When pursuing your master's or doctoral degree, you will have to write several thoroughly researched, articulate papers. You must be able to display a deep understanding of the material you are covering and back your assumptions and arguments with evidence, whether from the materials you are covering or writings of other experts. Writing a proper graduate research paper requires much time and dedication; it usually takes months to produce the results your professors expect.
Instructions
1. Come up with an idea for your research paper. Examine the guidelines your professor has set for the paper as well as your own areas of interest when conceiving the basis for your paper. Collaborate with your professor and peers to ensure that your concept is unique and feasible.
2. Go to your university or college's library and go online to research what other experts have to say on your subject. Many colleges and universities allow students free access to databases such as LexisNexis and MLA Bibliography. Use a keyword search to look up publications about your topic; you can use these texts as primary and secondary sources to cite in your own paper.
3. Develop the thesis for your research paper; a thesis is an argumentative statement about subject you are writing about. If you are writing about an irrefutable fact, you will not have much to argue in your paper.
4. Draft an outline for your research paper. Include your thesis and secondary sources in your outline so that you can organize the flow of your paper. The outline will serve as the basis for how you establish your argument and provide support in the form of your own conclusions and those you have gleaned from experts during your research.
5. Create an annotated bibliography; an annotated bibliography includes a short paragraph about the content of the source. You can peruse your annotated bibliography when you write your first draft to determine which sources are going to be of most use to you.
6. Write your first draft of the research paper. Do not worry about trying to perfect your paper; the first draft will establish what you are arguing and the primary and secondary sources you will be citing. You will have the opportunity to hone your argument and research in later drafts.
7. Consult with your professor on the first draft. He or she will be able to provide valuable feedback and advice; regular communication with your professor will help you stay on track when writing the research paper.
8. Write your second draft, and beyond. You are not limited to a number of drafts you can write when preparing a graduate research paper. When you are satisfied with the paper you have produced, proof-read and edit it once more to ensure the best possible quality.
9. Prepare your bibliography, Works Cited or References page; the title will change depending on the style manual you are using. Citing all your sources is essential; it helps avoid accidental plagiarism and allows your professor to consult the appropriate texts or works when reviewing your paper. There are online resources you can use to format your Works Cited or Reference page, such as EasyBib and Son of Citation Machine; you can input the publication information about your sources, and these websites will generate your Works Cited or References.
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