How to Write a Research Paper

SJSJ Middle SchoolMs. Pirtle’s Technology Class

The 11 Steps

1. Select Topic 2. Narrow the Topic3. Search for Sources4. Read and take

notes5. Create an Outline

6. Write Rough Draft7. In-text Citations8. Reference Page9. Revise and Rewrite10. Write & Proof Final

Draft

1. Select a Topic

• If your topic has not been assigned, you’ll need to decide on one.

• Brainstorm!• Some questions to ask yourself:– What interests me? – Where will I find the information?– Who else cares about this?

2. Narrow Your Topic

• Does your topic address who, what, why, where, when?

• Example:– Cyberbullying is too broad– Cyberbullying in schools is still too broad– Effects of Cyberbullyng in Middle School

3. Search for Sources

• Check with your teacher• Google might be too time consuming!• Topic-specific search engines• Online libraries• Encyclopedias• NEVER cite Wikipedia!• ALWAYS cross check your information!

4. Read and Take Notes

• Start a Word file for your notes• Tile your windows – Windows Key + Left or Right Arrow Key

• Copy / paste passages you wish to quote paraphrase—be sure to copy the link, too!– Ctrl + c > Ctrl + v or, – Right click > copy > Right click paste– Use menu commands

+

5. Outline

• An outline makes your paper much easier to write• An outline will have:

– Introduction • Tell what paper is about• Pique the reader’s interst

– Body• 3 - 5 Main Points with Sub Points• Support ideas with quotes

– Conclusion • Very briefly review your main points• State your “take away” message• Do NOT include new or detailed information

6. Rough Draft

• Use your outline to keep organized• Be sure you have downloaded and saved your paper

template• Tile your windows so you can work between your outline,

your sources and your paper• If you have trouble getting started, try free writing.

– Get as many ideas down as you can – Worry about grammar, spelling and punctuation later

• Use quotes and paraphrased passages to prove your claims• Learn about paraphrasing here:

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/619/01/

7. In-Text Citations

• All quotes and paraphrased passages need text citations.

• Here are some examples of in-line citations:http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/02/

• Use a Citation Generator like citationmachine.net/

8. Create Reference Page

• List all sources you used• Examples here:

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/06/

• Use Citation Generator: citationmachine.net/

9. Write and Revise

• Proper formatting?• Effective introduction?• Assertions are

supported with quotes, examples or facts?

• Citations?– For quotes and

paraphrased passages– For images, charts,

graphs, etc.

• Copyright terms?• Spelling, grammar and

punctuation?• Word count

requirement?• Self check for

plagiarism: http://www.plagiarismchecker.com/

• Effective conclusion?

10 . Write & Proof Final Draft

• Check organization• Do a final check of grammar, spelling,

punctuation, citations and formatting• Read your paper aloud• Make sure your title page is complete—

including your name!