how long to write a 10 page research paper

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Hacks How to Write a 10 and 20 page Paper in One Night

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: April 19, 2020

Hacks-How-to-Write-a-10-and-20-page-Paper-in-One-Night

It’s the night before a big paper is due. For whatever reason, you find yourself needing to write an entire research paper in a very short amount of time. While procrastination isn’t ideal, extenuating circumstances may have caused your timeline to get pushed back. So, here you are, looking for how to write a 10-page paper or how to write a 20-page paper in one night.

It goes without saying the best way to write a paper is to give yourself enough time to outline, draft, and edit. Yet, it’s still possible to write in less time. Take heed of these best tips and tricks to organize your thoughts and get your thesis on paper as fast as possible.

Photo by Adolfo Félix on Unsplash

How to prepare before you write, 1. create a schedule to maximize your time.

You’ve likely already spent time panicking. Once you calm yourself of the anxiety of having to finish a 10- or 20-page paper in one night, organize your plan of attack. First, you should designate an area free of distractions so that you can focus. Aside from a few breaks and snacks, it’s best to set up a comfortable place to write. Give yourself some time to outline and find/cite research . Once you know how you’re going to approach the subject, then you can start drafting.

2. Determine your Main Topic

If you’ve been given a prompt, then your topic is clear. However, sometimes you have the freedom to choose what your research will be about. In this case, it’s smartest to choose a topic that you are already knowledgeable about. That way, you will save yourself key time that would have otherwise been spent on research. If you don’t feel strongly about any particular topic, then at least try to pick one that has a lot of information available.

3. Perform Research

Start looking up sources to cite that support your thesis, or main argument. As you research, be sure to take notes. One of the best ways to do this is to use a word processor like Google Docs or Microsoft Word to copy and paste URLs. For each source, it would be best to copy/paste one main sentence that covers its point.

Then, you can write brief notes in your own words that summarize what you have read from that source. While you are performing research, you can start to put together an outline, or the flow of how you will present your ideas broken down by topic and argument.

4. Outline 3-5 subtopics

Once you’ve chosen your topic, then try to pull 3-5 subtopics from it. Each sub-topic should be juicy enough to be able to write a lot about it. The subtopics are your supporting paragraphs which fill the body of the research paper. They should basically be mini essays within themselves.

Writing in One Night

Writing a long research paper in one night isn’t ideal, but it is doable. Some of the best ways to get it done is to follow these 5 tips:

1. Plan and Outline

Take those few extra moments to plan and outline your paper. While it may feel like a waste of valuable time, it is going to help you stay on track. When you have an outline and you get to the middle of your paper, you won’t feel lost as to how to continue. An outline will be useful to you like a map is on a journey.

2. Use Specialized Search

Take advantage of search tools that are designed for scholars. For example, a few of these include: Google Scholar and Elsevier .

3. Leverage Tools

There are citation management tools that will help you find sources for your topic. Mendeley is just one of them. You can type parts of your paper into the tool and find quotes of value. Be sure to cite everything you use to avoid plagiarism .

4. Proofread and Edit

Once you complete writing 10 to 20 pages, you may feel like throwing in the towel and going to sleep for a few hours. However, it is crucial to power through and proofread your paper. If you have anyone available who can read your paper over, that would be best because it’s hard to catch mistakes when you’ve been looking at the same thing for so long. But, if no one is available, try to read your paper back to yourself out loud. This way, you may be able to catch typos better.

5. Check Formatting

Every research paper needs to adhere to a particular format guideline. Whether it’s APA, MLA, or another standard formatting practice, be sure to double check that your layout adheres to the guidelines.

Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash

When to start writing.

If you have yet to find yourself trying to write a paper at the last minute and all the notes above are scaring you out of procrastination, then that’s a good start! Perhaps you were recently assigned a research paper. In this case, the best way to tackle the project is to do the following:

Start Early

Get started right away. Even if it means just performing early research or writing an outline, starting early is going to save you from having to write a paper in one night down the line. When you start early, you benefit greatly because you can: leverage peers for ideas, take the necessary time to edit and rewrite, and you lower your risk of picking a topic with too little information and having to change topics at the last minute.

Writing in Stages

Starting early also affords you the opportunity to write in stages. You can think of writing as a cycle when you write in stages. First, you can create your outline. Then, you can write the introduction, edit it, and rewrite anything you may need to before moving on to the next piece (or the first body paragraph, in this case).

Use a Timeline

Create a timeline for your writing in stages. If you start four weeks in advance, for example, you have time to do all of the following:

Fully understand the assignment and ask any questions
Start to read and document sources
Create notecards and cite books for sources
Write a summary of what you’ve discovered so far that will be used in some of your paper
Create 3-5 subtopics and outline points you want to explore
Look for more sources on your subtopics
Start writing summaries on each subtopic
Write some analysis of your findings
Start to piece together the research paper based on your notes and outline (almost like completing a puzzle)
Edit and proofread / ask for feedback

The Writing Process

The actual writing process is a little different for everyone, but this is a general overview for how to write a 20-page paper, or one that is shorter.

