Top 9 Steps to Write a Research Paper


In this article, we have prepared a step-by-step guide to write a research paper in the UK, categorically meant for students instead of professional researchers. Though a few steps may not apply to your specific assignment, consider this as more of a general guideline for your future benefit.  

  1. 1. Understand the Assignment 


Many students begin a research paper without even reading the assignment guidelines. Accordingly, your initial step should be to review the assignment and read the writing prompt carefully.  


You should particularly look for technical requirements like length, formatting requirements (single- vs. double-spacing, indentations, etc.), and citation style. Also focus on the particulars, like if you need to write an abstract or include a cover page.  


  2. 2. Select the Topic 


For open-ended assignments, the student needs to choose their topic. Though it may appear quite simple, selecting a topic is primarily the most crucial decision of yours while writing a research paper, as it determines everything that follows.  


Your priority in selecting a topic for a research paper is whether it will provide sufficient content and substance for a complete research paper.  


Choose a topic, supported with sufficient data and complexity for an enriching discussion. You may also wish to avoid general topics and rather stick with topics specific enough to cover all the relevant information without much cutting.   


  2. 3. Gather Preliminary Research 


The sooner you begin researching, the better. For refining your topic and preparing your thesis statement, find out what research is available for your topic at the earliest. Early research can clarify all misconceptions you have regarding the topic and reveal the best paths and approaches to gathering extra material.  


  2. 4. Write a Thesis Statement 


A thesis statement should succinctly summarize the content of your research paper. Generally, this is the first sentence in your paper, introducing your reader to the topic.  

A thesis statement is the most appropriate answer for ways to begin a research paper.   

A good thesis statement highlights all the significant parts of the discussion without disclosing too much in detail.  


  2. 5. Determine Supporting Evidence 


Now it’s time to settle down and research. This is when you go through all the sources you gathered earlier and figure out the particular information you’d like to apply to your paper.  

Highlight text and write notes. Apply bibliography cards, which are simple index cards with a fact or direct quotation on one side and bibliographical information on the other.   


  2. 6. Write An Outline of the Research Paper 


At the very outset prepare a list of all the important categories and subtopics you wish to cover. Consider all the gathered information while compiling your supporting evidence and find out the best way to separate and categorize everything.  

Once you prepare a list of what you need to talk about, consider the best order to present the information.  


  2. 7. Write the Initial Draft 


If you’ve prepared your sources properly and written a thorough outline, everything should be smooth. Start with your thesis statement and then fill out the rest of your introduction with the secondary information. You should save the details for the body of your research paper, which comes next.  

The body contains the major portion of your research paper. Don’t bother about the choice of your words as later you can revise and fine-tune your writing. Though not an essay, someone providing the best essay writing services in the UK recommends using transition sentences to improve the flow of your research paper, particularly for the first and last sentences in a paragraph.  


  2. 8. Correct Citation of Your Sources 


Citing your sources both validates your data as well as links your research paper to the greater scientific community. Due to their significance, citations must follow precise formatting rules, though there’s more than one set of rules! 


  2. 9. Edit and Proofread 


Finally, go through the research paper to rectify all the mistakes by proofreading. Go over it twice, as doing two different editing sessions will help you focus on a single area at a time rather than doing them both at once.  


Conclusion 


It isn’t a difficult task at all to write a research paper. You only need to follow the guidelines mentioned in this article. 

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