Hey guys! Since it’s close to end of the fall semester, and I have to write two papers by the end of the month, I decided to share my tips for writing research papers. This is all based on my own experiences, so if some tips are not what you would do when writing your own paper, that is perfectly okay. This is just what I’ve done from past experience and it works for me, so maybe it can work for you too!
1. Start research two weeks to a month in advance.
I always gather my resources about a month before the. With other homework that will eventually be due and my terrible habit of procrastination, I’ve found it’s easier to gather what you need for your paper ahead of time. It’s better to plan ahead than to feel frustrated with little time left. If you give yourself the space to concentrate and find what you need, it will help you write your paper and relax later.
2. Open a document on your computer for the paper in advance and set up the basic format (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc…).
I find it’s easier to get into the paper when I’ve already done the structuring ahead of time. That means creating the header, adding the sources I’ve cited, and all the decoration. When you’ve gathered your research, you want to jot down some ideas for the paper, or you find something that sparks your motivation to write a few sentences, it’s better to build the skeleton of the paper before than during.
3. Create a rough outline of your paper, and add to it later.
This outline does not need to be perfect. I am talking as bare as bones can be. That is what your outline should look like. If you want to throw in a few ideas you have for the structure, go ahead! This is just the first brain dump. What you put in your outline should be what you want to dig deeper into later when you’re skimming the research you’ve found.
3. Print out your sources and annotate them.
You may not have a printer at home, but you should definitely print out your resources and annotate. Sometimes, PDF applications can quit or stop working, so I’ve come to realize going in with a highlighter and a pen is the best way to go. Personally, I go into the print settings and put two pages on the front and back side of a single sheet to save space and ink.
4. Make a highlight and/or annotation key.
This is important if you made your outline. The categories and ideas you’ve come up with for your topic should be what you’re searching for and annotating in your sources. Making a key of what should be highlighted for a specific idea in your paper helps to save time when making your paragraphs. It helps me from having to skim my highlights to see which sentences belong to which ideas.
5. Combine information from your annotations and highlights according to your outline.
You can combine the information in any format you choose, as long as it’s organized in the way that makes it easer for you to write the paper. If you want to organize by paragraph or by source, do that. Taking notes while you’re skimming your sources can help too! I open a different document and put in my own words the research I’ve found, according to the outlined topics, ideas, or categories.
Research papers can give anyone anxiety, and it is very stressful when you wanna write to the best of your ability. The late nights of trying to fill your teacher’s requirements and the worry you won’t get that good grade will always be there. But believe me when I say, if you put effort into your product and have faith in yourself and what you’re producing, it will show. So don’t worry too much! You got this, and you’re going to write a kickass paper.
And there you go! I hope the tips I gave help you with your research paper, and I know you’ll do great regardless of what you might be thinking. Go and write that paper!
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