Writing the Research Paper Essential Information and Tips

Step 1: Choose your topic b If at all possible, choose a subject or an aspect of a subject that interests you b Narrow down the topic. Notice the difference between: “Christianity and Islam: A Comparison”“Christianity and Islam: A Comparison” “The concept of God in Christianity and Islam”“The concept of God in Christianity and Islam” “The role of Jesus in Christianity and Islam”“The role of Jesus in Christianity and Islam”

Step 2: Gather materials b Have a focus for your paper: a question that you want to answer -- e.g., “How are Christianity and Islam similar and different in their concepts of God?” Note: this is not yet a thesis. A thesis would be a tentative answer to this questionNote: this is not yet a thesis. A thesis would be a tentative answer to this question b Put together a bibliography Professors will often require thisProfessors will often require this

Step 3: Take notes on your sources b Use 3x5 file cards if they are helpful or 3x5 slips of paperor 3x5 slips of paper or different sheets of paper for different themes/pointsor different sheets of paper for different themes/points b Give each note a title and make sure you have all referencing information b Use your own words when possible; avoid excessive use of long quotations

Step 4: Decide on a thesis b A thesis is a statement that states an argument or makes an assertion. It is a statement that someone could disagree with!It is a statement that someone could disagree with! This thesis is tentative; you may need to revise it between the first and the final draftThis thesis is tentative; you may need to revise it between the first and the final draft b You don’t have a thesis if you say “This paper is about...” or“This paper is about...” or “This paper will discuss the question...”“This paper will discuss the question...”

Step 5: make an outline b Thesis statement b Development of thesis supporting researchsupporting research contrary researchcontrary research b Conclusions/summary/reaction -- or a combination of these, depending on what your professor assigns

Step 6: write the first drafts b STAY FOCUSED ON THESIS! Eliminate materials that do not relate to it! b Pay attention to the flow of ideas b Reference properly all quotes, paraphrases, and uses of ideas from your sources! b Run a spell and grammar check b Print out paper or review on screen PROOFREAD!! Correct mechanical and stylistic errorsPROOFREAD!! Correct mechanical and stylistic errors b Re-print paper b The rough draft should not be the same as “first draft” that your professor sees

Step 7: revise and rewrite! b Take seriously all comments made by professors on your drafts! b If not “officially” a multi-draft project, write at least two to three drafts anyway. b Be sure to spell check, proofread, and check references for the final product. DO NOT turn in a paper with handwritten corrections.DO NOT turn in a paper with handwritten corrections. Final draft should be a refined piece of work: clear, clean, coherent.Final draft should be a refined piece of work: clear, clean, coherent.