College research paper checklist

3. From the beginning, as you write a research
paper, you should keep the assignment in mind.
This will help you craft a stronger research
paper that delivers exactly what your
instructor is asking for

5. Choosing a topic that fits the assignment and
interests you is important. Be sure to stick to
that topic throughout your paper. As you read
through a final draft of your paper, your topic
should be clear and organized.

7. Using trustworthy sources is key when
writing a good research paper. Every resource
used in your final paper should be a credible,
reliable, logical, properly-cited source

9. Your thesis is an important building block
for the rest of your research paper. By the
time your paper is complete, the thesis
should be obvious, well-crafted, and
connected to the rest of your paper.

11. Your research paper should have a clear,
logical organizational structure that makes it
easy for readers to understand your writing.

13. Plagiarism, the use of another person's
words or ideas without giving them credit, is
a serious offense. Be sure to cite quotations
and paraphrases in your research paper

15. Be sure to check (and double check! and
triple check!) the spelling and grammar
in your paper so that you can fix errors
and make improvements.

17. Use your teacher's instructions and the
appropriate style guidelines (MLA, APA,
Chicago, etc.) to be sure your paper is
formatted correctly before turning it in.

19. Don't forget to leave time for the unexpected.
Be sure to know how your teacher would like
for you to submit your paper and don't wait
until the very last minute.