J. Kelly Robison

Writing a Research Paper

Basic Paper-Writing Guidelines

I.         Choosing a topic
            A.        Interests
                        1.         Brainstorm
                        2.         Idea list
                        3.         narrow topic
            B.        Availability of resources
II.        Research
            A.        Sources
                        1.         Finding the information
                        2.         Primary
                        3.         Secondary
                        2.         Tertiary
                        4.         Bibliography cards
            B.        Taking notes
                        1.         research/note cards
III.       Organizing
            A.        Organize notes
            B.        Outlining
            C.        Discard irrelevant information
            D.        Fill in the gaps
IV.      Writing
            A.        Writing the body
                        1.          Presenting Evidence
            B.        Introduction and conclusions
                        1.         Developing a Thesis
            C.        Revisions
                        1.         Peer Critique
                        2.         Reading Aloud
V.        Keeping within the law
            A.        Making it look good
                        1.         Style
                                     a.           Phrases to Avoid
                                     b.           Colloquialisms to Avoid
                        2.         Grammar
            B         Plagiarism
            C.        Citations
            D.        Bibliography
            E.        Cover sheet
VI.      Evaluating the Paper
             A.         How does the Professor judge?

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