How to Write a Research Paper

A research paper is an extensive academic writing piece that presents an original analysis, interpretation, and argument based on rigorous independent research. 

While similar to essays, research papers are typically lengthier and more comprehensive assignments that evaluate writing proficiency and scholarly research abilities.

Steps for writing a research paper

Here are the typical steps for writing a research paper:

Understand the assignment

The first step is to thoroughly comprehend the assignment requirements. 

Carefully read the instructions provided by your instructor or professor, paying close attention to the expected length, formatting style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago), number and types of sources required, and any specific guidelines or preferences. 

Identify the purpose of the research paper – is it an argumentative, analytical, or expository paper? Understanding the assignment’s objectives will help you tailor your approach and meet the expectations. 

If any aspect of the assignment is unclear, seek clarification from your instructor to ensure you are on the right track.

Choose a research paper topic

Selecting an engaging and relevant topic is crucial for maintaining your interest and producing a compelling research paper. 

Begin by brainstorming ideas that interest you, whether from your course materials, current events, personal experiences, or observations. 

Consider topics specific enough to be explored in depth within the assignment’s constraints but not too narrow that finding sufficient resources becomes a challenge.

To narrow your options, conduct a preliminary search to assess the availability of credible sources on each potential topic. Look for topics that have been well-researched but still offer opportunities for fresh perspectives or unexplored angles. 

Avoid topics that are too broad or overly general, as they may result in a superficial or unfocused paper.

Once you have identified a promising topic, define a clear research question that your paper will aim to answer. This question should be specific, relevant, and debatable, allowing you to develop a well-supported argument or analysis.

Conduct preliminary research

With your research question in mind, it’s time to delve into preliminary research. This step will help you gain a broad understanding of your topic, identify key debates or contexts, and refine your focus if needed.

Start by searching academic databases, such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, or your university’s library resources, for scholarly articles and books related to your topic. Note the key points, evidence, statistics, and arguments presented in these sources, as well as any gaps or areas that require further exploration.

As you gather sources, evaluate their relevance and credibility. Look for peer-reviewed journal articles, authoritative books, and publications from reputable organizations or institutions. Be cautious of unreliable sources, such as personal blogs or opinion pieces, without proper research backing.

Group and organize your sources based on their relevance to your research question and the main themes or perspectives they represent. 

This preliminary research will provide a solid foundation for your paper, help you identify potential areas of focus, and refine your thesis statement.

Develop a thesis statement

A strong thesis statement is the backbone of your research paper. It should be a clear, specific, and arguable claim that directly responds to your research question and sets the direction for the rest of your paper.

Formulate a thesis statement based on your preliminary research presenting your main argument or central idea. Ensure that your thesis is not merely a statement of fact but a debatable point of view or position that you will support with evidence and analysis throughout the paper.

Your thesis statement should be concise, typically one or two sentences long, and encapsulate the main points or arguments you plan to explore in your paper. It serves as a roadmap for your readers, guiding them through the structure and content of your research.

Create a research paper outline

An outline serves as a blueprint, helping you organize your thoughts and ideas coherently and ensuring that your paper flows logically from one point to the next.

Start by listing your thesis statement as the introduction, followed by the main points or arguments that support it. These main points will become the section headings or topic sentences of your body paragraphs.

Under each main point, list the supporting evidence, examples, and sources you plan to use to substantiate your arguments. This may include quotes, statistics, findings from research studies, or other relevant information from your preliminary research.

Additionally, consider counterarguments or opposing perspectives you may need to address in your paper. Including these counterarguments and providing rebuttals will strengthen your overall argument and demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of the topic.

Finally, outline your conclusion, where you will summarize your main points, reaffirm your thesis, and provide any final thoughts or implications of your research.

A well-structured outline will help you organize your ideas and serve as a roadmap while writing, ensuring your paper flows logically and coherently.

Write a first draft of the research paper

When writing the first draft, perfection is not the goal. Instead, focus on maintaining momentum, clear organization, and clearly expressing your ideas. The priorities at this stage are:

• Maintaining forward progress – write now, polish later. Don’t get bogged down trying to perfect every sentence.
• Paying attention to the logical ordering of paragraphs and sentences will facilitate revisions in the second draft.
• Expressing your thoughts as clearly as possible so you can easily revisit and refine them later.

You don’t need to begin with the introduction. Start wherever feels most natural—tackle the difficult sections first or ease in with the simplest parts. If you created an outline, use it as a guide.

