How to Develop Research Paper

Writing a Research Paper

HOW TO WRITE A

Research

Paper

S

O, YOU HAVE TO WRITE A

research (or term) paper, but you aren’t exactly sure where to

begin. A research paper can be exciting and interesting to write, but it can also be

intimidating and daunting, especially if it is your first one.

Let’s start at the beginning. You need to select a subject area and define your topic. If you then

take each step in turn, the process will be much more manageable. There will be times when you

will miss or need to repeat a step, but we will talk more about that later.

The method discussed in this guide will work best if you have given yourself plenty of time. If you

have waited until the last minute, your options will be more limited, but you may still benefit from

using this guide.

Follow these steps to complete your paper:

Select a Topic

You will most likely be given a broad subject by your instructor. This subject will typically have

something to do with the course material you are studying. A topic is derived from the subject but

differs from it in specific ways.

Narrow the Topic

While this may seem obvious, it is a very important step. You need to make sure that the topic is

not so narrow that you only have a few words to say about it. You also do not want it to be so

broad that you attempt to write a multivolume encyclopedia.

Develop a Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is what makes the research paper a research paper. It explains to the reader the

overall position or point of your argument and the ways in which you plan to advance your

argument and persuade the reader. This one statement is a crucial element in the success or failure

of your project. It serves as a preview for the paper and also communicates to the reader what will

be proved or disproved.

Gather Resources

This is the “research” part of your paper. You...