How to Start a Research Paper - An Easy Guide

Writing a research paper is the most challenging academic assignment type. It is a form of writing that pushes students into writer’s block.

The beginning process is the same, no matter which field or subject you are drafting a research paper. There are some basic steps that every high school or college student takes to begin with this assignment.

Continue reading the blog to learn how to start a research paper following simple steps and tips.

What is a Research Paper?

A research paper is a form of writing that provides an in-depth analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of a particular topic. It can be considered as an extended academic essay that students to present their research and writing skills.

Writing a research paper means that the writer demonstrates high knowledge of the topic using strong evidence.

A research paper is a final assignment that is often required to complete the degree or term. It is based on several parts that together form one complete piece of document.

Scoring well in this task is as important as anything. Conducting research and writing a paper is a daunting task. So to make your efforts fruitful, draft it correctly. Learning how to write a research paper is essential to succeed in your academic life.

How to Start a Research Paper?

Taking a start on your research paper can give you a callous time, when dealing with it for the first time. Professionals believe that starting a paper is way more complicated than ending it up.

Even if you are a good essay writer, drafting a research paper can be a challenge. Unlike an academic essay, a research paper involves detailed research and knowledge of the topic’s every aspect.

Expert writers have gathered some steps to help the students start writing their complicated research papers. Follow these steps to make the writing process simpler.

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1. Understand the Assignment

To start your research paper, understand the assignment first. Then, carefully read and understand the guidelines provided to know what you are required to present in the paper.

The research paper’s instructions state which format to produce, the paper’s length, and which paper parts to present separately. For example, a few instructors require a separate abstract for the research paper, while others do not.

It is in the guidelines about choosing MLA, APA, Chicago, or Harvard formatting and citation style.

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2. Choose a Topic

Once you have understood the assignment, brainstorm ideas for your research topic. Think of issues or topics that interest you or you are passionately talking about. Make sure that your topic is interesting and worth writing a research paper.

A trick to ensure maximum readership of your document is to know who your audience is and what interests them. Moreover, it is also important to determine whether the available information is enough to study your topic or not.

Avoid choosing paper topics for which there are limited sources of information.

3. Conduct Research

Conduct research and gather information. Note down any important piece of information that you think compliments and focuses on your topic. It is essential to keep in mind only to consult reliable resources for your research paper. For example, go through books, journals, previous papers, and other authentic sources to collect information.

At this moment, come up with a research question to give a direction to your research. Moreover, this assignment is solely based on strong information so conduct depth research.

4. Develop a Thesis Statement

The most important element of a research paper is a thesis statement. A thesis statement is part of the introduction section of the document. It is the writer’s stance on the topic on which he persuades the audience.

Although coming up with a thesis statement is time-consuming, do not rush and select the first idea. However, brainstorm and research before you decide on the main argument. Write a thesis statement and provide a structure for your paper.

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5. Draft an Outline

Once you have researched and gathered the information on your topic, it is time to create an outline. Your data needs logical ordering to be readable and understandable for the readers.

A research paper has several parts. All of the information is divided among these sections to give your paper a representable structure. Following are the parts of the research paper:

• Title page
• Abstract
• Introduction
• Limitation of study
• Methodology
• Literature review
• Main body
• Conclusion
• Bibliography

Arranging the information in these sections will let you organize your research, making it persuasive for the readers.

How to Start an Introduction to a Research Paper?

An introduction is the first section of your paper that hooks the reader or motivates them to read the entire document. In this section, the writer introduces the topic and the primary purpose of his research.

Writing the introduction perfectly is the most crucial yet essential step. If your opening paragraph is impressive, the entire paper will fall into place.

To make the introductory paragraphs on point, take a good start and choose appropriate words and phrases. Open your introduction using a relevant and catchy hook statement. Depending on the topic and the field you are drafting a research paper for, choose an engaging statement.

There are various good ideas for your hook statement, such as:

• Interesting fact
• Unique and significant background information
• Anecdote
• Statistics

Basically, anything that you feel will entice the audience can be used as a hook statement to open the introductory paragraphs. Make sure to stay focused and precise while drafting an introduction.

The key points of the introductory paragraphs are then elaborated in the rest of the paper, mainly in the body section. Support your thesis statement by presenting all the researched and analyzed information in this chapter.

How to Start a Conclusion of a Research Paper?

A concluding paragraph is as important as an introductory paragraph. The success of a research paper depends on a strong opening and an even stronger conclusion.

The concluding paragraph of a research paper consists of a restated thesis statement and the primary research question. It gives closure to the whole discussion and explains how the writer’s claim is proved right.

When drafting a conclusion, keep in mind not to add any new information. The reason being, new ideas and information will only confuse the readers, making the primary purpose vague and implicit.

The purpose of drafting a conclusion section is to tie all loose ends together. Make sure it is well structured and written.

Writing a research paper can be daunting if you haven’t planned the entire process. From the begging till the last bibliography section, each part has a particular significance that can not be overlooked.

Tips for Writing a Research Paper

The following are the tips that every writer should follow when start writing a research paper.

• Use a unique style of writing.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of the subject.
• Follow the specific citation style.
• Choose the right words to express your ideas and thoughts.
• Do not write irrelevant details.
• Create an arguable thesis statement.
• Make it attractive and easy to read for the readers.
• Choose a good topic.
• Write all the information carefully but dont overflow it.
• Avoid using complex words and sentences.
• Get help from your teachers and understand their requirements.
• Follow the simple structure for writing the paper.
• Create the outline.
• Never submit the paper without proofreading.

Professionals suggest getting an expert’s help if you are drafting a research paper for the first time. Whether you need help in structuring the paper, developing the bibliography, or proofreading, visit CollegeEssay.org.

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