How To Research a Paper

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Got a big research paper? It's not nearly as daunting if you break it down into steps.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Good Library
Notebook
Internet Access
Expert to Interview

Step 1: Decide your objective

Spend some time thinking about what you want your paper to accomplish. Do you want it to prove your viewpoint? Explain a topic? You'll want to have a clear focus before you begin your research.

Step 2: List key words

Make a list of key words that will be helpful in locating information when you conduct online and offline searches.

Step 3: Go to the library

Go to the library. Yeah, we know—you think you can find everything you need with your laptop. But to get an actual book on a topic, plus find academic papers, journals, and other subscriber-only materials, you'll need to head to a library.

Tip: If your library doesn't have a book you need, ask the librarian to borrow it from another branch.

Step 4: Check library indexes

Use the library's indexes to find articles in periodicals, like trade journals and magazines. They'll contain the very latest information on your subject.

Tip: Note your sources carefully as you go along to make the bibliography easier—and to prevent plagiarism!

Step 5: Go online

Okay, now you can do some online research by plugging in those key words you listed at the start. Only take information from reputable sites and organizations.

Tip: Consider interviewing an expert in the field you're researching. It's a guaranteed way to impress your professor.

Step 6: Find statistics

While you're researching the facts, don't forget the figures. Find useful statistics.

Tip: Helpful search words for stats include "percent of," "Census Bureau," and "survey results."

Step 7: Don't forget the videos

Don't forget the videos. See if there are any documentaries on your topic.

Step 8: Start writing

Organize your research, mull it over, and then start writing!

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[merman0]

I'm on page 5 of a daunting 10 page research paper that was already due....I wanna kick myself for taking such a heavy courseload and procrastinating and thinking I could do it all!! Lesson for next semester...

[luxfero]

aren't research papers just a bunch of citations put together into 5 pages of supposed research

[TheBrainSponge]

I wish I got to write a research paper in high school. I'm so screwed for next year.

[TermPaperGurus]

come to termpapergurus and get the more ideas for Research a Paper

[angiet937]

omg i have to do a 12 page paper on the middle east someone do it for me!!

[TheCrossov3r]

@merman0 dude i haven't started my paper that was due 3 days ago.... im fucked

[Niqua10023]

I meant all week. Stupid touch screen.

[Niqua10023]

Oh boy! The thing I can't stand the mist out of anything and that's doing a boring research paper well, papers. I dislike when I am toward the end of my paper and I run out of ideas! sometimes I have some bad problems like, run-ons & etc. not the best of it. English isn't my thing. Math I can do. English no! It's hard to me because, I don't like to write like that. Well, just say how they would want it. :( I came here so this could help me out alittle. Plus I go to school on week. It's hard!

[BlakeProductions7]

fuck research papers

[falconpunch92]

haha the video is wrong start annotating your information. You gotta have at least 15 resources and convert them into annotations which will later work as your work citing at the end of your essay. After this, you make an outline. And present a introduction a strong thesis point, your three main points and conclusion. Now that's the correct way how to go about an essay.

[ShamrocksGetYouHigh]

@luxfero Only bad research papers are like this.