How to Write a Research Paper - Ultimate Guide

If you are a college or a university student, you will have to write a research paper for your academics. Writing a research paper, in most cases, is a part of a degree that has to be done no matter what.

To burst your bubble, a good paper is not only dependent on the writing skills of a student. In fact, writing a research paper includes so many other things like formatting, outlining, research, and presentation that together makes the research paper effective.

If a student is writing a paper for the first time, the first thing that he will do is look for the answer to “how to write a research paper?” This blog is written to solve all the problems related to writing a research paper.

What is a Research Paper?

A research paper is a piece of academic writing that involves comprehensive research on a specific topic. It includes a complete study on the research paper topic and also contains a detailed analysis. This paper is written to persuade the audience by evaluating the topic and by the stance of the writer.

A research paper contains strong evidence and material to support the writer's stance and thesis statement about the topic. Writing a paper on a researched-based topic requires effort and a complete investigation to prove the main argument.

A research paper is written on the topics that need to be deeply studied and the argument presented in the research paper is problems or issues that affect many. It involves the study of the academic subjects and highlights the basic findings that a writer comes up with using multiple techniques.

A research paper can take any form in academics, like a master-level thesis, a doctoral dissertation, or just a term paper. Before you submit a paper, a research proposal is submitted to the instructor, which is basically the outline of your paper presenting the thesis statement and the techniques that will be used to gather data for the research paper.

Every student, when given a paper, thinks about why writing a research paper is important? Writing a research paper is important for so many reasons. There are a lot of skills that a student learns when he writes a research paper or an essay.

Writing research papers helps college students to increase their writing and reading skills. It also increases the knowledge in the subject, polishes the ability to think critically, and lets a writer know how to add creativity and originality to work.

back to top

Research Paper Format

When you are assigned a research paper to write, clarify which paper format is required to write your paper. Usually, research papers are written in two formats: APA and MLA.

These formats have some similarities like mentioning the page number, table of content, etc. but have some differences as well that makes these two formats differ from each other. Whatever format is assigned, make sure to draft your research paper accordingly.

The basic elements of the research paper format are as follows:

• Margins - Leave margins of 1 inch on both sides and top and bottom of the text.
• Text Format - Use font type ‘Times New Roman’ in size 12pt for the entire text, excluding headings and subheadings. Moreover, double-space your content and add quotations, notes, and work cited.
• Headings and Subheadings - Use frequent headings and subheadings to organize the text.
• Running Head with Page Numbers - Add page number to every page of your research paper. Moreover, provide your last name before the page number and put a period.
• Work Cited - The last page or the reference list should be drafted according to the format.
• Figures, Tables, and Illustrations - Provide sources and titles to all your relevant tables and figures.

Organize your paper according to the format instructed in the guidelines.

back to top

How to Start a Research Paper?

• Select a Topic - The first and foremost thing is to come up with a topic to conduct research on. Deciding on a topic can be very time taking and a tricky thing. However, if your instructor does not assign you a topic, you can write a research paper on anything.

Just keep in mind to choose a topic that interests you, your reader, has an importance on a larger level, and makes a difference in the lives of others.

It is best to write a paper related to your field and discipline. It is the safest thing to do. Other topics on which research can be done are current affairs topics, controversies, taboos, new developments, and technologies.

• Consult Credible Sources of Information - Now that you have a topic, consider other important things like where you are going to take your information. Identifying the source is very important. The paper requires facts and relevant information that is true and credible.
• Develop a Thesis Statement - Another important thing is to come up with the main argument of your paper that is the thesis statement. Identify key points and ideas that will go into your paper.
• Conduct Research - Once you craft a strong thesis statement, conduct research. Gather logical and supporting information to prove the primary claim. Make sure that the evidence collected is relevant and convincing for the audience.
• Identify the Audience - It is very important to know who you are writing your research paper. The audience or readers who will read your paper is an important element. Identify who your audience is; for example, a professional, another student, researcher, decision-makers, or just a casual reader.
• Understand the Purpose - Everything that is written for academics has a purpose. Know and fully understand the purpose of your research paper to help you draft an excellent one.

back to top

How to Write a Research Paper?