Start with a Thesis: Your thesis is one sentence that clearly and concisely explains what you are going to prove with research.
Include a Menu Sentence: At the end of your introduction, you will briefly outline your subtopics in what is often referred to as a “menu sentence.” This allows the reader to understand what they can expect to learn about as they continue to read your paper.
Create a Detailed Introduction: Your introduction should be detailed enough so that someone with little to no knowledge about your subject matter can understand what the paper is about.
Keep References: Be sure to write your references as you go along so that you basically can create your bibliography in the process of writing. Again, this is where a tool like Mendeley may be useful.
Write First: Write first and edit later. You want to get all your ideas down on the page before you start judging or editing the writing.
Save Often: Create the draft on a cloud platform that is automatically saved (i.e. Google Docs in case your computer crashes) or email the work to yourself as you go.

The Breakdown of a 10-Page Paper

Sources to Consider Using

When writing your research paper and finding sources, it’s best to use a mix of sources. This may include:

Internet: The Internet is filled with limitless possibilities. When you use the Internet, it’s best to find credible and trustworthy sources to avoid using fake news as a source. That’s why tools like Google Scholar can be so helpful.
Textbooks: It’s more likely than not that you’ll be able to use your class textbook as a source for the research you are conducting.
Books: Additionally, other books outside of those you read within your class will prove useful in any research paper.

Final Steps: Editing and Formatting

Once you’ve written all your ideas on the page, it’s time to edit. It cannot be stressed enough that editing is pivotal before submission. This is especially true if you’ve been writing under immense pressure.

Writing a 10- or 20-page research paper in one night is not easy, so there are bound to be mistakes and typos. The best way to catch these mistakes is to follow these tips:

Take a break before you edit so you can come back to the page with somewhat fresh eyes and a clearer head
Read it out loud to edit and catch mistakes because sometimes your brain will override typos or missing words to make sense of what it is reading
If possible, ask someone else to look it over
Consider using footnotes or block quotes
Format according to how your university asks – MLA or APA, etc.

The Bottom Line

Life throws curveballs your way without warning. Whether you are holding yourself accountable for procrastinating or something out of your control came up, you may find yourself needing to write a big research paper in one night. It’s not the best-case scenario, but with the right tools and tricks up your sleeve, you can surely get it done!

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How Long Does It Take to Write a 10-Page Paper? It’s Sorta Up to You

The 10 page research paper is probably the most common assignment students get in their coursework. It seems like a good length for most topics that instructors want students to research and write about. Plus, it doesn’t seem horribly discouraging – in terms of how many words is a ten page paper double spaced, it will vary from about 2500 – 2750. Now that you know how many words in a ten page paper, let’s consider what it takes to produce that text.

If you ask students how much time it takes them to complete such a paper, they will have a variety of answers, everything from a day or two to a week.

How Long Does It Take to Write a 10 page Paper Double Spaced?

If you know how to write a 10 page paper, then you know that there is a process involved – that process has very specific and sequential steps . Don’t try to skip any of them, or your final product will be poorly done. So, if you are wondering how long does it take to write a 10 page paper? The answer lies in how long it will take you to get through each step of the process. Here are those steps:

Don’t Panic

Keep things in perspective. Remember that 10 pages double spaced is only five pages single spaced writing. If you think about it that way, that’s not too terribly long. Don’t let panic set in! You can do this.

Choosing that Topic

Obviously, you will not be writing on a large general topic. You may have an area of interest, but writing a 10 page paper means narrowing that general interest into smaller sub-topics as you look at your options. One tip that has helped students on their quest for how to write a 10 page paper with a good topic choice is to do some research, look at some examples, and see what topics will fit that length requirement.

The last thing you want to do is start writing a paper on an interesting topic, only to find that there just aren’t ten pages of information to provide. Remember that most instructors can tell when you’ve tried to stretch a paper to meet the word count.

One word of caution – don’t even think about “lifting” a paper – the consequences for plagiarism in academic institutions are pretty harsh.

Getting to that Research

Finding the right resources can be a challenge. Again, if you find some sample papers on the same topic, take a look at the used resources. If they are current and primary (original research or produced by known experts), then you might want to use them. Part of learning how to write a 10 page essay is knowing what resources to use and how many sources for a 10 page paper is enough. Generally, six resources should be a minimum, although there really is no maximum limit. Be aware that some professors limit the number of online sources you can use. Be prepared to hit the stacks.

Identifying Sub-Topics

This is how you begin to organize your paper. How to write a ten page paper well means that you sift through your research and identify the major sections that you will want to cover. These sections will let you get organized for writing, whether you choose to make an outline or not. At least, put the sub-topics in a logical order so that the paper will flow well. Later, this will help you determine the topics you will cover in your body paragraphs.

Two Drafts – Rough and Final, with a Review and Edit in Between

Writing a ten page paper means that you will have some mistakes the first time through – awkward sentences, run-ons, fragments, missing transitions. All of these need to be fixed, and that is what the review and edit are for. Do not ever turn in the first draft. It will not be polished.

You are probably getting the idea that you will probably not be learning how to write a 10 page paper in one night. Unless you are an amazing expert on the topic, and already know the content of the resources you intend to use, it can’t be done (unless you are willing to take a bad grade).

Some students state they know how to write a ten page paper in one night. What they do is take a pre-written paper they find online and try to re-write it or use “spinning” software. These are pretty “iffy” strategies and are often caught by a smart instructor. Writing a 10 page paper in one day is possible but only if a professional writing service is used, and a topic expert is producing it.

What to Do About a 10 Page Research Paper Due Tomorrow

You are in a bit of trouble, if you have not started on your paper. You probably already know that, though. So here is the best solution:

Find a reputable college research paper writing service

Let them know you have a 10 page research paper due tomorrow, identify the topic and any other specifics, and let them go to work for you. They will have the topic expert you need – someone who has written on the topic many times before and who probably has the resource materials in his/her head and pretty much memorized.

