How to Write a Research Paper: A Step by Step Guide

Research papers are generally not something anyone looks forward to doing. If you've ever had to write one, for school or your job, you likely dreaded the task. But if you are prepared with the proper organizational tools, writing that research paper might not be as arduous as you once feared. Although the research paper will still require some effort, following the recommended steps below will hopefully make the experience easier and less painful.

Every research paper begins with a topic. Before you can begin you'll need to decide on a topic. Brainstorming is a great technique for listing a variety of topics. Once you've jotted those ideas down, take a look at what you wrote. There should be a topic of interest somewhere in there.

Now that you have a topic it is a good idea to begin researching the topic to make sure relevant resources exist. If there is no information already available on your topic, you will have a difficult time gathering enough information to write a full length research paper. Try checking the card catalogue of your local library or conducting an internet search for information on your topic. Hang on to any relevant sources you find because you'll need them when you begin writing your paper. Sources can include internet sources, books, magazine or newspaper articles, documentaries, and even interviews. Using several different sources will strengthen your paper.