In order to write an effective and good research paper, a writer needs to be aware of the research and writing process. This includes understanding the structure in which your research paper is shaped—the development of the theme and the thesis statement.

A research paper that is well written and constructed will surely win you good grades in academics. Not just that, writing a research paper helps in a person’s practical life as well. It represents how intellectual and potential a person is.

A research paper is written in the following order:

1. 1. Title Page

A title or a cover page of a research paper is the first page that a reader sees so it makes a lot of difference. This page contains information like the name of the writer, instructor, institute, and the date of submission of the paper. It also states the title of the research paper to tell people what the topic is discussed.

2. 2. Abstract

An abstract is to a research paper what a trailer is to the movie. It includes a summary of the main theme and ideas of the research paper. An abstract is a summary so it should exceed a page.

In simpler terms, an abstract provides an overview of the topic on which the research is done. It doesn’t include explanations and details about the topic but stays focused on the research question. An abstract contains the following information:

• Steps were taken for the study of the topic
• How was the research conducted?
• Main outcomes of the research.

The structure in which this information will be provided should be the topic, key ideas, and results. In the abstract, make sure not to add information like the background of your study and the referencing procedure.

3. 3. Introduction

The purpose of the introduction is to inform the reader about the topic and the major thesis statement that will be discussed in the paper, so it should be informative. The introduction is divided into three parts; area of research, background information, and the thesis statement.

In order to make your introduction interesting for readers, add information and points that are relevant to the central idea.

In general, writing the introduction paragraph of a research paper should include the following things:

• Background information on the topic
• Aims and objectives of the research conducted
• Background information on the problem area.
• Technical details
• Assumptions
• Purpose
• Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the main argument about the research paper that identifies the writer’s stance on the subject or a topic. It also acts as the preview or synopsis of the research paper. To write a thesis statement, use the topic of research, and organize the key ideas and points.

Usually, a thesis statement is a part of the introduction, but in some cases, an instructor wants his student to submit the thesis for the research paper separately. If you are not instructed to submit one separately, always add a thesis statement in your introduction to increase its strength and make it more impactful.

As the thesis statement is the core theme or for your research paper, every piece of information that you gather will naturally support this main argument.

Related: How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement?

4. 4. Limitations

After introducing the topic and the major thesis statement, instantly state what you are going to do in the research. In this section, the writer limits the scope of the paper due to a number of factors. Anything that provided a limit in gata gathering and research is presented in this part of the research paper.

5. 5. Methodology

Every research requires a writer to follow a methodology for collecting the data. Present the methodology you chose to gather information for your paper.

A researcher uses two basic methods. It is either qualitative or quantitative. Qualitative methods are used to gather data for subjects like humanities and social science.

In contrast to this, the quantitative method is the gathering of data in concrete numbers and figures. This method is used to collect data for scientific researchers where figures are studied to form a decision.

Related: Types of Research Methodologies

6. 6. Literature Review

Reviewing and analyzing the work previously done on your topic is a literature review. The writer should draft this section in his paper to present what was the existing knowledge available and how his research contributed to the field.

7. 7. Main Body

No matter which research paper type you are drafting and for which academic level, the body contains the findings, and discussion

All the information that you gather related to the topic will be part of this section. The bodies of the research papers basically organize your research. And the raw information in a sensible manner to make it understandable for the readers.

In this part of the research paper, you support your thesis statement with solid reasons. These reasons are the facts and evidence that prove your stance and that the main argument made is true.

A body is the soul of your research paper, as the essence and reasoning lie in this section. The body of a research paper includes the methods used to gather information, results, and discussion on those results and outcomes.

A researcher uses two methods to collect the data. It is either qualitative or quantitative. Qualitative methods are used to gather data for subjects like humanities and social science.

In contrast to this, the quantitative method is the gathering of data in concrete numbers and figures. This method is used to collect data for scientific researchers where figures are studied to form a decision.

After the collection of the data, results are presented in the research. Whatever a researcher observed through the study and facts, it is concluded. These results are then discussed and analyzed leading up to the final verdict.

