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Research Paper Checklist

The document outlines a 7-step process for writing a research paper: 1) choose a topic and conduct preliminary research, 2) compile sources and take notes, 3) develop an outline and evaluate sources, 4) write an outline and prepare to draft the paper, 5) write a rough draft, 6) revise and check documentation, and 7) proofread the final paper. Within each step are additional guidelines for organizing, researching, and documenting sources in MLA or APA format.

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Chao Le
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51 views

Research Paper Checklist

The document outlines a 7-step process for writing a research paper: 1) choose a topic and conduct preliminary research, 2) compile sources and take notes, 3) develop an outline and evaluate sources, 4) write an outline and prepare to draft the paper, 5) write a rough draft, 6) revise and check documentation, and 7) proofread the final paper. Within each step are additional guidelines for organizing, researching, and documenting sources in MLA or APA format.

Uploaded by

Chao Le
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Writing Research Papers:

A Step-by-Step Checklist
Use this checklist as a guide to help your organize, research, and write your
research paper. For more help with your research paper, please see the
handout Research Paper Format and Documentation Tips.
<http://www.write.armstrong.edu/handouts/ResearchPapers.pdf>.

Step #1: The Preliminaries


___________
___________
___________
___________

1.
2.
3.
4.

Choose a topic.
Begin preliminary reading.
Restrict the subject.
Develop a preliminary thesis statement.

Step #2: Gathering Data


___________
___________
___________

1. Compile a working bibliography.


2. Prepare the bibliography on cards in correct form (3" x 5" cards).
3. Begin extensive work in the library reference section; be sure to check:
___________ a) library electronic resources: GALILEO (contains
approximately 200 databases) or the Additional
Databases section (contains 20+ more); begin on
homepage <http://www.library.armstrong.edu>;
b) general bibliographies;
___________ c) trade bibliographies;
___________ d) indexes (books and collections, literature in
periodicals, newspaper indexes, pamphlet indexes).
___________

Adapted from Writing Research Papers: A Step-by-Step Procedure by the Owl at Purdue University
<http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_ressteps.html>. Primary attribution goes to James D. Lester in Writing
Research Papers: A Complete Guide, 2nd ed. (1971; rpt. Glenview, Illinois: Scott, Foresman, 1976).

Armstrong Atlantic State University


Writing Center

Writing Research Papers:


A Step-by-Step Checklist
Step #3: Taking Notes
___________
___________
___________
___________

1. Develop a preliminary outline.


2. Evaluate your source material; which is primary material and which is
secondary material?
3. Begin note-taking on cards (4" x 6" cards).
4. Avoid plagiarism.

Step #4: Writing the Paper


___________
___________

1. Develop the final outline; test your outline.


2. Prepare to write:
___________
a) put your note cards in the order of your outline;
___________
b) consider your (real and imagined) readers and how
their expectations may affect your tone and style.

___________
___________
___________
___________

3.
4.
5.
6.

___________

Write the rough draft.


Check your documentation carefully.
Revise and rewrite.
Check the format of the text, citations, notes, and bibliography: most
instructors recommend MLA or APA format.
7. Proofread.

Adapted from Writing Research Papers: A Step-by-Step Procedure by the Owl at Purdue University
<http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_ressteps.html>. Primary attribution goes to James D. Lester in Writing
Research Papers: A Complete Guide, 2nd ed. (1971; rpt. Glenview, Illinois: Scott, Foresman, 1976).

Armstrong Atlantic State University


Writing Center

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