How to Write a Research Paper

Writing a research paper can feel overwhelming. The process has many moving parts: choosing a topic, finding sources, developing a thesis, organizing your argument, writing, and formatting citations. Breaking it into manageable steps makes it much less intimidating.

Step 1: Choose Your Topic

The best research topics are specific enough to be manageable but broad enough to have enough sources. Climate change is too broad. The economic impact of rising sea levels on coastal cities in Southeast Asia is much better. Start with a general area that interests you, then narrow it down.

Step 2: Find and Evaluate Sources

Your school library is a good starting point. Academic databases like JSTOR and Google Scholar give you access to peer-reviewed articles. Evaluate each source for credibility: who wrote it, their qualifications, when it was published, and whether it presents evidence or just opinion.

Step 3: Develop a Thesis

Your thesis statement is the central argument of your paper. It should be specific, debatable, and supported by evidence. "Pollution is bad" is not a thesis. "Stricter emissions regulations in the European Union have significantly reduced air pollution-related respiratory illnesses since 2010" is a thesis.

Step 4: Create an Outline

An outline gives your paper structure and prevents tangents. Start with your introduction and thesis, then list the main points that support your thesis, each with evidence. End with a conclusion that restates your thesis and suggests broader implications.

Step 5: Write the First Draft

Do not try to write a perfect first draft. Focus on getting your ideas down. Many students find it helpful to write the body paragraphs first, then the introduction and conclusion. Use our Word Counter to track section lengths.

Step 6: Cite Your Sources

Proper citation is non-negotiable. Use our Citation Generator to create properly formatted citations in APA, MLA, or Chicago style.

Step 7: Revise and Edit

Set your draft aside for at least a day before revising. Read your paper out loud to catch awkward sentences and check that each paragraph flows logically. Ask a classmate or writing center tutor to give you feedback.