One major condition to write a good body of your research paper is to write all the information in a logical flow using transition words and phrases. This helps to show that all paragraphs are interconnected, and they should gradually lead up to the conclusion.

The word choices you make to bring transition and connectivity to your paragraphs plays a great role in the clarity of the text and how well the readers will understand it.

Also, the body of the research paper should contain headings and subheadings for a better understanding of the readers.

In a nutshell, the body paragraphs contain the following elements:

1. Researched information and facts (including surveys, figures, etc.).
2. Real-world information with strong arguments and evidence.
3. Organized and structured points and arguments under headings and subheadings to maintain a logical flow in the paper
4. The central theme of the paper
5. The topic sentences that state what the paragraph is about.
6. Proper formatting and outlining of the paper.
8. 8. Conclusion

The conclusion of a research paper is as important as its introduction and body. The conclusion of the paper contains the restated theme of the research paper and the personal stance of the writer on the topic.

Note, the conclusion should not restate the arguments already made. Don't introduce new arguments or points in the concluding paragraphs of a paper. It only states the rephrased thesis statement and whether the hypothesis made earlier is proved or not.

The conclusion also starts a CTA (call to action) and makes the audience think about the subject matter or topic. If you believe that further research should be taken, then state its reasons and how the solutions can be made to meet the research gaps.

The conclusion generally contains information in the structure like objectives of the research, the key features or ideas, and the results.

9. 9. Bibliography

The bibliography or “work cited” page is the end page of the research paper that shows the references and sources from where the information is taken. Make sure to take information from credible sources for your research paper. This page plays a very important role.

Plagiarism is a crime that no writer wants to commit. By providing the source of your information and giving references with proper citation, plagiarism is avoided. Also, it increases the credibility and authenticity of the writer's work.

Keep in mind that the citation style and referencing differs for every format, like APA and MLA. Identify your paper format to draft a bibliography.

10. 10. Proofreading and Editing

Once you have written and compiled all parts of the research paper, proofread it a couple of times to make sure it is flawless. Check every minor and significant element of the paper and make corrections before submitting it.

back to top

Research Paper Outline

An outline is the backbone of your document. A research paper outline is based on several parts or components. Each part should be drafted professionally to make sure that the overall paper is effective and well structured.

There are some basic elements that all research paper outlines have. Read the guidelines provided to make sure that your research paper has all the required parts.

1. Title/Cover Page
2. Abstract
3. Introduction
4. Limitations
5. Methodology
6. Main Body
7. Conclusion
8. Bibliography

No matter which format style you follow, these are the basic things that are included in every research paper outline.

Continue reading to know how each part of the research paper is drafted.

.

back to top

Research Paper Examples

You can never start writing an effective and professional research paper without going through the research paper examples and works of others to see how a winning research paper is written. The following are some examples that are easy to understand and will help you draft your research paper accurately and professionally.

back to top

Research Paper Topics

Coming up with an interesting topic for your research paper can be very time-consuming. If you are in writer’s block and are not able to decide on a great theme, get help from the list of research paper topics provided below.

• A compare and contrast between the Northern Renaissance and Italian Renaissance
• The impact of Thomas Nast’s works on the literature of the 19th century
• The portrayal of the transgender community in the changing media
• Can China’s One-Child policy be beneficial for other countries of the world
• How has the concept of feminism evolved over a decade?
• The significance of the Affordable Care Act of America’s healthcare system?
• Pros and cons of Montessori Methods
• Is donating organs in exchange for money ethical?
• Should there be limitations and censorship of the content available on the internet?
• The formation of black holes and their significance

Writing a research paper can be a really difficult job, but you will be a pro at it once you get to know the tips and tricks to write it.

If you still are confused about writing assignments and the writing process of a research paper, get the help of the professionals at CollegeEssay.org. We provide all sorts of academic writing services, from writing a lab report to any other academic assignment; our experts deliver plagiarism-free and high-quality work.

Be it any college essay or high school research paper type, we specialize in providing the best quality work.

Get the grades you dream of by placing your order today at exciting prices.

Nova A.

Literature, Marketing

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.