Writing Research Paper

You're now ready to outline your paper. Use the form instructed by your professor, if any, or follow strict Roman numeral format or use bullet points. Whatever form you choose, the outline should contain these elements:

1. The introduction - contains your thesis statement and previews main points to come.
2. Your argument or analysis — with evidence or examples found in your research to support your main points. When constructing your main points into paragraphs, use transitional words and phrases — thus, moreover, consequently, therefore and obviously — to let the reader know that the next argument or analysis is to follow.
3. The conclusion - a summary of the evidence and your arguments as they pertain to your thesis.

University of New South Wales advocates purposeful reading — "Start by asking questions about what you need to find out, and then select reading that relates to your questions." For example, if you need to find specific information, skim the material until you spot what you need. But "To understand reasons and facts and to learn, read slowly and deliberately." Critical reading, they explain, involves "reading in-depth" in order "to gain deep understanding of the material." While reading critically, they recommend questioning whether the writer provides critical evidence to back up statements, uses logical arguments, and is evenhanded in presenting different sides of a case. Another UNSW tip for Effective Reading: plan to read the material twice and only take notes during the second reading.

In Coming to Grips with Reading and Writing Academic Articles, Yukon College recommends checking out the sources used by the author. "Check the foot- or endnotes or look at the reference list. Knowing where the author got the information will tell you whether the author is looking at something new (interviews, letters, archival or government documents, etc.), taking a new look at something old (books and articles), or combining new and old."