3.1. Drafting of a research report

Six Simple Steps for Writing a Research Paper

By: Rojas, Olivia

Step 1: Understand the Assignment and Set a Schedule

Step 2: Finding a Topic and Question

Somethings 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

Some specific details you should know are:• 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 3: Begin Research

Step 4: Construct an Outline

Some things to keep in mind when researching:• 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. Try to put information into your own words. 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

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: I. Introduction (Thesis Statement) II. Main heading/idea of paragraph #1 a. Supporting detail 1 b. Supporting detail 2 c. Supporting detail 3

Step 5: Write a Draft

Step 6: Write a Final Draft

Some things to keep in mind when writing a draft: • Try to write with your own voice. Don’t just spit out researched information. Add your own conclusions and thoughts. • Remember to cite your sources when you use them, even in a draft. • Try to keep your information as organized as possible. That will help the reader understand what you are trying to say. • Once you have written a draft, proofread it! Have a peer respond to it or bring it to the Writing Center to have a tutor help you with it.

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: 1) A cover page stating the course information, the title of your paper, and your name. 2) The final, revised, copy of your paper with any formatting necessary (Footnotes, page numbers, citations, etc.). 3) A works cited page listing the bibliographical information for each of your sources.

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