A research paper is a complex academic assignment which is based on one narrow topic. For instance, if you have to prepare one for your history class, the topic might be World War II. But, as far as this phenomenon is too broad, pick only one issue (Axis attack on the USSR, Adolf Hitler, Invasion of Poland, etc.)
If you don’t narrow down your topic, it would take much more time to gather all relevant sources nd analyze each of them. After all, research papers are often limited by their size.
You are the half way the battle when you come up with the topic. In case your teacher hasn't prepared good items for you to choose from, you have to do it all alone. I would recommend collecting both Internet and library sources as far as most of the teachers appreciate working with books more than with digital sources. Sure, a student can use cunning and access some free online books, but, as a rule, you have to pay to read valuable publications. Search for the relevant books at Amazon or eBay. GoogleBooks offer some free samples and separate pages of the books you might need. If it is okay for you to get the entire idea by having only 30% of the textbook, you can try to avoid paying. Do not forget bout your class materials and textbooks! They are not counted as good sources, but at least you have to recall some episodes to show your attendance and subject awareness. Teachers like when students relate their essays and researches to the in-class discussions and covered materials. It means they were attentive.
As far as the entire procedure is rather complicated, and any research paper weighs much more than any essay or small homework assignment, the majority of students look for free research papers online. Some nerds do it to use as a sample or template, but others prefer copy-pasting without even rewriting the information.
If it is hard for you to write from scratch, it is still better to simply rewrite a downloaded research paper prepared by someone else in a way that it will be no less than 95% unique.
Right, contemporary teachers know how to use Internet and tools, so they can easily check if you cheated by applying numerous instruments for plagiarism.
Before submitting your paper, make sure to check it with the help of recommended online instruments like Grammarly, Plagtracker, Advego, and Plagiarisma. An excellent research paper example is in our articles section.
Research Paper Example (by Topics):
- The Theme of Revenge in Hamlet
- The Rules of Marriage in 14th Century
- The Tragic Love of Romeo and Juliet
- Russian Literature: Tolstoy
- Feminist Literature
- Is Harry Potter a Classical Literature?
- Civil War’s Meaning
- French Colonies in Africa
Steps in Writing a Research Paper
- Select, narrow, and target a researchable topic.
- Choose and read discovered sources.
- Classify, sequence, and document all the absorbed information.
- Form an outline and so-called prospectus (just for your convenience).
- Come up with the introduction.
- Formulate thesis/hypothesis/research proposal.
- Develop a body of 3 to 5 paragraphs.
- Write a meaningful conclusion. Be objective.
- Revise and edit your draft.
The Structure of Research Paper Samples
As you have probably noticed, each sample research paper has a particular structure and format. First, every research assignment begins with a stated hypothesis/problem that needs to be either accepted or rejected. In your introduction, briefly describe the subject and how it fits into your education program. Second, set the scene where you would describe the environment and its conditions. Any private info must receive permission before including it in the paper. Now, it is time to go more into details by describing the problem deeply. Mention what you are going to present or argue about and reasons for choosing this topic. Answer the question “What is its significance?” Provide an interesting example to engage your potential audience. Remember, it’s all about introduction (the very first paragraph or abstract) to decide whether you will lose your reader or make him read it to the end. Capturing the interest is one of the primary research paper’s goals.
Make sure to define all terms and concepts your reader might not know (insert a vocabulary in own words, but do it in-text). There is no need to develop a separate page for vocabulary unless you are asked by your instructor.
If possible, use more than two authoritative sources like academic journals or mix definitions and footnote your sources. Chicago/Turabian and Harvard are preferable. Mind using new terms and putting their definitions throughout the paper. The text is not worth reading when its essence is missed due to the complex words, so try to avoid them!
The proofreading stage involves reviewing the topic, scene, and the problem with your mentor, parent, or elder fellow.