This Is How to Write an Effective Research Paper

Research papers are the bread and butter of higher education, and many students at grade level are beginning to write them as well. As such, students need to know some basics about writing research papers. Also, paper help is usually available from the teacher or other peers, as long as that help isn’t the night before the due date.

The Foundation

If you’re going to write a paper, you need to know what the topic will be. Many times, teachers and professors offer a list of topics to choose from, which can be a helpful starting point. Otherwise, consider topics that have been discussed in class recently, and choose one that you find interesting. For example, if you have been talking about marine mammals in biology class, you could write a research paper discussing the blue whale or the sperm whale.

Second, you will need to know things like formatting and paper length. For example, your teacher could be dedicated to the American Psychological Association (APA) style of citation and formatting. If they are, that paper will be visually different than a teacher who uses the Modern Language Association (MLA) style.

In either case, the teacher will have provided you with this information, either on your syllabus or on the assignment directions itself. The directions will also include information about paper length, which is generally presented in either page length or word count.

The Process

If you are writing a research paper, you will have to do research to complete it. This might seem obvious, but the type of research you do is vital. If you want to get a general idea about a topic, use a search engine or look it up on Wikipedia. However, do not cite either of these as sources, as many teachers and professors will not accept them.

Once you’ve gotten some pointers, research your topic through whatever library system of sources that your teacher has provided. For example, while researching blue whales on a search engine you might find something about their vascular system that says that a human could crawl through their vascular system. You could research a whale’s circulatory system through a trusted source and compare that aorta to a human aorta.

The writing process is about writing and editing until the paper is acceptable. Therefore, write your first draft before you start editing it. If you notice an egregious error, make a note in the margins and keep writing. If the blank page is overwhelming, write down what you plan to talk about. This first draft doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be written.

The Finale

If possible, exceed the paper’s length requirements, either in page number or word count. This will give you a cushion when you begin editing the paper. If you edit the paper yourself, read it aloud if it is on physical paper or have it read to you if it is digital. Though it may seem silly, you can catch many errors this way as your brain processes information differently when you read it than when you hear it.

Another option is to let someone else read your paper and edit it, but ensure they are familiar with grammar and spelling mechanics. Finally, there are many online resources that will read and edit your paper, but you should always double-check those resources.

Read through the paper a few times for different things. For example, you can read through the paper once for clarity and once for spelling and punctuation. Once again, if you see something wrong or out of place, make a note in the margins for later.

In conclusion, don’t write the paper the night before it is due if you want paper help. Create a good foundation, keep writing through the process, and make sure the finale is what you want it to be.

• Don’t Write the Night Before The Paper is Due
• Pick a Topic
• Know Your Format and Paper Length
• Use Reliable Sources
• The First Draft Is Often Messy. Keep Writing
• Write More Than You Need
• Edit carefully