are four main types of research papers: argumentative, analytical, expository, and persuasive.

Argumentative research papers present an argument or a position on a controversial issue. They can be written on any topic, but they are most commonly assigned in social sciences classes.

Analytical research papers examine data or information in order to draw conclusions. They are common in science and math classes.

Expository research papers explain a topic or provide information about it. They are common in history and English classes.

Persuasive research papers try to convince the reader to believe or do something. They are common in speech and debate class.

Step 4: Choosing the right journal

The process of choosing the right journal for your research paper can seem daunting, but it is important to choose a journal that is reputable and will give your paper the best chance of being accepted. There are a few things to consider when choosing a journal, such as:

– The audience of the journal. Make sure the journal you choose is aimed at the same audience that you are writing for.

– The scope of the journal. Make sure the journal covers the topics you are writing about.

– The quality of the journal. Choose a journal that is peer reviewed and has a good reputation.

– The impact factor of the journal. This is a measure of how often papers from this journal are cited by other papers, and can be used as an indication of quality.

Once you have considered these factors, you should be able to narrow down your choices and select the best journal for your paper.

Step 5: Choosing your topic

When it comes to choosing a topic for your research paper, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you want to make sure that the topic is something you’re interested in. This will make the research process more enjoyable and will help you stay motivated.

Second, you want to choose a topic that is narrow enough to be manageable but not so narrow that there is little or no research available. You should also make sure that the topic is something that has not been overdone. There are countless research papers on popular topics such as the American Revolution or World War II. While these topics can be interesting, they may also be difficult to find new information on.

Once you have a list of potential topics, it’s time to start narrowing down your choices. One way to do this is to think about what aspect of the topic you want to focus on. For example, if you’re interested in the American Revolution, you might want to focus on the reasons behind the war or specific battles. This will help you create a more focused research question and will make your paper easier to write.

Once you’ve chosen your topic, it’s important to do some preliminary research before starting your paper. This will help you get a better understanding of the subject and will also give you some ideas for sources which can help support your argument.

Step 6: Conducting the search and compiling your sources

Once you have your research question(s), it’s time to start looking for sources. This step can be done in a few different ways, but the most important thing is to use reliable, credible sources.

If you’re not sure where to start, try looking in a library or online database. Many libraries offer free access to online databases, which can be a great way to find scholarly articles and other reliable sources.

Once you’ve found some potential sources, it’s time to evaluate them. Ask yourself: Is this source reliable? Does it seem biased? Does it provide evidence to support the claims made in the article?

After you’ve evaluated your sources, it’s time to start taking notes. When you take notes, be sure to keep track of where each piece of information came from (i.e., which source). This will make it easier to create citations later on.

Step 7: Writing your Research Paper

Assuming you’ve followed all of the previous steps, you should now have a clear direction for your research paper. It’s time to start writing! Begin by creating an outline of your paper. This will help you stay on track as you write and organize your thoughts. As you write, be sure to include in-text citations for any sources you use. These will be included in your Works Cited page at the end of the paper.

Once you have a draft of your paper, read through it carefully and make any necessary revisions. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and other errors. Once you are satisfied with your paper, submit it to your teacher or professor. Congratulations – you’ve just completed a research paper!

Conclusion

By following the steps in this guide, you can be sure that you will start and finish your research paper with ease. Just remember to take your time, plan ahead, and ask for help when you need it. With a little effort, you will have no trouble completing a great research paper. Good luck!