HOW TO START (AND COMPLETE) A RESEARCH PAPER
If you’re a re-entry student and it’s been fourteen years since you last wrote a research paper, you might feel a bit daunted by the process. Perhaps in high school, you coasted by on charm and good looks without really engaging in deep writing. Now, every research paper can feel like a nerve-wracking experience—almost like undergoing a root canal. So, how do you begin?
Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you start and finish your research paper:
Choose a Topic
Pick a subject that genuinely interests you.Read and Keep Records
Delve into the literature and maintain organized notes for each source.Form a Thesis
Develop a clear, concise thesis statement to guide your research.Create a Mind Map or Outline
Organize your ideas visually or in an outline to structure your paper.Read Again
Revisit your sources to deepen your understanding and refine your ideas.Rethink Your Thesis
Adjust your thesis as needed based on further reading and insights.Draft the Body
Begin writing the main content of your paper without worrying about perfection.Revise
Review your draft and make improvements for clarity and flow.Add the Introduction and Conclusion
Once your main content is solid, craft your opening and closing sections.Proofread and Edit
Carefully check your work for errors and polish your final draft.
You can read this tip sheet from start to finish before beginning your paper, or jump to the steps that you find most challenging.
1. Choosing a Topic: Interest, Information, and Focus
Select a topic that genuinely captivates you; doing so will make your research process more enjoyable and help you retain the information better. Even if you are assigned a general subject (for example, “Write about the impacts of GMO crops on the world food supply”), try to find a specific angle that aligns with your interests.
Before committing, ensure there is ample quality information available on your topic. Begin by conducting some preliminary research using tools such as the Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature available at your library or electronic databases like ProQuest or Wilson Web. Don’t hesitate to seek help from reference librarians—they can assist you at this early stage.
Review the search results to see how much has been published, and then narrow your topic to a manageable size. For example:
| Too Broad | Focused |
|---|---|
| Childhood diseases | Juvenile Diabetes |
| Eating disorders | Anorexia Nervosa |
Once you’ve settled on a topic and confirmed that sufficient quality information exists, you’re ready to move forward. If you find it challenging to locate the necessary information, it’s wise to select a different topic rather than spending time on one that won’t support your research.
2. Preliminary Reading & Recordkeeping
Begin by gathering index cards or a small notebook to keep with you while you research. Start with a general overview of your topic—perhaps from an encyclopedia—and record the essential publication details (author, title, and all relevant publication information) on your index card or in your notebook, using the correct citation format (MLA, APA, etc.) as specified by your instructor. If you’re unsure what publication details to include for different types of sources, consult a writing guide like SF Writer.
As you continue reading, note down key information from each source, including page numbers for direct quotes or specific details. Always use quotation marks for text you copy verbatim, so you can later differentiate between direct quotes and paraphrased material—remember, you must still provide proper attribution.
Some students develop a consistent index card method throughout their research process, which allows for flexibility in organizing and reorganizing notes and tracking sources. Others prefer to use color-coding or other labeling systems to group related facts. Choose a method that suits your workflow, but remember: effective recordkeeping is the foundation of your research and writing process.
3. Organizing: Mind Map or Outline
Based on your preliminary reading, create a working mind map or outline. Include key points, interesting ideas, and even questions you want to explore further. A mind map offers a non-linear way to visualize your ideas and can incorporate queries alongside information, while an outline provides a more structured framework. Choose the method that best suits your thinking style. The goal is to group related ideas logically. Remember, you can always revise your mind map or outline—it’s much easier to adjust your plan than to rewrite sections of your paper from scratch.
4. Formulating a Thesis: Focus and Craftsmanship
Develop a clearly defined and focused thesis statement that outlines three to five main points. Take the time to refine it into one or two sentences, as this statement will guide the direction and development of your entire paper. Be prepared to revise your thesis as your research progresses.
5. Researching: Facts and Examples
Begin your in-depth research by consulting a variety of sources to achieve a balanced view. Explore the internet, electronic databases, reference books, newspaper articles, and printed books. For each source you use, record the necessary publication details on an index card or a dedicated page in your notebook—this information is vital for your works cited (MLA) or bibliography (APA) page. Note down important points, details, and examples, and always distinguish between direct quotes and paraphrasing.
Remember that expert opinions are generally more reliable than general opinions, and for fields like science and history, recent research can be more valuable than older studies. While online sources are convenient, avoid relying on them exclusively, as their quality and longevity can be inconsistent.
Most importantly, do not copy and paste text directly from internet sources into your draft.
6. Rethinking: Matching Your Mind Map to Your Thesis
After conducting thorough research and gathering ample information, revisit your working mind map or outline. Expand or adjust it by incorporating additional details, explanations, and examples. Ensure that each main point—reflected in your thesis statement—is developed evenly and thoroughly. If you find that certain points are lacking, consider returning to the library for further resources, or modify your thesis to better align with the insights and direction that have emerged from your research.
7. Drafting: Beginning in the Middle
Start by drafting the body of your paper, focusing on the content that directly supports your thesis statement. Rather than beginning with the introduction—unless you already have a clear idea of how to start, which is rare—concentrate on building out your main arguments. Use detailed evidence and logical reasoning to validate your thesis. For now, leave out both the introduction and the conclusion, and focus solely on developing the core sections of your paper.
8. Revising: Organization and Attribution
Review and revise your work to ensure your ideas are clearly organized and directly support your thesis. Each paragraph should focus on a single point that stems from your thesis; if a paragraph diverges, either remove it or adjust your thesis accordingly. Verify that all direct quotes and paraphrased content are accurate and properly attributed. Any idea that isn’t an original insight or the result of your own analysis must be credited to its original source.
9. Writing: Introduction, Conclusion, and Citations
For your final draft, add a one-paragraph introduction and a one-paragraph conclusion. Typically, your thesis statement should appear as the last sentence or two of the introduction. Ensure that all in-text citations are formatted correctly according to the required style (MLA, APA, etc.). Your conclusion should do more than simply repeat your thesis—it should reflect on it and demonstrate how your research addresses it.
10. Proofreading: Time and Objectivity
If possible, set aside a few days after completing your final draft before you start making corrections. This break will allow you to return to your work with fresh eyes and a more objective perspective. During your final review, focus on checking grammar, punctuation, word choice, transitions, sentence structure, and sentence variety. F