3.1. Drafting of a research report

Six Simple Steps for Writing a Research Paperby Alin Hourruitiner Alvarez

Step 1: Understand the Assignment and Set a Schedule

• How long the paper has to be (pages, number of words) • The type of citation preferred by the professor • Number and types of sources that are allowed (websites, books, articles) • Whether specific aspects of the paper have different due dates or is it due in full on a specific date. • Other formatting details (footnotes, subtitles, heading, double-spacing) • Set a schedule according to the due dates and how long it will take you to complete each task. (Day-by-day, week-by-week)

Step 2: Finding a Topic and Question

Once you have figured out what the assignment is about, it is time to choose a specific topic or question to research. Some things to consider when choosing a topic: • Is this topic appropriate? – You may want to have the professor approve it. • Narrow the focus of your paper. (try to make it as specific as possible) • Choose a topic that not only interests you, but will also be interesting to the reader. • You may want to choose a question that your paper will answer. That way, when you are researching, you are looking for something specific. • The answer that you find to this question may ultimately become your thesis statement. Example: Topic - Pay equality in the workforce. Question- Do women still get paid less than men do for completing the same amount of work? Thesis - Women get paid less than men in certain jobs

Step 3: Begin Research

• Make sure you use a wide variety of sources (Internet, books, journals, video, interviews, etc.) • Allow yourself enough time to research. This will be the most intensive part of the paper, allow at least two hours per researching session. • Keep records and copies of all of the information you obtain. Get all of the bibliographical information while you are researching so you do not have to go back. Make sure you also make note of where you found the information in case you have to retrieve it later. o Such information includes:  Title of the article or book  Date it was published or copy written  Author(s) and publishing company  Pages used • Try to put information into your own words. It is helpful to paraphrase the information in your own words while you are taking notes to avoid plagiarism later. If you do take quotes directly from the source, make sure you make a note of that • You should also be making notes about specific conclusions that you are drawing from the material. • Look specifically for details that support your thesis or question. Sometimes background information is also necessary

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Step 4: Construct an Outline

Once you have collected all of the research, it may be helpful to organize your thoughts with an outline. To construct an outline, you must group your notes together and match information that fits together. An outline should be formatted in this manner:

Step 5: WRITE A DRAFT

Now that you have organized your research material, the next step will be writing the first draft. Keep in mind that you will write multiple drafts, so do not put excessive pressure on the first one. Some things to keep in mind when writing a draft.

STEP 6: WRITE A FINAL DRAFT

After you have revised your initial drafts, you should compose a final draft. This draft should have very few errors, have a clear organization, and be formatted correctly. Before you hand in your paper, you should make sure you have the following elements:

Resources:

SUNY Potsdam The State University of New York at Postdam. (s.f.). Six Simple Steps for Writing a Research Paper. Potsdam: SUNY Potsdam. Recovered of, https://www.potsdam.edu/sites/default/files/documents/support/tutoring/cwc/6-Simple-Steps-for-Writing-a-Research-Paper.pdf

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