Writer's Guidelines: The Research Paper

1. The research paper is a long documented essay based on a thorough examination of a topic and supported by explanations and by both references to and quotations from sources.

2. The research paper is no more difficult than other writing assignments if you select a good topic, use a systematic approach, and do not get behind with your work.

3. Asystematic approach involves these then steps:


•Select a topic
•Find sources
•List sources.
•Take notes.
•Refine your thesis and outline
•Write your first draft
•Revise your first draft
•Prepare your Works Cited section
•Write your final draft.
•Submit required materials.
4. Your library almost certainly mixes traditional and electronic indexes and sources; you should become familiar with them.

5. MLA styple for works cited differs from that used in traditional and electronic indexes.

6. You can avoid plagiarism by giving credit when you borrow someone else's words or ideas.

Source: Brandon, Lee. Brandon, Kelly. Paragraphs and Essays