Steps to writing a standard 2500 word research paper

1. Writing a Research Paper

2. Step 1: Research Research Research More Research Probably more

3. Do Browse and graze as widely as possible Think about possible sub-topics and connections as you are working Keep track of page numbers and citation information as you work Read carefully and critically

4. Don’t Try to narrow your topic too soon. Skip this step.

5. Step 2 (overlaps with step 1) Start organizing your material as you go along.

6. Step 3 continue organizing, and create an outline DON’T fall into the “3-point” trap. BUT remember that paragraphs need development.

7. Step 4 (this can overlap with step 3) Start a “zero draft”

8. Step 5 Create a thesis Write your introduction

9. Step 6 Write “real” draft

10. Step 7 Revise Revise Revise some more Consider doing a bit more research

11. See why you need more than a couple of days to write a research paper?

12. Finally Submit finished copy to instructor Heave a big sigh of relief…