A research paper is one of the most popular academic works in a student’s life. However, for many students, writing a research paper means sleepless nights, pressure, and long hours of work. But does it always have to be like this? Research papers are easier than most students think. The best advice for writing this kind of paper is to decompose your work into logical, manageable chunks. This guide will bring you tips, a coherent action plan, and some writing tools to utilize if you are looking to create an incredible academic paper without struggle. Discover how to start a research paper, how to select a topic, and so much more!
What is a Research Paper?
A research paper is an academic paper that demonstrates a response to what you learned and your independent conclusions. Understanding that a research paper is not simply an opinion, but a card-castle built on a foundation of evidence and reasoning is a fundamental insight students must have.
How to Choose a Research Paper Topic
An interesting and relevant topic is key to a successful research paper. You need to think about different methods, ideas, and theories regarding the area that interests you. Also, find out if anybody has researched your topic before. In general, a one-point-of-view (only one author cited) makes a paper less interesting. If you ignore this rule, obtaining any significant research results will be a much harder task for you. So, here are some tips that can help you decide upon the best topic for your research paper:
- Pick a topic that excites you and fits the assignment's parameters. Think about the scope of your research.
- Make sure your topic is not too broad or too specific.
- Identify new research angles by searching for gaps in the existing research data.
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How to Make an Outline for a Research Paper
After choosing your topic, it is time to structure your research. Put together a rough mind map or plan based on what you’ve read about your topic so far. You can include your thoughts on the topic, as well as important, profound, or thought-provoking observations. Besides, include questions in the plan if you intend to answer them while writing the article.
All these will work as an outline or a roadmap for your paper. Here’s how to create an effective research paper outline:
- Start with a title that reflects your research focus.
- Include an introduction that presents your thesis statement.
- Organize the body into sections with headings and subheadings for different arguments or findings.
- Conclude with a summary of your findings and implications.
Don’t forget that JustDone can assist you in generating a detailed outline tailored to your research topic. Our writing assistant will ensure that you don’t miss any crucial points from your academic roadmap.
When structuring your outline, think about information sources. It is important to use only verified sources of information to make sure you are exploring reliable materials. Google Scholar, PubMed, Google Books, or Microsoft Academic are just a few services worth considering. On these sites, you can find scientific articles, journals, books, and other research materials.
The First Draft of the Research Paper: Intro and Main Body
With your outline in hand, it’s time to start writing your first draft.
For the Introduction, use a straightforward thesis statement, explain the purpose of your work, and what research methods you are going to use. Start with an engaging and relevant hook that immediately captures the reader's attention. Provide your readers with a roadmap that helps them understand what you will be addressing throughout the research. Be concise - it is recommended that your introduction comprise approximately 8-9 percent of the total word count of your paper (for example, 160 words for a 2000-word research). Remember that your thesis should be actual and interesting.
When writing the body paragraphs of your research paper, make sure you have organized your thoughts logically and that they complement each other. Each paragraph should follow the thesis - make sure you use a topic sentence. If a paragraph does not fit the topic, consider deleting it or revising your thesis. Besides, ensure that your quotes and paraphrasing are accurate. Don’t forget to put citations in accordance with the research paper format, even if you paraphrase the sources. Make sure you do not copy and paste information from the internet without proper citations.
JustDone’s citation generator can help create citations and references in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, AMA, and other formats. With this tool, you can focus totally on your research and not worry about proper referencing.
How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper
The conclusion is the section where you summarize the key points and, if appropriate, offer new suggestions for future research. Many think that it’s just a summary of the main topics discussed or a restatement of your research question. But it’s not.
The reader should finish your article with a clear understanding of why your research matters. Write your conclusion in one or two well-thought-out paragraphs and highlight significant findings and their importance.
Just as the introduction is responsible for shaping the reader’s first impression of the topic, the conclusion is your chance to make a final impression by summarizing the core information of your academic work and often providing a different perspective on the key implications.
A compelling conclusion is important because it gives the reader a deeper understanding of your research topic. Include the most compelling arguments from your research paper in the conclusion.
Example:
As a result of the sixth mass extinction currently taking place on Earth, many species are disappearing every day. There are at least three strategies humans can adopt to prevent their complete extinction over the next fifty years. More recycling options, innovative plastic production technologies, and species conservation efforts can save lives.The Second Draft
After completing your first draft, it’s essential to take a step back and review your work. Here’s how to approach your second draft:
- Read through your paper for clarity and coherence.
- Ensure that each section logically flows into the next.
- Check that your arguments are well-supported with evidence.
JustDone can assist with rewriting sections that may need improvement, helping you enhance the overall quality of your draft.
The Revision Process
Revision is critical in the writing process. Proofreading the final draft is the last and concluding stage of writing a research paper. Here are some steps that help you polich your writing:
- Double-check for grammar, style, and spelling errors. Look through each section of the paper and make sure everything looks perfect.
- Ensure that all citations and references are correctly formatted. Accurate citations will help you avoid plagiarism. So, make sure you follow the college’s standards regarding plagiarism.
- Seek feedback from peers or instructors to gain fresh perspectives and simply ensure your arguments are clear and to the point.
With JustDone, you can use our text improvement tools to enhance clarity and readability to make your final paper meet all academic standards.
Ready to Write Your Research Paper?
In conclusion, writing a research paper involves several critical steps, from choosing the right topic to revising your final draft. By following this guide, you can approach your research paper with confidence. Remember, utilizing tools like JustDone can streamline your process, making it easier to create high-quality content. Now that you’re equipped with actionable insights, it’s time to dive in and start writing!