Provide as much information as possible, including research sources, access to academic databases, and even writing samples. The idea is to ensure the writer can just get to work without asking questions or clarifying things.

Be prepared to pay. It takes a talented writer to know how to write 10 page research paper this quickly.

You’ll get your paper on time, and it will be of high quality.

Learning how to write a 10 page essay is not rocket science. But it does take time and practice. There’s certainly more to it than quickly writing something, then verifying the word count. Learn how to do this right and get the help you need in the meantime.

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How to Write a 10-Page Research Paper

Writing Research Papers
Writing Essays
English Grammar
M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
B.A., History, Armstrong State University

A large research paper assignment can be scary and intimidating. As always, this large assignment becomes more manageable (and less scary) whenever you break it down into digestible bites.

Start Early

The first key to writing a good research paper is starting early. There are a few good reasons to get an early start:

The best sources for your topic might be taken by other students, or they might be located in a faraway library.
It will take time to read the sources and write those note cards.
You will find that every rewrite of your paper makes it better. Give yourself plenty of time to polish your paper.
If you wait until the last minute, you could find that there is no information available to support your topic or thesis. You might need to find a new topic.

Write in Stages

The timeline below should help you get to the number of pages you desire. The key to writing a long research paper is writing in stages: You will need to establish a general overview first and then identify and write about several subtopics.

The second key to writing a lengthy research paper is to think of the writing process as a cycle. You will alternate researching, writing, reordering, and revising.

You will need to revisit each subtopic to insert your own analysis and arrange the proper order of your paragraphs in the final stages. Be sure to cite all information that is not common knowledge. Consult a style guide to make sure you are always citing properly.

Use a Timeline

Develop your own timeline with the tool below. If possible start the process four weeks before the paper is due.

Research Paper Timeline

	Understand the assignment completely.
	Obtain general knowledge about your topic by reading from the internet and from encyclopedias.
	Find a good general book about your topic.
	Take notes from the book using index cards. Write several cards containing paraphrased information and clearly indicated quotes. Indicate page numbers for everything you record.
	Write a two-page overview of your topic using the book as a source. Include page numbers for the information you use. You don’t have to worry about format just yet—just type page numbers and author/book name for now.
	Pick five interesting aspects that could serve as subtopics of your subject. Focus in on a few major points that you could write about. These could be influential people, historical background, an important event, geographical information, or anything relevant to your subject.
	Find good sources that address your subtopics. These could be or books. Read or skim those to find the most relevant and useful information. Make more note cards. Be careful to indicate your source name and the page number for all of the information you record.
	If you find these sources aren’t providing enough material, look at the bibliographies of those sources to see what sources they used. Determine whether you need to find the original source material rather than relying on secondary references.
	Visit your library to order any articles or books (from the bibliographies) that are not available in your own library.
	Write a page or two for every one of your subtopics. Save each page in a separate file according to the subject. Print them out.
	Arrange your printed pages (subtopics) in a logical order. When you find a sequence that makes sense, cut and paste the pages together into one big file. Don’t delete your individual pages, though. You may need to come back to these.
	You may find it necessary to break up your original two-page overview and insert parts of it into your subtopic paragraphs.
	Write a few sentences or paragraphs of your analysis of each subtopic.
	Now you should have a clear idea of the focus of your paper. Develop a preliminary thesis statement.
	Fill in of your research paper.
	Develop a draft of your paper.

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How To Write A Research Paper

Step-By-Step Tutorial With Examples + FREE Template

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | March 2024

For many students, crafting a strong research paper from scratch can feel like a daunting task – and rightly so! In this post, we’ll unpack what a research paper is, what it needs to do , and how to write one – in three easy steps. 🙂

Overview: Writing A Research Paper

What (exactly) is a research paper.

How to write a research paper
Stage 1 : Topic & literature search
Stage 2 : Structure & outline
Stage 3 : Iterative writing
Key takeaways

Let’s start by asking the most important question, “ What is a research paper? ”.

Simply put, a research paper is a scholarly written work where the writer (that’s you!) answers a specific question (this is called a research question ) through evidence-based arguments . Evidence-based is the keyword here. In other words, a research paper is different from an essay or other writing assignments that draw from the writer’s personal opinions or experiences. With a research paper, it’s all about building your arguments based on evidence (we’ll talk more about that evidence a little later).

Now, it’s worth noting that there are many different types of research papers , including analytical papers (the type I just described), argumentative papers, and interpretative papers. Here, we’ll focus on analytical papers , as these are some of the most common – but if you’re keen to learn about other types of research papers, be sure to check out the rest of the blog .

With that basic foundation laid, let’s get down to business and look at how to write a research paper .

Overview: The 3-Stage Process

While there are, of course, many potential approaches you can take to write a research paper, there are typically three stages to the writing process. So, in this tutorial, we’ll present a straightforward three-step process that we use when working with students at Grad Coach.

These three steps are:

Finding a research topic and reviewing the existing literature
Developing a provisional structure and outline for your paper, and
Writing up your initial draft and then refining it iteratively

Let’s dig into each of these.

Need a helping hand?

how long to write a 10 page research paper

Step 1: Find a topic and review the literature

As we mentioned earlier, in a research paper, you, as the researcher, will try to answer a question . More specifically, that’s called a research question , and it sets the direction of your entire paper. What’s important to understand though is that you’ll need to answer that research question with the help of high-quality sources – for example, journal articles, government reports, case studies, and so on. We’ll circle back to this in a minute.

The first stage of the research process is deciding on what your research question will be and then reviewing the existing literature (in other words, past studies and papers) to see what they say about that specific research question. In some cases, your professor may provide you with a predetermined research question (or set of questions). However, in many cases, you’ll need to find your own research question within a certain topic area.

Finding a strong research question hinges on identifying a meaningful research gap – in other words, an area that’s lacking in existing research. There’s a lot to unpack here, so if you wanna learn more, check out the plain-language explainer video below.

Once you’ve figured out which question (or questions) you’ll attempt to answer in your research paper, you’ll need to do a deep dive into the existing literature – this is called a “ literature search ”. Again, there are many ways to go about this, but your most likely starting point will be Google Scholar .

If you’re new to Google Scholar, think of it as Google for the academic world. You can start by simply entering a few different keywords that are relevant to your research question and it will then present a host of articles for you to review. What you want to pay close attention to here is the number of citations for each paper – the more citations a paper has, the more credible it is (generally speaking – there are some exceptions, of course).

Ideally, what you’re looking for are well-cited papers that are highly relevant to your topic. That said, keep in mind that citations are a cumulative metric , so older papers will often have more citations than newer papers – just because they’ve been around for longer. So, don’t fixate on this metric in isolation – relevance and recency are also very important.

Beyond Google Scholar, you’ll also definitely want to check out academic databases and aggregators such as Science Direct, PubMed, JStor and so on. These will often overlap with the results that you find in Google Scholar, but they can also reveal some hidden gems – so, be sure to check them out.

Once you’ve worked your way through all the literature, you’ll want to catalogue all this information in some sort of spreadsheet so that you can easily recall who said what, when and within what context. If you’d like, we’ve got a free literature spreadsheet that helps you do exactly that.

Don’t fixate on an article’s citation count in isolation - relevance (to your research question) and recency are also very important.

Step 2: Develop a structure and outline

With your research question pinned down and your literature digested and catalogued, it’s time to move on to planning your actual research paper .

It might sound obvious, but it’s really important to have some sort of rough outline in place before you start writing your paper. So often, we see students eagerly rushing into the writing phase, only to land up with a disjointed research paper that rambles on in multiple

Now, the secret here is to not get caught up in the fine details . Realistically, all you need at this stage is a bullet-point list that describes (in broad strokes) what you’ll discuss and in what order. It’s also useful to remember that you’re not glued to this outline – in all likelihood, you’ll chop and change some sections once you start writing, and that’s perfectly okay. What’s important is that you have some sort of roadmap in place from the start.

You need to have a rough outline in place before you start writing your paper - or you’ll end up with a disjointed research paper that rambles on.

At this stage you might be wondering, “ But how should I structure my research paper? ”. Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution here, but in general, a research paper will consist of a few relatively standardised components:

Introduction
Literature review
Methodology

Let’s take a look at each of these.

First up is the introduction section . As the name suggests, the purpose of the introduction is to set the scene for your research paper. There are usually (at least) four ingredients that go into this section – these are the background to the topic, the research problem and resultant research question , and the justification or rationale. If you’re interested, the video below unpacks the introduction section in more detail.

The next section of your research paper will typically be your literature review . Remember all that literature you worked through earlier? Well, this is where you’ll present your interpretation of all that content . You’ll do this by writing about recent trends, developments, and arguments within the literature – but more specifically, those that are relevant to your research question . The literature review can oftentimes seem a little daunting, even to seasoned researchers, so be sure to check out our extensive collection of literature review content here .

With the introduction and lit review out of the way, the next section of your paper is the research methodology . In a nutshell, the methodology section should describe to your reader what you did (beyond just reviewing the existing literature) to answer your research question. For example, what data did you collect, how did you collect that data, how did you analyse that data and so on? For each choice, you’ll also need to justify why you chose to do it that way, and what the strengths and weaknesses of your approach were.

Now, it’s worth mentioning that for some research papers, this aspect of the project may be a lot simpler . For example, you may only need to draw on secondary sources (in other words, existing data sets). In some cases, you may just be asked to draw your conclusions from the literature search itself (in other words, there may be no data analysis at all). But, if you are required to collect and analyse data, you’ll need to pay a lot of attention to the methodology section. The video below provides an example of what the methodology section might look like.

By this stage of your paper, you will have explained what your research question is, what the existing literature has to say about that question, and how you analysed additional data to try to answer your question. So, the natural next step is to present your analysis of that data . This section is usually called the “results” or “analysis” section and this is where you’ll showcase your findings.

Depending on your school’s requirements, you may need to present and interpret the data in one section – or you might split the presentation and the interpretation into two sections. In the latter case, your “results” section will just describe the data, and the “discussion” is where you’ll interpret that data and explicitly link your analysis back to your research question. If you’re not sure which approach to take, check in with your professor or take a look at past papers to see what the norms are for your programme.

Alright – once you’ve presented and discussed your results, it’s time to wrap it up . This usually takes the form of the “ conclusion ” section. In the conclusion, you’ll need to highlight the key takeaways from your study and close the loop by explicitly answering your research question. Again, the exact requirements here will vary depending on your programme (and you may not even need a conclusion section at all) – so be sure to check with your professor if you’re unsure.

Step 3: Write and refine

Finally, it’s time to get writing. All too often though, students hit a brick wall right about here… So, how do you avoid this happening to you?

Well, there’s a lot to be said when it comes to writing a research paper (or any sort of academic piece), but we’ll share three practical tips to help you get started.

First and foremost , it’s essential to approach your writing as an iterative process. In other words, you need to start with a really messy first draft and then polish it over multiple rounds of editing. Don’t waste your time trying to write a perfect research paper in one go. Instead, take the pressure off yourself by adopting an iterative approach.

Secondly , it’s important to always lean towards critical writing , rather than descriptive writing. What does this mean? Well, at the simplest level, descriptive writing focuses on the “ what ”, while critical writing digs into the “ so what ” – in other words, the implications . If you’re not familiar with these two types of writing, don’t worry! You can find a plain-language explanation here.

Last but not least, you’ll need to get your referencing right. Specifically, you’ll need to provide credible, correctly formatted citations for the statements you make. We see students making referencing mistakes all the time and it costs them dearly. The good news is that you can easily avoid this by using a simple reference manager . If you don’t have one, check out our video about Mendeley, an easy (and free) reference management tool that you can start using today.

Recap: Key Takeaways

We’ve covered a lot of ground here. To recap, the three steps to writing a high-quality research paper are:

To choose a research question and review the literature
To plan your paper structure and draft an outline
To take an iterative approach to writing, focusing on critical writing and strong referencing

Remember, this is just a b ig-picture overview of the research paper development process and there’s a lot more nuance to unpack. So, be sure to grab a copy of our free research paper template to learn more about how to write a research paper.

Can you help me with a full paper template for this Abstract:

Background: Energy and sports drinks have gained popularity among diverse demographic groups, including adolescents, athletes, workers, and college students. While often used interchangeably, these beverages serve distinct purposes, with energy drinks aiming to boost energy and cognitive performance, and sports drinks designed to prevent dehydration and replenish electrolytes and carbohydrates lost during physical exertion.

Objective: To assess the nutritional quality of energy and sports drinks in Egypt.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study assessed the nutrient contents, including energy, sugar, electrolytes, vitamins, and caffeine, of sports and energy drinks available in major supermarkets in Cairo, Alexandria, and Giza, Egypt. Data collection involved photographing all relevant product labels and recording nutritional information. Descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical tests were employed to analyze and compare the nutritional values of energy and sports drinks.

Results: The study analyzed 38 sports drinks and 42 energy drinks. Sports drinks were significantly more expensive than energy drinks, with higher net content and elevated magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C. Energy drinks contained higher concentrations of caffeine, sugars, and vitamins B2, B3, and B6.

Conclusion: Significant nutritional differences exist between sports and energy drinks, reflecting their intended uses. However, these beverages’ high sugar content and calorie loads raise health concerns. Proper labeling, public awareness, and responsible marketing are essential to guide safe consumption practices in Egypt.

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How To Write A 10-Page Research Paper: Some Of The Best Tips

You’re finally writing your research paper. That means you’re done with reading and absorbing knowledge and are ready to contribute some of your own. It is inspiring, and there are no two opinions on that. However, all things come at a price, and all exciting things come with challenges. Especially when you are faced with the question of how to write a 10-page research paper, that sounds like strict guidelines, and we can understand your concern.

Table of Contents

How To Write A 10-Page Research Paper Fast?

You have been procrastinating because for weeks, and now the deadline is closer than ever. It’s a natural phenomenon. Sometimes even the best of us keep delaying the things that challenge us and force us out of our comfort zones. Trust me; we know the feeling. Even our writers are prone to such problems and writer’s block. Now it’s getting late. Let’s bury all these worries for a bit and talk about how to write a 10-page research paper the fastest way possible. Our writers have written everything down in simple and easy-to-understand steps. Read on! We can’t wait to make your day.

How To Write A Research Paper By Breaking It Into Smaller Parts?

One of the most remarkable techniques to achieve bigger goals is to break your challenges into smaller parts. The small things make more significant parts and make the difference. So when someone asks you how to write a 10-page research paper? Always tell them to make it out of smaller pieces. But how to do that? Let’s go and take a peek at it.

2 Paragraphs, Or 1 Page Of Introduction

An introduction is a crucial aspect whether you’re looking for a 20-page research paper or how to write a 10-page research paper. In the Introduction, you will summarize everything you’re going to write ahead. For a 10-page research paper, the ideal introduction size would be a single page. A single page typically consists of two paragraphs. Being comprehensive is the key, and you want to remain right on the topic. You won’t have much space like a thesis or dissertation. Try to be brief and concise and cover everything you can within a single page, between two to three paragraphs.

18 Paragraphs, Or 6 Pages Of The Body (Further Divided Into Three Parts)

After you’re done with the Introduction, the next step is writing the main body of your research paper. But how to write a 10-page research paper body? Well, that’s easy. Remember that you have six pages to spare for this task. You will have to suffice within this given guideline. We will break this into three further steps.

Argument Position / Acknowledgement Of The Existence Of The Problem / Defining The Case

The first two pages of the body acknowledge your stance on the issue or phenomenon you will talk about. You have to understand your position and the problem’s existence in the observations and experiences. You will utilize most of the data that you collected in this part. What are your arguments, and what makes them essential? Are there any researches that have come before? 6 Paragraphs of this lot, more or less two pages, would be a great length.

