Writing a Research Paper pertext/ResearchW/index.html Drafting should the least time-consuming step Invention should take longer - freewriting, brainstorming, clustering/webbing/mapping Research & revision should take longer

Writing a Research Paper If you are struggling to write your paper, it may be because: –you don’t know what you’re saying –you’re revising while you’re writing

Writing a Research Paper Procrastination (waiting until the last minute) is a habit and usually occurs because students are afraid to make mistakes on their draft To avoid procrastination: –Pretend your first draft is an essay exam –Set small goals for yourself –Imagine you have to give an oral presentation on your subject

Writing a Research Paper Other tips to combat procrastination: –Record yourself on tape and transcribe your words –Use freewriting and other invention tips Use the prompt “I’m stuck because….” Then respond with “What I need to do to get unstuck….”

Writing a Research Paper Introduction An introduction should arouse a reader’s interest, introduce the subject and answer the So What? Question You don’t have to write the intro first Your thesis/question should probably be near the end of the first paragraph with some important background information before it

Writing a Research Paper Different ways to start the first sentence –Begin with a quotation, question, opposite opinion, ver y short narrative, interesting fact, explanation of a term, paradox or analogy

Writing a Research Paper Body Paragraphs Body paragraphs provide support for your thesis The number of paragraphs depends on the length of your paper and the complexity of each subtopic A rule of thumb is at least one paragraph per double-spaced page

Writing a Research Paper Body Paragraphs Moving through an essay is like walking in hilly terrain The writer should take the reader through peaks and valleys Peaks - high points, more general abstract words Valleys - low points, examples, specific words

Writing a Research Paper Body Paragraphs After an example, move back up again to a hill - so the reader can see the example in context If your essay is nothing but abstract concepts OR only examples, then readers will become lost and/or lose interest Try to achieve a balance between general ideas and specific details

Writing a Research Paper Body Paragraphs Three most important features of paragraphs: Unity - the development of a single controlling idea usually presented in the topic sentence –All the sentences in a paragraph should support the topic sentence –If they don’t - find another place to put them

Writing a Research Paper Body Paragraphs Coherence - a quality where the writer makes it explicitly clear what the connections are between thoughts Tips for achieving coherence: –Repeat key words –Use pronouns for important nouns –Use demonstratives –Establish some logical order –Use transitional words

Writing a Research Paper Body Paragraphs Adequate development - paragraphs should provide enough details to support the topic sentence –If you say you will discuss the Chinese influence on Japanese culture, then discuss that

Writing a Research Paper Conclusion There is no set formula for conclusions, but here are some tips to keep in mind: –Don’t depend on your conclusion to sum up your body parts - if you do summarize the body keep it short –Don’t just restate your introduction –Point out the importance of what you’ve just said

Writing a Research Paper Conclusion More tips: –If your paper doesn’t have a definite conclusion, mention this –Propose a natural next step for your field of inquiry –Don’t end your conclusion with a quotation or statement that could be the subject of another paper