Paragraph structure

Each body paragraph should follow a clear structure to effectively present your ideas and evidence. A well-structured paragraph typically consists of:

• Topic Sentence: This sentence introduces the main idea or argument of the paragraph.
• Supporting Evidence: Provide specific details, examples, quotes, statistics, or other evidence from your research to support the topic sentence.
• Analysis/Explanation: Explain how the evidence supports your argument or main idea. Tie the evidence back to your overall thesis.
• Transitions: Use appropriate transition words or phrases to connect ideas between sentences and create a logical flow within the paragraph.

Example of a well-structured paragraph

“Global warming is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity (topic sentence). A study by the IPCC found that nearly half of plant and animal species have already experienced local extinctions due to shifting temperature and rainfall patterns (evidence). This suggests that climate change directly impacts species distributions and abundances across ecosystems (analysis). Furthermore, Arctic sea ice decline has critically disrupted the habitats and behaviors of polar bears and other Arctic wildlife (more evidence). These findings highlight the urgency of addressing climate change through conservation efforts to protect vulnerable species (concluding statement).”

Citing sources

Whenever you use information, ideas, or facts from external sources, it is crucial to cite them properly using the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). In-text citations should be included when quoting, paraphrasing, or referring to someone else’s work. 

For example: (Author’s Last Name, Publication Year) or (Shortened Title, Year).

Write the introduction

The research paper introduction section should accomplish three main objectives:

• What? Introduce your research topic and provide background information or context necessary for the reader to understand the significance of your paper.

• Why? Explain the importance or relevance of your research topic. Highlight the gap in existing knowledge or the problem your paper aims to address.

• How? Provide an overview of your main arguments or the approach you will take to address the research question. Clearly state your thesis statement, summarizing your paper’s central claim or position.

Write a compelling body of text

The body of your research paper should present your arguments, evidence, and analysis logically and structured. Here are some tips for writing a compelling body:

• Organize the body into sections or paragraphs based on your outline or main points.
• Begin each section or paragraph with a clear topic sentence introducing the main idea or argument.
• Support your arguments with relevant research evidence, such as quotes, statistics, examples, or findings from credible sources.
• Analyze and explain how the evidence supports your argument, tying it back to your overall thesis.
• Address counterarguments or opposing perspectives fairly and provide rebuttals or counterpoints.
• Use transitions between paragraphs and sections to maintain a logical flow and coherence throughout the body.
• Avoid personal anecdotes or opinions unless explicitly required by the assignment.

Write the conclusion

The conclusion should concisely summarize your research paper’s main points and reaffirm your thesis statement. In this section, you should:

• Restate your thesis in different words, reinforcing your paper’s central argument or position.
• Summarize the key arguments or evidence you presented in the body of the paper without introducing new information.
• Discuss the broader implications or significance of your research findings or analysis.
• Suggest potential areas for future research or exploration related to your topic.

The second draft

After completing your first draft, take a break before revisiting your work with fresh eyes. 

The second draft is an opportunity to refine your writing and ensure your arguments are well-supported and logically structured. During this stage, you should review your thesis statement and ensure that your arguments and evidence effectively support it throughout the paper. 

Additionally, check for coherence and logical flow within and between paragraphs, sections, and the paper’s overall structure. Evaluate the strength of your arguments and the relevance of your evidence, considering adding or removing information as needed. 

Eliminate redundancies, wordiness, or unnecessary jargon to improve the clarity and conciseness of your writing. Also, ensure that all sources are properly cited and that your reference list is complete and formatted correctly.

The revision process

Once you have completed the second draft, it’s time to engage in the revision process. 

This stage involves critically reviewing your work and making necessary improvements. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Check for proper formatting, including margins, line spacing, font style, and size, and adherence to the required citation style.
2. Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Use spell-check and grammar-check tools, but do not rely solely on them.
3. Evaluate the overall organization and structure of your paper. Ensure the introduction, body, and conclusion flow logically and effectively communicate your ideas.
4. Consider seeking feedback from peers, instructors, or writing centers. Fresh perspectives can help identify areas for improvement.
5. Refine your arguments, strengthen your analysis, and ensure that your claims are well-supported by credible and relevant evidence.
6. Address any remaining weaknesses or gaps in your paper and make necessary revisions to enhance its clarity, coherence, and overall quality.

Research paper checklist

Before submitting your final draft, use this checklist to ensure you have covered all the essential elements: