Writing a Successful Research Paper
The most important parts of writing a successful research paper are finding the right information, taking good notes, organizing your thoughts, and documenting everything! On these pages you will find everything you need to accomplish those tasks successfully! If you need me, shoot me an email, and I will try to give you some guidance. You can do this! In the meantime, here are a few tips to get you through!
Tip #1---Relax, you can do this!
Don't panic, no matter how overwhelming the assignment may seem! You have the knowledge and the tools to do this. Think through it and just get started!
Tip #2---Keep looking!
Usually, the information you are searching for is very close by. Just be prepared to refine your search and use different modes to find it. Don't get locked in on only one research technique.
Tip #3---No, you can't make things up!
This is not a creative writing paper, and no matter how much you think you know about a given topic, you must have solid research in reputable sources (stay off of wiki cites).
Tip #4----Back Up Everything!
While technology does wonders to make research easier, it also causes more than its fair share of troubles. Believe it or not, teachers don't accept, "My computer ate it" as an excuse any more. Please don't trust that technology won't fail you. Back up your work constantly and have a backup plan for what to do when your computer crashes two hours before your paper is due!
Tip #5----Don't live on the edge if you don't want to get wet!
Trying to do everything "the easy way" doesn't always work, especially on a research paper. Skipping steps like notecards and outlines may seem like an easy option, but in the end everything will be much harder because you will be scattered and disorganized. Give yourself your best chance by doing things right the first time!
Tip #6---Nothing is Impossible
Read directions, pay attention, rely on things you've learned in the past, follow the steps, and marvel in your own success. Nothing is impossible! You've got this!