You will probably have to write a research paper if you are in a history, literature, or science class.When you are just starting out, budgeting and being organized can make the process a lot easier.Find reliable sources, research your topic, and come up with a thesis.Begin drafting your paper by creating an outline.If you want to hand in your best work, you need to leave plenty of time to make revisions.
Step 1: A narrow topic is what you should be researching.
Try to make your paper more narrow.You can not argue about a broad subject.The easier it will be to pose a clear argument and defend it with well-researched evidence the more refined your topic is.It is easy to drift off course in the early stages of research.Rereading the prompt will help you get back on track.You could start with British decorative arts.As you read, you home in on transferware and pottery.One potter in the 1780s invented a way to mass-produce patterned tableware.
Step 2: There are credible sources online and at a library.
If you are writing a paper for a class, you should check your syllabus and textbook references.There are books, articles, and other works related to the topic of your paper.Check the references for additional relevant sources after following a trail of clues.credible sources include scholarly articles, government websites, scientific studies, and news bureaus.Make sure the information you gather is up to date by checking your sources' dates.Evaluate how other scholars have dealt with your topic.The most important accounts of the subject matter are authoritative sources.Look for debates among scholars and ask who presents the strongest evidence for their case.Keep your sources organized and include a bibliography or works cited page.List your sources, format them according to your style guide, and write 2 or 3 summary sentences below each one.
Step 3: A preliminary thesis is what you should come up with.
As you learn more about your topic, you should develop a working thesis or concise statement.A thesis is a specific, defensible claim.Your thesis is the foundation of your paper and you can change it during the writing process.A lawyer is presenting a case to a jury in a trial.Your opening statement is your thesis and you will present evidence to the jury to make your case.Josiah Spode's improved formula for bone china enabled the mass production of transfer-printed wares, which expanded the global market for British pottery.
Step 4: An outline can be created.
Roman numerals and letters are used to organize your outline.Start with your introduction, write out your thesis, and write down your key pieces of evidence that you will use to defend your argument.The body paragraphs and conclusion should be sketched out.Your paper's skeleton is your outline.All you have to do is fill in the details after making the outline.If you want to reference easily, include your sources where they fit into your outline.Spode and Wedgewood are on Mass ProductionA.Spode is perfected chemical formula with aims for fast production and distribution.
Step 5: In the introduction, give your thesis and argument.
Introduce the topic with a sentence that draws in your audience.Let them know what you will be arguing with your thesis.Map out the evidence you will use to make your case for the rest of the introduction.The manufacturers of British pottery in the 18th and 19th century played a crucial role in England's Industrial Revolution.
Step 6: The body paragraphs are where you should build your argument.
If the topic is obscure, set the context for your readers.In around 3 to 5 body paragraphs, focus on a specific element or piece of evidence that supports your thesis.The reader can easily follow your logic if each idea flows to the next.For a paper on British pottery in the Industrial Revolution, you'd first explain what the products are, how they're made, and how the market was at the time.The section on Spode's company and what he did to make pottery easier to manufacture and distribute would be included after setting the context.Discuss how targeting middle class consumers increased demand and expanded the pottery industry.You could explain how Spode was different from competitors like Wedgewood, who courted wealthy consumers instead of expanding the market to the middle class.The number of sections depends on the assignment.If you want to shoot for 3 to 5, check your prompt.
Step 7: Your case will be strengthened if you address a counterargument.
It is not always necessary to address a counterargument.A contrasting view on the topic should be mentioned after you layout out your evidence.Explain why your claim is more plausible.If you bring up a counterargument, make sure it is strong and entertaining.You are arguing for the benefits of adding fluoride to toothpaste and city water.You could explain how the testing methods were flawed if you brought up the study that suggested harmful health effects.
Step 8: In the conclusion, summarize your argument.
Tell them what you will tell them in your paper.Tell them.Tell the reader of your thesis and the steps you have taken to defend it.Don't simply rewrite your introduction using slightly different wording.You could connect your thesis to a broader topic or theme to make it more relevant to your reader.If you have discussed the role of nationalism in World War I, you could conclude by mentioning nationalism's reappearance in contemporary foreign affairs.
Step 9: Make sure your paper is organized and includes transitions.
After you've finished your first draft, look for organizational issues.Make sure the paragraphs flow well to the next one.If you want to hand in your best work, you need to take the time for revisions.You can make sure your paper answers the prompt and fulfill the parameters of the assignment by doing this.If you have time, it is a good idea to put your essay aside for a few hours.You can start editing it with fresh eyes.
Step 10: It's a good idea to cut out unnecessary words and fluff.
Make sure your language is strong and zoom in on specific words in your paper.Make sure your word choices are clear and concrete, and double check that you have used the active voice instead of the passive voice.The passive voice is hesitant and wordy.The active voice feels strong and concise.A specific job should be done by each word in your paper.Extra words can fill up blank space on a page or sound fancy.The author utilizes pathos to make an appeal to the emotional core of those who read the passage.
Step 11: For spelling and other errors.
Fix any errors after you have revised your paper.It is helpful to put your paper aside for a while so you can check it out.Ensure you catch every error by reading your essay loud.If necessary, adjust any spots that sound awkward as you read.
Step 12: Before you submit your work, ask a friend, relative, or teacher to read it.
The draft should be assessed by 1 or 2 people.New readers can help you find mistakes that you may have overlooked.It is wise to get feedback from two people who are not familiar with your topic.The person who knows about the topic can help you make sense of it.The person unfamiliar with the topic can help make your writing easy to understand.