How to Succeed with Your Research Review
Research assignments are common in high schools, colleges, and universities. It means students of different ages and establishments will surely get a task of research review writing sooner or later. For the first time, it can seem very difficult to deal with such task. However, knowing for sure how to do a research, synthesize information, and present it in a proper way will surely facilitate the process.
Actually, a research paper requires a writer to conduct a research, provide a view on the topic, alongside with examples and support. The main goal of any research paper is to define a particular issue and research it from all possible sides.
Research paper writing consists of some steps. All of them are presented below.
1. Researching a topic
First of all, you need to choose a topic. It is very good if you have a chance to pick up the topic you like. It will make the process more enjoyable since you will do what interests you instead of learning a subject in which you have zero interest. While choosing a topic, be sure to meet the guidelines given to you by a teacher. Choose the topics which are not so complicated, especially if you are not going to combine your future career with that particular subject.
Then, you have to locate resources. Before writing, you need to make sure you are well-equipped with the data relevant to the topic. You can find some useful information in specialty books, academic journals, encyclopedias, trustworthy websites. It is also a good idea to ask experts for some data or materials.
When you are working on your research, you will surely read a lot. So, while reading, do not hesitate to take some notes. It will help you to highlight some important information which will be needed then while writing.
On this stage, you also need to develop an objective. It would also be great to talk to your teacher before writing. Ask for some piece of advice or suggestions. It can help you to focus and concentrate on what is really important and what should be done in order to succeed with a research essay.
2. Organizing a paper
A good tactic while organizing a paper is to break up it into several sub-topics. In this case, your essay will be built in order. Here, on this stage, creating an essay outline will be very helpful. This will also help your essay to flow logically, making the whole paper clear and understandable. You also have to choose a proper format. Actually, your teacher will provide you with some requirements concerning this issue. However, if we are speaking about research essays, the most common formats are MLA and APA. All in all, you have to make a writing plan and stick to it.
3. Writing an essay
You have to start with the Introduction, where you need to introduce your topic and present the main purpose of your research paper. It shouldn’t be long. One or two paragraphs will be enough.
The body of your paper is the most important part. Here you have to place the majority of your focus. All ideas, supporting points, arguments should be presented here. It may consist of several paragraphs, each introducing a new idea. While writing, do not forget to cite all used references correctly. The last part of your essay is the conclusion. It has to be short and to the point. It is like a brief summary but without too many details. Having done all this, you need to revisit your objective and make a “works cited” section of your essay.
4. Check and proofread your paper
Before handing the paper in, you need to have a precise look on it. Check the grammar, spelling and all possible mistakes in order to be sure you have done everything perfectly. It is good to read your essay aloud or give it to your friends or family to get a feedback.