Roots / Causes Of The Problem / Explaining The Case

What is it that motivated you to choose this problem? Why this problem exists, or what caused the phenomenon in our discourse? In this part, you can include surveys and interviews with your audience and record your observations related to root causes. This is the most critical part of your research as it is based on public opinion. In a democratic state, there is nothing more important than public opinion.

Solutions To The Problem / Results Of The Case

Now we know the problem exists, and we also see the root causes of the problem. The final step in the body of your ten pages research paper is to define a solution. We must remember that the primary purpose of research writing is more than just finding a problem and extending it. A good research paper will also propose a solution and many answers to the existing questions. The final part of your body tells the reader how we can solve this problem, what measures we need to take, and what the solution will lead to.

2 Paragraphs, Or One Page Of Concluding The Case

The final step when answering the day’s question, “how to write a 10-page research paper?” would be to conclude the paper. We bet you already knew that. Just summarize everything you have written before in the final two or three paragraphs, in more or less 1-2 pages, and your paper is complete.

Read More: Psychology Research Paper Topics

How To Write A 10 Page Research Paper in 10 Steps

Understanding The Assignment

You got the assignment. Congratulations! Because that means you’re finally finishing your year and going a step further. There is no time to hurry that much. Sit back and breathe. Keep calm and look at the given assignment. Consult a couple of friends. Even ask a couple of questions to your supervisors. Once your confidence is built, it will take no time to get a hold of the assignment.

Going Through A Feasibility Check

Once you have understood the assignment, it is best practice to check if it is a feasible topic you will discuss in your research. Has there been enough data available that you can use? If there is a lack of data and previously published research on your topic, you will not be able to finish the study. If there is too much redundancy, you might find a lack of interest from your institute.

Choosing A Topic

Choosing a research paper topic is a critical decision. It can be frustrating when you can’t come up with anything and you end up with a blank page. But there is a way to get over writer’s block and choose the topic that will get you thinking.

You can Google “ research paper topics ,” and you will find a lot of options. The first thing you need to do is to decide what interests you. If you are facing writer’s block, choosing the topic that triggers your thought process is essential. If you are interested in education, you might want to select a topic about education reform. If you are interested in politics, you might want to choose a case about the 2016 presidential election.

By following these steps, you can get over writer’s block and choose a topic that will get you thinking.

Making Initial Research

Once you have chosen the topic, it is time to research it. You don’t have to do much research, but you need a general idea of your writing. If you are writing about the 2016 presidential election, you might want to read articles about the candidates and the campaign. Looking into some political science research topics will help too. If you are writing about education reform, you might want to read articles about education systems worldwide.

Gathering Sources

When writing your research paper, it is important to use credible sources. Credible sources are those that you can trust to provide accurate information. You can find credible sources by doing your research or using the resources provided in this guide.

When you are doing your research, be sure to use reliable sources. A reliable source is one that you can trust to provide accurate information. You can charge a reliable source if you have read and understood the article or spoken to someone who has read and understood the article.

Ask Questions Related To Your Topic, Talk To Your Sources

Collecting data for your research paper can be daunting, but by taking a walk around and asking questions to people, you can get a lot of valuable information. Even a non-specialist could provide you with a lot of data and insights.

One of the best ways to collect data is to ask people their opinions on some issues. You can do this through surveys, interviews, or even talking to community members. This information can be used to help you understand your audience, as well as the issues that are important to them.

Interviewing The Participants / Volunteers

Once you have determined your sources, you will need to prepare a list of questions to ask them. This list should be tailored to the individual basis and reflect the information you have determined about them.

When interviewing your sources, it is essential to be respectful and attentive to their time. It would be best if you also were prepared to take notes during the interview and be prepared to ask follow-up questions.

By interviewing your sources effectively , you will be able to provide a more in-depth and accurate account of the topic you are writing about.

Form A Stance

It is essential to have an understanding of your position. This means that you need to know the facts about the topic and be able to articulate your thoughts on the matter. When you can express your thoughts, you can defend your stance and be more likely to find accurate information.

Create An Outline

An outline is one of the essential tasks in writing research papers. It helps you stay organized and focused and makes the writing process more manageable.

There are a few different types of outline, and the one that’s most effective for you will depend on the kind of paper you’re writing and your specific writing style. However, some general tips will help you create an outline regardless of the type of outline you use.

One of the most important things to remember when writing an outline is to keep it concise. Don’t include too many details in your strategy, or you’ll quickly become bogged down in a sea of information. Instead, focus on having the main points of your paper and then expanding on them as you write.

Also, be sure to outline the main points of your paper before you start writing. This will help you stay on track and avoid getting sidetracked. Once you have a rough outline, you can begin filling in the details.

Start Writing

All the daunting tasks are almost finished. Let’s get to writing your research paper. You already know how to write a 10-page research paper. If you already know the answers and everything you need, let’s put them down on paper. Remember to take breaks to avoid burnout.

Cite Your Sources

“Always remember to cite your sources. Your sources are the people and institutes that provide you with data. Ignoring them would be severe injustice and will be considered an act of plagiarism.”

Plagiarism is a severe offense and can result in a loss of academic credibility and future opportunities. It is, therefore, vital to be aware of the guidelines for citing and to follow them correctly.

When citing a source, always include the following:

The author’s name.
The title of the article or book.
The page number(s) where the information can be found.

