How to Develop and Write a Research Paper

Contents
I. II. What is a Research Paper The Structure of a Research Paper

III. The Process of Writing a Research Paper IV. Use of Quotations

I. What is a research paper?

A A research paper is a carefully planned essay that shares information or proves a point., a term paper or a thesis.

Research Paper
Identify what the research paper requires: topic possibilities number of sources type of sources (journal, book, Internet) citation requirements (APA) presentation requirements (oral or written) length of paper due date

Writing research papers

The structure of a research paper

Thesis statement and outline

Introduction

Research Paper

Body

Conclusion

Foot Notes and bibliography

II. The structure of a research paper

Thesis Statement and Outline

A general statement that announces the major conclusions you reached through a thoughtful analysis of all your sources.

II. The structure of a research paper

Thesis Statement and Outline Basic Features Appears at the beginning of the paper

It shows the focus of the paper

It is the main point of view of the paper

Have an argumentative edge

Usually in one sentence

Getting Started with the Statement

Choose a topic based on requirements. Ask yourself questions: What do I know about the topic? What would I like to learn? What will others learn from reading my paper?

Searching Tips
Begin by writing some basic questions that you would like to answer in you report. Any time you find information that answers a question, take notes on it.

Selection of title - red is the topic

1. Free-associate ideas. Keep them simple.

2. Write or sketch as quickly as you can. 3.Write or sketch in any order. 4.Develop all ideas. 5.Keep working.

Choose a Suitable Topic

Finding an appropriate topic Narrowing the topic to a manageable size

Choose a Suitable Topic

Fits the assignment

Narrow enough to allow in-depth analysis

Neither too broad nor too narrow

Avoid a topic without a point or purpose

Able to reach a conclusion

Writing a thesis statement

A specific subject + a particular stand, feeling, or feature

= an effective thesis statement

RESEARCH PAPER

Developing Research Design

Decide what kind of information that you need based on your research problem. The information will be determined by your topic and problem requirements:
Current or historical or both Biographical information Criticism and analysis Statistical Analysis And More

Title page
Title By (Writers name)

The name and section number of the course The instructors name Date

Abstract
A brief summary of the thesis, major points and illustrations of the whole paper, usually within one page.

Examples of Abstract
Ex.1 Rethinking the Teaching of English in the Classroom
Abstract: The results of two surveys on Chinese College students prompt the authors of this paper to explore factors that result in the inefficiency of the teaching of English writing in the Chinese classroom. The factors include: misunderstanding of the nature of writing, and of the teachers role; problem with writing textbooks; insufficient English writing research.

Abstract: Reading and writing, which are essentially interactive in nature, are best regarded as two sides of the one process instead of two separated performances. From this viewpoint, we can learn to write by reading in the role of the writer, in which the interactions between reading and writing, readers and writers are the key factor in helping students acquire the ability of composing. This paper is to discuss the interactive relations between reading and writing so as to find ways to help students in learning to write. The paper ends up with some interactive training exercises for learning to write from reading. Key words: writing; reading; interaction; writers; readers; transforming

1.

Developing your introduction-

2. Writing the body-

3. Writing the conclusion4. Revising

5. Proofreading and Editing-

6. APA Documentation-

III. The structure of a research paper

Introduction

Explains the writers motive, intention or purpose in discussing his or her topic, and its scope and focus.

Provides the background or the situation the reader may need.

Main Body of the Paper Explains, illustrates, argues for, or support the thesis.

III. The structure of a research paper

Body

The biggest part of the paper.

Where the writer elaborates his or her ideas in detail.

Main Body
Introduction Review of Literature Research Methodology Data Analysis & Interpretation Conclusion & Suggestions

Information PLACES
Libraries Computer resources Mass media Learning sites Government Research sites Conference sites Workplace

Information PACKAGES
Personal sources Books Reference works Periodicals Audiovisual Electronic Mail Government or business publications

EVALUATING the INFORMATION

Is the information current? Is the information complete? Is the information accurate? Is the source an expert? Is your source biased?

How to Avoid Plagiarism

How to Avoid Plagiarism Review the PowerPoint presentation. It covers:
Citing sources of information. How to paraphrase, summarize, quote. How to cite your sources for your works cited page.

III. The structure of a research paper

Conclusion

A summary or restatement of the point of view put forward;

Or an answer to the question posed, in the introduction.

Preparing the Final Version of Your Research Paper

Follow your outline. Begin to incorporate research material into each paragraph. Cite your source for each quote, paraphrase and summary. Check with your instructor about which documentation and format style to use. Be sure to include your opinion and comments on the research. Write your conclusion based on your answer to your research question (your thesis).

Preparing the Final Version of Your Research Paper

Revise draft based on comments from your instructor and/or tutor Check cited sources for accuracy and MLA Style or another style format. Proof read your work dont forget the Spell and Grammar check in Microsoft Word. Add works cited page. Add title page.

Thesis Checklist
Title page Outline Heading Page numbering Body Works Cited

Writing research papers

IV. Use of quotations

A direct quotation: exactly the same as the original; put in quotation marks.

An indirect quotation: an interpretation, a paraphrase, or a summary of the original in the writers own words.

Writing research papers

The rules regarding the use of quotation are: use them sparingly, make them a natural part of the paper, and provide the source of every quotation.

Writing research papers

What is a bibliography?

A bibliography is a list of books, articles, and other publications which serve as the sources of information for your paper.

III. The structure of a research paper

Notes and bibliography

Notes may be placed at the bottom of the page on which the references occur (footnote), or given in a consecutive series at the end of the paper (endnotes).

The bibliography should be placed after the endnotes on a separate sheet or sheets.

Writing research papers

The different ways of handling notes and a bibliography:

An example of a bibliography: Ryan, Edwin . A College Handbook to Newman . Washington, D. C. : Catholic Education P, 1930.

An example of a footnote:

Edwin Ryan, A College Handbook to Newman ( Washington, Education P, 1930 p109 )

D. C. : Catholic

Writing research papers

Sample Bibliography Card:

Source key for note cards

1. 81 S4 Cairn, John The Cancer Problem, Scientific American , November 2003, Vol.233 no. 5, 64 79 Eng. Ind

Library call number

index

Writing research papers

Sample Note Card:

Topic heading
Incidence of cancer

About half of all cancer deaths

caused by cancers of three organs lung, large intestine, breast Cairns 1. P.64

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