Steps To Writing A Research Paper

___ 1. Choose a subject to write about
___ 2. Conduct some preliminary research
___ 3. Narrow your topic
___ 4. Develop an initial thesis statement. It can change during the research process

___ 1. Collect research materials for a working bibliography
___ 2. List your initial sources in bibliographic from on (3" x 5" cards)
___ 3. Expand your research by checking:
___ a. general bibliographies
___ b. trade bibliographies
___ c. indexes (books and collections, literature in periodicals, newspaper indexes, pamphlet indexes)
___ d. library electronic catalogue

___ 1. Prepare an outline for your research paper
___ 2. Take time to review your sources to determine whether they are secondary or primary sources
___ 3. Jot notes and key facts on (4" x 6" cards)
___ 4. Never plagiarize another author!

___ 1. Prepare a final outline and compare it with your research conclusions
___ 2. Prepare to write:
___ a. arrange your notes in the order the information will appear in the paper
___ b. take time to think about how your audience will react to your paper
___ 3. prepare a rough draft
___ 4. review your essay to make sure you have referenced your sources
___ 5. review the essay and make revisions if necessary
___ 6. complete a final review of citations and your bibliography
___ 7. review the essay for spelling and grammatical errors