Writing the Research Paper Essential Information and Tips
Slide 2
Step 1: Choose your topic b If at all possible, choose a
subject or an aspect of a subject that interests you b Narrow down
the topic. Notice the difference between: Christianity and Islam: A
ComparisonChristianity and Islam: A Comparison The concept of God
in Christianity and IslamThe concept of God in Christianity and
Islam The role of Jesus in Christianity and IslamThe role of Jesus
in Christianity and Islam
Slide 3
Step 2: Gather materials b Have a focus for your paper: a
question that you want to answer -- e.g., How are Christianity and
Islam similar and different in their concepts of God? Note: this is
not yet a thesis. A thesis would be a tentative answer to this
questionNote: this is not yet a thesis. A thesis would be a
tentative answer to this question b Put together a bibliography
Professors will often require thisProfessors will often require
this
Slide 4
Step 3: Take notes on your sources b Use 3x5 file cards if they
are helpful or 3x5 slips of paperor 3x5 slips of paper or different
sheets of paper for different themes/pointsor different sheets of
paper for different themes/points b Give each note a title and make
sure you have all referencing information b Use your own words when
possible; avoid excessive use of long quotations
Slide 5
Step 4: Decide on a thesis b A thesis is a statement that
states an argument or makes an assertion. It is a statement that
someone could disagree with!It is a statement that someone could
disagree with! This thesis is tentative; you may need to revise it
between the first and the final draftThis thesis is tentative; you
may need to revise it between the first and the final draft b You
dont have a thesis if you say This paper is about... orThis paper
is about... or This paper will discuss the question...This paper
will discuss the question...
Slide 6
Step 5: make an outline b Thesis statement b Development of
thesis supporting researchsupporting research contrary
researchcontrary research b Conclusions/summary/reaction -- or a
combination of these, depending on what your professor assigns
Slide 7
Step 6: write the first drafts b STAY FOCUSED ON THESIS!
Eliminate materials that do not relate to it! b Pay attention to
the flow of ideas b Reference properly all quotes, paraphrases, and
uses of ideas from your sources! b Run a spell and grammar check b
Print out paper or review on screen PROOFREAD!! Correct mechanical
and stylistic errorsPROOFREAD!! Correct mechanical and stylistic
errors b Re-print paper b The rough draft should not be the same as
first draft that your professor sees
Slide 8
Step 7: revise and rewrite! b Take seriously all comments made
by professors on your drafts! b If not officially a multi-draft
project, write at least two to three drafts anyway. b Be sure to
spell check, proofread, and check references for the final product.
DO NOT turn in a paper with handwritten corrections.DO NOT turn in
a paper with handwritten corrections. Final draft should be a
refined piece of work: clear, clean, coherent.Final draft should be
a refined piece of work: clear, clean, coherent.