Writing a Research Paper A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Resources Consider the following: The library and the librarian/media specialist The library and the librarian/media specialist Dictionaries-general/special Dictionaries-general/special Encyclopedias Encyclopedias Computer database Computer database CD-ROM CD-ROM On-line networks On-line networks

Step 2: Topic When choosing a topic…. Make sure the topic interests you Make sure the topic interests you Know the assigned length of the paper Know the assigned length of the paper Make sure there is enough information on the topic Make sure there is enough information on the topic

Step 3: Bibliography Cards Cards should include the following information: 1. Name of the author (last name first) 2. Title of the book (underlined) 3. City of publication 4. Name of the publisher 5. Most recent year of publication 6. Web site information for Internet source(s)

Sample bibliography card- Quinn, Daniel. Ishmael. NewYork: Bantam Publishing, 1993.

Step 4: Note Cards Important points to remember- Always include specific topic headings Always include specific topic headings One main idea per card One main idea per card All information should relate to the topic All information should relate to the topic Accuracy is crucial Accuracy is crucial

Sample note card- Topic: Hazards of moviegoing Getting to the theatre 1 Bad weather Distance from home Limited parking Long wait to buy ticket Smith 25

Step 5: Thesis Statement The thesis statement…. clearly states main idea clearly states main idea helps you and the reader to focus helps you and the reader to focus is generally placed at the end of your introductory paragraph is generally placed at the end of your introductory paragraph

Sample Thesis Statement #1: The national speed limit should be lowered to 55 mph because it will conserve resources, help the environment, and save lives.

Sample Thesis Statement #2: Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible is a very unrealistic view of Puritan life because all the plot is not believable, and the dialogue is stilted.

Sample Thesis Statement #3: Smoking should be banned in all public places in order to lower health costs, reduce risks from second-hand smoke, and eventually reduce the appeal of smoking for the young.

Step 6: Outline Follow these guidelines: Write the title of your paper at the top of the page. Write the title of your paper at the top of the page. Write your thesis statement. Write your thesis statement. Follow the sample outline format for numbering and lettering. Each main topic MUST include at least two subtopics. Follow the sample outline format for numbering and lettering. Each main topic MUST include at least two subtopics. Begin main topics, subtopics, and details with capital letters. Begin main topics, subtopics, and details with capital letters. Use either all sentences OR all phrases. Use either all sentences OR all phrases.

Sample Outline - Safe at Any Speed? Thesis: The national speed limit should be maintained at 55 mph because it would conserve resources, help the environment, and save lives. I. Introduction A. Current speed laws in the U.S. A. Current speed laws in the U.S. B. Federal laws B. Federal laws C. State laws C. State laws II. Conservation of resources A. Oil savings A. Oil savings B. Tire savings B. Tire savings III. Environmental effects A. Air pollution effects A. Air pollution effects B. Water pollution effects B. Water pollution effects

Step 7: Parenthetical Documentation Always give credit when you….. Quote directly from a source Quote directly from a source Paraphrase information from a source Paraphrase information from a source

Step 8: First Draft When writing your first draft… focus on supporting your thesis statement focus on supporting your thesis statement make sure your research backs up your thesis. make sure your research backs up your thesis. maintain a consistent tone. maintain a consistent tone. remember your audience. remember your audience. credit your sources. credit your sources.

Step 9: Revisions When revising, remember to… check for grammatical errors, such as spelling, punctuation, and usage. check for grammatical errors, such as spelling, punctuation, and usage. number all pages, EXCEPT the title page, first page, and works-cited page. number all pages, EXCEPT the title page, first page, and works-cited page. check organization for logic, clarity, and sequence. check organization for logic, clarity, and sequence. read the entire paper out loud to someone. read the entire paper out loud to someone.

Sample title page Safe at Any Speed? Harry Wells English 8-3 May 15, 2003

Sample - Works Cited Axe, Kevin. “Slow Down, You Move Too Fast.” Safety and Health. Feb. 1995: 71. Evans, Arthur. The Automobile. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications, “Automobiles.” Encyclopedia Britannica ed.

Step 10: Final Draft In final draft, be sure you… have an attention-grabbing title have an attention-grabbing title use the proper format. use the proper format. check for neatness. check for neatness. double-check grammar and other mechanics. double-check grammar and other mechanics.