1. Piecing Together a Research Paper
Stitching the Quilt
Piecing Together a Research Paper

2. Working Thesis to Outline
Use Your Working Thesis Statement to Construct a Topical Outline
Use the Sample Topical Outline Document as a Template
Add as Many “Levels” to Your Outline as Necessary to Prove Your Working Thesis
Ideally, Each Item in the Outline Will Become a Paragraph of the Research Paper

3. Taking Notes Begin With the Sources You Know Best
Read as Much of Each Source as Necessary to Provide the Information You Need
Paraphrase
Summarize
Check and Re-Check Accuracy of Paraphrases and Summaries
Make Sure You’ve Translated Paraphrases and Summaries Into Your Style
Use Quotations Only When Almost Unavoidable
Keep Track of Where You Found Each Piece of Information

4. Cloth and Thread: Information Into Paragraphs
Using Your Topical Outline, Compose Paragraphs by Placing Summaries, Paraphrases and Quotations in a Logical Order
Use Transition Sentences (First and/or Last Sentences of Paragraphs) to “Stitch” Paragraphs to One Another and Guide Us Through the Document
Remember That Everything Taken From a Source Must Be Cited in the Text of Your Research Paper
Except for the Introduction and Conclusion of Your Research Paper, Every Other Paragraph Must Contain Researched Information, and, Therefore, at Least One Citation

5. Final Thoughts Work on the Research Paper Patiently and Steadily
Remember to Use the Document Design Required in Your Style Sheet
Check for Accuracy, Clarity, and Substance Over and Over