1. How to Write a Research Paper
Eufaula High School
Mrs. Plunkett’s Language Arts

2. The 11 Steps Select Topic Narrow the Topic Search for Sources
Read and take notes
Create an Outline
Write Rough Draft
In-text Citations
Reference Page
Revise and Rewrite
Write & Proof Final Draft

3. 1. Select a Topic
If your topic has not been assigned, you’ll need to decide on one.
Brainstorm!
Some questions to ask yourself:
What interests me?
Where will I find the information?
Who else cares about this?

4. 2. Narrow Your Topic
Does your topic address who, what, why, where, when?
Example:
Cyberbullying is too broad
Cyberbullying in schools is still too broad
Effects of Cyberbullyng in Middle School

5. 3. Search for Sources Check with your teacher
Google might be too time consuming!
Topic-specific search engines
Online libraries
Encyclopedias
NEVER cite Wikipedia!
ALWAYS cross check your information!

6. 4. Read and Take Notes + Start a Word file for your notes
Tile your windows
Windows Key + Left or Right Arrow Key
Copy / paste passages you wish to quote paraphrase—be sure to copy the link, too!
Ctrl + c > Ctrl + v or,
Right click > copy > Right click paste
Use menu commands +

7. 5. Outline An outline makes your paper much easier to write
An outline will have:
Introduction
Tell what paper is about
Pique the reader’s interst
Body
3 - 5 Main Points with Sub Points
Support ideas with quotes
Conclusion
Very briefly review your main points
State your “take away” message
Do NOT include new or detailed information

8. 6. Rough Draft Use your outline to keep organized
Be sure you have downloaded and saved your paper template
Tile your windows so you can work between your outline, your sources and your paper
If you have trouble getting started, try free writing.
Get as many ideas down as you can
Worry about grammar, spelling and punctuation later
Use quotes and paraphrased passages to prove your claims
Learn about paraphrasing here:

9. 7. In-Text Citations
All quotes and paraphrased passages need text citations.
Here are some examples of in-line citations:
Use a Citation Generator like citationmachine.net/

10. 8. Create Reference Page List all sources you used
Examples here:
Use Citation Generator: citationmachine.net/

11. 9. Write and Revise Proper formatting? Effective introduction?
Assertions are supported with quotes, examples or facts?
Citations?
For quotes and paraphrased passages
For images, charts, graphs, etc.
Copyright terms?
Spelling, grammar and punctuation?
Word count requirement?
Self check for plagiarism:
Effective conclusion?

12. 10 . Write & Proof Final Draft
Check organization
Do a final check of grammar, spelling, punctuation, citations and formatting
Read your paper aloud
Make sure your title page is complete—including your name!