How to Write How to Write A Research Paper A Research Paper

Choosing a TopicChoosing a Topic

Select a Topic that you are interested Select a Topic that you are interested in.in.

Topic should be broad rather than Topic should be broad rather than narrownarrow– Example: Global Warming not Global Example: Global Warming not Global

Warming in Missouri.Warming in Missouri. Topic must fit into the overall theme Topic must fit into the overall theme

of the class or content area.of the class or content area.– Example: Over Population not Jay-ZExample: Over Population not Jay-Z

Looking for InformationLooking for Information

Always write down or print out where Always write down or print out where your information came from including:your information came from including:– TitleTitle– AuthorAuthor– Page NumberPage Number

Use several sources not just oneUse several sources not just one Use information sources that include Use information sources that include

factual information.factual information.

Information GatheringInformation Gathering

Use information that is up to date.Use information that is up to date.– 2000 or newer2000 or newer

Use a variety of sourcesUse a variety of sources– MagazinesMagazines– BooksBooks– Online Online

You don’t have to read a whole book. You don’t have to read a whole book. Start in the index.Start in the index.

Writing an OutlineWriting an Outline

Start with a broad outline and work Start with a broad outline and work to a more specific one.to a more specific one.

Always have between 3 and 6 ideas Always have between 3 and 6 ideas for each main topic. for each main topic.

Never write a research paper without Never write a research paper without an outline.an outline.

Formatting your PaperFormatting your Paper

Your papers at HMJH will need to be Your papers at HMJH will need to be written in MLA citation.written in MLA citation.

Always follow the MLA format.Always follow the MLA format.– 12 point Font; Times New Roman12 point Font; Times New Roman– Double SpacedDouble Spaced– 1 in. margins1 in. margins

Writing your paperWriting your paper

Follow your outlineFollow your outline Never put someone else's ideas in Never put someone else's ideas in

your paper and not give them credit your paper and not give them credit for it. for it.

YOU MUST always cite where you got YOU MUST always cite where you got information that is not your own information that is not your own original thought.original thought.

First drafts are never perfect. Always First drafts are never perfect. Always have someone proof your paper.have someone proof your paper.

BibliographyBibliography

Bibliography tells someone where Bibliography tells someone where you got your information.you got your information.

Bibliographies go at the end of the Bibliographies go at the end of the paper.paper.

http://citationmachine.net/http://citationmachine.net/ http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/reshttp://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/res

ource/557/01/ource/557/01/