Steps to Writing a Research Paper

 

1. Getting Started—January 2

               

Know that everyone is as apprehensive as you are about writing this paper.  So breathe, relax, and take one task at a time.

 

Make sure you understand the assignment.  If at any point you do not understand, ASK!

 

You are writing a persuasive essay.  This will involve you taking a stand on an issue and defending it against opposing points of view.  You are being asked to research the issues and read others’ arguments for and against.  The paper will anticipate and deflect arguments against the position, while presenting supporting evidence in favor of the position.  Success will depend on how persuasively the paper makes its case and defends against possible opposition.

 

You can use the following Web site to get an idea of types of papers and a brief description of each:

 

http://www.hccs.cc.tx.us/Library/TipSheets/Essay.html

 

use the links Common Types of Papers and Papers on Special Subjects

 

Set deadlines for yourself.  I have given you an outline of the dates when things need to be handed in; set your own deadlines if necessary.

 

Think about possible topics: things that interest you, things you may already know something about.

 

2.    Choosing and Narrowing a Topic: January 3-4

 

Once you have chosen a broad topic, begin looking up information on that topic in order to narrow it down.  EXAMPLE:  Sports

                                   Football

                                    NFC

                                       Fans

                                          Fans support their NFC teams in the sport of football, however some fans take their support a little too far.

 

You need to begin to make sure there is enough research out there for you to complete a 9-page paper.  All of your sources cannot be Internet.  You may use 3 Internet sources and the other 4 from other types of sources: books, magazines, newspapers, interviews, etc…

 

Remember when you choose your topic, you may not have the same topic as anyone in my classes.  Check the sign in sheet to determine if your topic is ok before you turn anything in or you will need to start over from the beginning.

 

3.    Forming a Focus: January 5-6

 

As you narrow your topic down, eliminate the research you have gathered that doesn’t pertain to your topic.

 

Decide what it is you want to prove. 

 

Make sure you can present and refute the other side.

 

WRITE YOUR THESIS