1) Choose your topic
Choose a topic you are interested in and can write about with authority. Remember, the case should be narrow enough to cover thoroughly. A general issue such as Global Warming will not work because it is too broad. Once you have chosen your topic, research the subject by reading books, academic journals, newspapers, or magazines. The more information you can bring into your paper, the better it will be received by the professor grading it.
2) Brainstorm on paper
Brainstorm on paper. Write down everything that comes to mind about the topic you’ve been assigned, and put it all down on paper. Write as fast as you can without stopping or censoring anything that pops into your head. It is usually more manageable if you write with pen and paper, so there is no temptation to stop writing because of typing errors. Your introduction should describe what will be covered in your report and why it is essential. It should give readers an idea of what they can expect to find when they read through your research paper. When you’re done, take a break from the assignment for at least an hour and let your thoughts percolate.
3) Look for resources that support your claim
Look for resources that support your claim. One of the best ways to find evidence is through primary sources. Primary sources were created at or near the event that happened and are usually either created by someone who experienced it or is a first-hand account of what happened. Examples include personal journals, newspaper articles, interviews, and photographs. They can be found in museums, libraries, and archives. They can also be found on websites such as YouTube and Scribd.
4) Stay away from plagiarism!
Stay away from plagiarism! Plagiarism is when someone takes credit for work that they did not do. If you use someone else’s work, even if you paraphrase it or summarize it, and do not cite the source, you are committing plagiarism. In many cases, plagiarism can lead to expulsion from college or disciplinary action. It also looks terrible on your resume when you list an education degree and then mentions that you were expelled because of plagiarism.
5) Only use reliable sources
Only use reliable sources. Many free and trustworthy websites offer credible information on various topics. Look for well-known, respected, and high-quality sites such as the United States Department of Education or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Be careful not to use Wikipedia as your only source. Some universities will allow you to cite it in your paper if you make sure you attribute it correctly and follow guidelines for citing other sources.
6) Revise, revise, revise!
Revise, revise, revise! Make sure your work is free of grammar and spelling errors. If you need help proofreading, ask your professor for feedback. If you’re uncertain whether the paper has been properly edited, send it out for editing. Edit your final draft and make any corrections necessary before turning it in. It’s also essential that the introduction paragraph be well-written.
7) Organize your paper properly
Organize your paper properly by writing an introduction and conclusion. The introduction should include your thesis, which is the main point of your article. Your idea should be stated clearly. Write about why you chose this topic, what you have discovered about it, and what evidence supports your position on the issue. The conclusion should summarize what you have said in the body of the paper. It should include your summary statement or takeaway that you want readers to remember from reading your article.
