How to Write a Research Paper

How to Write a Good Research Paper — Step-by-Step Instructions

Writing a research paper is something all college students must do at least once during their time at school. Despite being a common task, research paper writing can be overwhelming. If you are tasked to write this type of paper or struggling with a particular stage, this article will help you.

Here, you will find step-by-step instructions to help you write a high-quality paper. Included are pro tips on making the process easier and faster. We also highlight some common mistakes to avoid.

Besides, this guide will show you the right place to seek help. Getting professional assistance is a common practice for students. So, if you are keen on learning how to write efficiently, read on.

A Research Paper — What Is It? Know the Basics

A research paper magnifies a topic of interest and gives readers a thorough analysis. When you write one, you must give insight into new findings or dispute widely-held misconceptions. The purpose of this type of writing is to inform.

Because of the purpose of a research paper, it must be based on legit arguments. It requires hours of in-depth research and a clear structure that gets the point across. Since this composition is lengthy, most students get frustrated. Use the procedure detailed below to write a comprehensive and well-structured composition.

A Research Paper: The Structure With Multiple Sections

The exact arrangement of a research paper may vary based on the institution’s requirements. Therefore, you must be keen on the assignment’s instructions. Take note of particular requirements that may change the structure of the paper. In academic writing, the widely accepted structure for a research paper is the one below:

• Introduction — states the research question;
• Methods — states the procedure used to get answers;
• Results — states the outcome of the investigation;
• Discussion — states the interpretation of the outcomes.

This structure is commonly abbreviated as IMRAD. A simpler summary of the structure has 3 sections. They are an introduction, main paragraphs (which include the procedures and outcomes), and an inference. We walk you through each of these 3 steps below.

How to End a Research Paper Writing Process

The best and only way to finish the writing process is by editing your piece. Once you wrote and concluded your argument, you must check for logical and grammatical inconsistencies. To edit your research paper effectively, work systematically. Start by checking the overall organization of your essay.

Check whether the introduction flows logically and if the body has sense depth. Confirm that your conclusion effectively reaffirms your purpose and leaves the audience with something to think about. Next, check one paragraph at a time: are your sentences clear and concise? Do the sentences flow logically?

Finally, proceed to sentence-level editing. At this level, you will check for grammar and spelling errors. Pay special consideration to the sentence structure and word choice. You may use an automated grammar checker at this point but know that nothing beats proofreading the research paper yourself.

Proper referencing is often challenging for most students. However, it is an area that may significantly impact the grade you get for your research paper. Confirm you have used the style consistently and cited all sources. Failure to do so results in a plagiarized paper and a poor grade.

The Outline of the Research Paper — Step 1

This guide implies that writing a research paper is a simple and linear process. The truth is, the process is messy and repetitive. Because you will collect a lot of information from various sources, it might get overwhelming. An outline helps organize your thoughts to relay them effectively.

First, you must identify a researchable topic. It is often said that the best topic is one that sparks your interests. However, it is not always possible to write about something you are interested in. The best strategy is to consider your instructor’s requirements versus the availability of information.

Next, you should find credible sources of evidence. Journals, scientific research papers, literature, and sources recommended by your professor are great starting points. Note that although most of the information you find is interesting, not all of it is relevant. Therefore, you should group your information according to its relevance.

To keep track of your sources, write an outline that groups the information and indicates the source. If possible, write down the accurate sources as you go. It comes in handy when referencing to avoid plagiarism. To write an inclusive outline, use the questions below:

• What is the issue you will research and write about?
• Why does it matter?
• Which information gives an adequate background of the topic?
• What is the purpose of this paper?
• Which structure best communicates your argument?

Research Paper Introduction — Step 2

The introduction is a very important section of your composition. It presents an opportunity for you to write and captivate your reader. You should do so by giving an informative background of your argument, a clear purpose for writing, and hint at how you will achieve it.

Assume that your reader is new to the topic and write only relevant background information. It should be brief yet informative. If necessary, you may write definitions of the paper’s main concepts or terms. The point is to have your reader understand the topic.

Write the purpose of your paper for the reader to understand why your writing is necessary. Your purpose could be to present a fresh outlook on an existing concept. You may also write to emphasize certain findings or to dispute them. Write a brief but clearly articulated thesis proposal that expresses the purpose of your research paper.

Finally, write a detailed plan of action. How do you intend to fulfill your purpose? Giving a detailed plan helps your reader to follow your argument since they know where you are headed.

Research Paper Body — Step 3

Using the outline as an indicator, coherently write your main paragraphs. Bear in mind that the main section of your research paper must cover the procedures, outcomes, and analysis sections. To track your argument, make sure each passage starts with a topical statement. Compare the topic statements to each other to avoid repetition and ensure your content flows logically.

Methods

In this section, you write about the procedures you used to carry out the investigation. Let your reader know how you collected your information and which tools you used. Outline the analysis methods that yielded results.

Results

Present your key findings concerning the intent of your paper. Write any important points that may affect the analysis of results. You may also report secondary outcomes that did not affect your conclusion but are worth noting.

Discussion

Write the findings of your study with reference to previous research on the topic. Let your reader know what your results mean based on existing arguments. Most importantly, write detailed suggestions for future research in the field.

Research Paper Conclusion — Step 4

Condense your argument, especially if it is too complex. The inference section gives you a chance to recap to the reader what your purpose was and how you have fulfilled it. Write a detailed explanation and end with a generalized and easy to understand inference. You can also reiterate your thesis statement and demonstrate you have responded to the research question.

Getting Research Paper Writing Help

What should you do when research paper guidelines might seem too complex for you? Perhaps you are having a hard time picking a topic or identifying sources of information. Maybe you do not have enough time for the extensive research needed to write a long composition. Regardless of why you are struggling to write, we have a solution for you.

We offer services of research paper writing at a reasonable price. Our team comprises of skilled writers who understand the complexities of academic writing. They are capable of selecting the best topics and sources of information. Thanks to several years’ worth of experience, they write high-quality research papers on various subjects.

If you read through this comprehensive guide and still can’t write your research paper, we can handle it. When you come to us for research paper writing help, we identify a suitable expert for you. All you need to do is place an order, reserve the payment, and upload your instructions. With our timely delivery guarantee, your paper will be ready just in time to beat your deadline.

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