
Denise M. answered 06/27/13
Ms. Denise, English Teacher
To write a great research paper, select a topic that interests you.
Talk about your topic with other people, and notice the different questions that come up. As you explain what you're learning - or what you want to learn - and garner feedback, you'll be honing the focus of what you want to write about and how to write it.
Looking for answers to raised questions will start you on your way. Use appropriate resources to find information. The resources can include media, as well as standard texts, books, and interviews. Generally, the number of sources that you need will be listed in the assignment or rubric.
Note the names of your resources, page numbers, urls, and dates of interviews (and why your interviewees are credible) because you'll need to cite your information.
The structure of your paper should include a beginning paragraph or two and give a clear indication of the purpose and content of the paper. A thesis statement is imbedded here.
The body of the paper should typically read in chronological order like a story.
The closing should briefly summarize or recapture the purpose of the paper and include a statement about why the information is significant to you and to the world at large.
Get going!