There are basically twelve (12) steps to completing a research paper. Naturally, not every research assignment is the same so the number of steps for yours might be less, or more:
- Identify your topic.
- Get background on your topic and gain an understanding of the scope of the related issues and their context -- TAKE NOTES.
- Narrow the topic by focusing on a specific issue or aspect to research and writing a research question.
- Find articles related to your specific research focus -- BEGIN YOUR BILIOGRAPHY & TAKE NOTES.
- Craft a thesis statement (tentative answer to your research question).
- Find books related to your specific research focus -- ADD TO YOUR BIBLIOGRAPHY & TAKE NOTES.
- Find newspaper/Web articles related to your specific research focus -- ADD TO YOUR BIBLIOGRAPHY & TAKE NOTES.
- Draft an outline of your paper.
- Start writing the first draft of your paper -- make use of the notes you've been making throughout the process.
- Proofread your first draft and write second draft.
- Proofread your second draft and write third and final draft, making sure all the assignmnet guidlines have been met.
- Submit your final draft to your professor.
