Handout 36

Steps In Writing Research Papers

The Preliminaries

  1. Choose a topic
  2. Begin preliminary reading
  3. Restrict the subject
  4. Develop a preliminary thesis statement

Gathering Data

  1. Compile the working bibliography
  2. Prepare the bibliography on cards in correct form (3" x 5" cards)
  3. Begin extensive work in the library reference room; be sure to check:
bullettrade bibliographies
bulletgeneral bibliographies
bulletindexes (books and collections, literature in periodicals, newspaper indexes, pamphlet indexes)
bulletlibrary electronic catalogues

4. 4. Taking Notes

bulletDevelop a preliminary outline
bulletEvaluate your source material; which is primary material and which is secondary material?
bulletBegin note-taking on cards (4" x 6" cards)
bulletAvoid plagiarism

5.5.  Writing the Paper

bulletDevelop the final outline; test your outline
bulletPrepare to write:
bulletput your note cards in the order that your outline is in
bulletconsider your (real and imagined) readers and how their expectations may affect your tone and style
bullet

Write the rough draft

bullet

Check your documentation carefully

bullet

Revise and rewrite

6. Check the format of the text, citations, notes, and bibliography (most instructors recommend MLA or APA format)

7.  Proofread

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