It is also essential to include the date of publication.

Be Your Critic (It’s fun!)

You’re almost finished. Let’s have a look at what you have written. It is always fun to be a critic. Trust me; it is the same when you’re your critic. Find if there are any mistakes and correct them for grammar and context.

Re-read, Enjoy Your Work, and Then Submit

Do you enjoy reading? Don’t we all? It is one of the few pleasures of this dark, wicket world. It is okay to read your works. You will not only enjoy reading your works but will also find yourself a little proud. It’s good to feel proud in a while. After you know it’s all okay and ready, go to the site of your institute, upload your document, and hit the submit button.

How to write a 10-page research paper? Answering this could be challenging. It is a challenge no more. You have everything you were looking for. Now write your essay and surprise the world with your excellence. If you still think it will be difficult to find time to write your research paper, that is totally understandable. You can hire someone for paper writing help from Paper Perk, and they can lift your academic weight for you for a while.

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How to write a research paper

Last updated

11 January 2024

Reviewed by

With proper planning, knowledge, and framework, completing a research paper can be a fulfilling and exciting experience.

Though it might initially sound slightly intimidating, this guide will help you embrace the challenge.

By documenting your findings, you can inspire others and make a difference in your field. Here's how you can make your research paper unique and comprehensive.

What is a research paper?

Research papers allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of a particular topic. These papers are usually lengthier and more detailed than typical essays, requiring deeper insight into the chosen topic.

To write a research paper, you must first choose a topic that interests you and is relevant to the field of study. Once you’ve selected your topic, gathering as many relevant resources as possible, including books, scholarly articles, credible websites, and other academic materials, is essential. You must then read and analyze these sources, summarizing their key points and identifying gaps in the current research.

You can formulate your ideas and opinions once you thoroughly understand the existing research. To get there might involve conducting original research, gathering data, or analyzing existing data sets. It could also involve presenting an original argument or interpretation of the existing research.

Writing a successful research paper involves presenting your findings clearly and engagingly, which might involve using charts, graphs, or other visual aids to present your data and using concise language to explain your findings. You must also ensure your paper adheres to relevant academic formatting guidelines, including proper citations and references.

Overall, writing a research paper requires a significant amount of time, effort, and attention to detail. However, it is also an enriching experience that allows you to delve deeply into a subject that interests you and contribute to the existing body of knowledge in your chosen field.

How long should a research paper be?

Research papers are deep dives into a topic. Therefore, they tend to be longer pieces of work than essays or opinion pieces.

However, a suitable length depends on the complexity of the topic and your level of expertise. For instance, are you a first-year college student or an experienced professional?

Also, remember that the best research papers provide valuable information for the benefit of others. Therefore, the quality of information matters most, not necessarily the length. Being concise is valuable.

Following these best practice steps will help keep your process simple and productive:

1. Gaining a deep understanding of any expectations

Before diving into your intended topic or beginning the research phase, take some time to orient yourself. Suppose there’s a specific topic assigned to you. In that case, it’s essential to deeply understand the question and organize your planning and approach in response. Pay attention to the key requirements and ensure you align your writing accordingly.

This preparation step entails

Deeply understanding the task or assignment

Being clear about the expected format and length

Familiarizing yourself with the citation and referencing requirements

Understanding any defined limits for your research contribution

Where applicable, speaking to your professor or research supervisor for further clarification

2. Choose your research topic

Select a research topic that aligns with both your interests and available resources. Ideally, focus on a field where you possess significant experience and analytical skills. In crafting your research paper, it's crucial to go beyond summarizing existing data and contribute fresh insights to the chosen area.

Consider narrowing your focus to a specific aspect of the topic. For example, if exploring the link between technology and mental health, delve into how social media use during the pandemic impacts the well-being of college students. Conducting interviews and surveys with students could provide firsthand data and unique perspectives, adding substantial value to the existing knowledge.

When finalizing your topic, adhere to legal and ethical norms in the relevant area (this ensures the integrity of your research, protects participants' rights, upholds intellectual property standards, and ensures transparency and accountability). Following these principles not only maintains the credibility of your work but also builds trust within your academic or professional community.

For instance, in writing about medical research, consider legal and ethical norms , including patient confidentiality laws and informed consent requirements. Similarly, if analyzing user data on social media platforms, be mindful of data privacy regulations, ensuring compliance with laws governing personal information collection and use. Aligning with legal and ethical standards not only avoids potential issues but also underscores the responsible conduct of your research.

3. Gather preliminary research

Once you’ve landed on your topic, it’s time to explore it further. You’ll want to discover more about available resources and existing research relevant to your assignment at this stage.

This exploratory phase is vital as you may discover issues with your original idea or realize you have insufficient resources to explore the topic effectively. This key bit of groundwork allows you to redirect your research topic in a different, more feasible, or more relevant direction if necessary.

Spending ample time at this stage ensures you gather everything you need, learn as much as you can about the topic, and discover gaps where the topic has yet to be sufficiently covered, offering an opportunity to research it further.

4. Define your research question

To produce a well-structured and focused paper, it is imperative to formulate a clear and precise research question that will guide your work. Your research question must be informed by the existing literature and tailored to the scope and objectives of your project. By refining your focus, you can produce a thoughtful and engaging paper that effectively communicates your ideas to your readers.

5. Write a thesis statement

A thesis statement is a one-to-two-sentence summary of your research paper's main argument or direction. It serves as an overall guide to summarize the overall intent of the research paper for you and anyone wanting to know more about the research.

