Writing a research paper can be easy or tough depending on how you approach it. Are you looking for ways to better your writing technique? Well you've come to the right place! Here are 7 great how-to tips for writing an awesome research paper, whether you are in high school or in college!
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It's important to give yourself plenty of time to write the paper. You don't want to wait till the last minute and feel rushed, or not do as good of job as you could have done. For the average length research paper, give yourself about a month to complete it. Be organized and schedule out your time. Try not to cram in many late nights. Study when you are awake and alert!
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If you like history, write about history. If you like science, write about science. My point is, if you choose a topic that interests and challenges you, you will be more likely to put more time and enthusiasm into your paper. If your paper counts as half of your grade, you want to make sure you can make it interesting and full of passion. You may need to get your teachers approval on the topic you choose, and he or she may be able to offer some helpful suggestions!
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Why is it called a research paper? Because you have to do research of course! Use all of the resources you have access to when studying for your paper. Look up things online, go to the library and check out books, look through old documents and newspapers. You can even "interview" family members and friends or firefighters and police officers if the topic you've chosen is relevant to anything they might say or any information they could give you. How fun would that be!
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A Thesis Statement is the question that you propose to answer in your paper. It's important to start out with a clear thesis statement. From this question, the rest of your paper will unfold. You can't really start your research until you have a firm thesis statement. Many teachers and professors will want the thesis statement before you actually start your research. You should also mention your thesis statement at the beginning of your paper.
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Try to go about your research and your studying with some sort of method. Schedule out your time and be prepared to put alot of effort into your paper. Take lots of notes! Set up an area to study in where you won't be interrupted or distracted. Keep all of your books and writing materials nearby. Playing soft classical music in the background can sometimes help you relax and focus.
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Pick someone that you can read your paper to before you hand it in. They can help you look for mistakes in spelling or grammar and they can give you an overall reaction to the paper. If your paper is dry, lacks enthusiasm or excitement, they may offer you suggestions on how to spice it up a bit. It's also good to have someone encourage you not to be stressed out!
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Did you know that over half of your grade will depend upon how determined you are to succeed? If you have an attitude that sets out to achieve, then even if you make a mistake or miss a few facts, you will still do great because you applied yourself and did your very best. That's all anyone can ask for or expect, isn't it?
In order to achieve supreme excellence on your research paper, you need more than just the knowledge. Like an Olympic athlete aiming for the gold medal, you must have a positive attitude and the belief that you have the ability to achieve it! That's the real start to writing a perfect A+ research paper!
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