A strong thesis statement is:

Concise and clear: Explain your case in simple sentences (avoid covering multiple ideas). It might help to think of this section as an elevator pitch.

Specific: Ensure that there is no ambiguity in your statement and that your summary covers the points argued in the paper.

Debatable: A thesis statement puts forward a specific argument––it is not merely a statement but a debatable point that can be analyzed and discussed.

Here are three thesis statement examples from different disciplines:

Psychology thesis example: "We're studying adults aged 25-40 to see if taking short breaks for mindfulness can help with stress. Our goal is to find practical ways to manage anxiety better."

Environmental science thesis example: "This research paper looks into how having more city parks might make the air cleaner and keep people healthier. I want to find out if more green spaces means breathing fewer carcinogens in big cities."

UX research thesis example: "This study focuses on improving mobile banking for older adults using ethnographic research, eye-tracking analysis, and interactive prototyping. We investigate the usefulness of eye-tracking analysis with older individuals, aiming to spark debate and offer fresh perspectives on UX design and digital inclusivity for the aging population."

6. Conduct in-depth research

A research paper doesn’t just include research that you’ve uncovered from other papers and studies but your fresh insights, too. You will seek to become an expert on your topic––understanding the nuances in the current leading theories. You will analyze existing research and add your thinking and discoveries. It's crucial to conduct well-designed research that is rigorous, robust, and based on reliable sources. Suppose a research paper lacks evidence or is biased. In that case, it won't benefit the academic community or the general public. Therefore, examining the topic thoroughly and furthering its understanding through high-quality research is essential. That usually means conducting new research. Depending on the area under investigation, you may conduct surveys, interviews, diary studies , or observational research to uncover new insights or bolster current claims.

7. Determine supporting evidence

Not every piece of research you’ve discovered will be relevant to your research paper. It’s important to categorize the most meaningful evidence to include alongside your discoveries. It's important to include evidence that doesn't support your claims to avoid exclusion bias and ensure a fair research paper.

8. Write a research paper outline

Before diving in and writing the whole paper, start with an outline. It will help you to see if more research is needed, and it will provide a framework by which to write a more compelling paper. Your supervisor may even request an outline to approve before beginning to write the first draft of the full paper. An outline will include your topic, thesis statement, key headings, short summaries of the research, and your arguments.

9. Write your first draft

Once you feel confident about your outline and sources, it’s time to write your first draft. While penning a long piece of content can be intimidating, if you’ve laid the groundwork, you will have a structure to help you move steadily through each section. To keep up motivation and inspiration, it’s often best to keep the pace quick. Stopping for long periods can interrupt your flow and make jumping back in harder than writing when things are fresh in your mind.

10. Cite your sources correctly

It's always a good practice to give credit where it's due, and the same goes for citing any works that have influenced your paper. Building your arguments on credible references adds value and authenticity to your research. In the formatting guidelines section, you’ll find an overview of different citation styles (MLA, CMOS, or APA), which will help you meet any publishing or academic requirements and strengthen your paper's credibility. It is essential to follow the guidelines provided by your school or the publication you are submitting to ensure the accuracy and relevance of your citations.

11. Ensure your work is original

It is crucial to ensure the originality of your paper, as plagiarism can lead to serious consequences. To avoid plagiarism, you should use proper paraphrasing and quoting techniques. Paraphrasing is rewriting a text in your own words while maintaining the original meaning. Quoting involves directly citing the source. Giving credit to the original author or source is essential whenever you borrow their ideas or words. You can also use plagiarism detection tools such as Scribbr or Grammarly to check the originality of your paper. These tools compare your draft writing to a vast database of online sources. If you find any accidental plagiarism, you should correct it immediately by rephrasing or citing the source.

12. Revise, edit, and proofread

One of the essential qualities of excellent writers is their ability to understand the importance of editing and proofreading. Even though it's tempting to call it a day once you've finished your writing, editing your work can significantly improve its quality. It's natural to overlook the weaker areas when you've just finished writing a paper. Therefore, it's best to take a break of a day or two, or even up to a week, to refresh your mind. This way, you can return to your work with a new perspective. After some breathing room, you can spot any inconsistencies, spelling and grammar errors, typos, or missing citations and correct them.

The best research paper format

The format of your research paper should align with the requirements set forth by your college, school, or target publication.

There is no one “best” format, per se. Depending on the stated requirements, you may need to include the following elements:

Title page: The title page of a research paper typically includes the title, author's name, and institutional affiliation and may include additional information such as a course name or instructor's name.

Table of contents: Include a table of contents to make it easy for readers to find specific sections of your paper.

Abstract: The abstract is a summary of the purpose of the paper.

Methods : In this section, describe the research methods used. This may include collecting data , conducting interviews, or doing field research .

Results: Summarize the conclusions you drew from your research in this section.

Discussion: In this section, discuss the implications of your research . Be sure to mention any significant limitations to your approach and suggest areas for further research.

Tables, charts, and illustrations: Use tables, charts, and illustrations to help convey your research findings and make them easier to understand.

Works cited or reference page: Include a works cited or reference page to give credit to the sources that you used to conduct your research.

Bibliography: Provide a list of all the sources you consulted while conducting your research.

Dedication and acknowledgments : Optionally, you may include a dedication and acknowledgments section to thank individuals who helped you with your research.

General style and formatting guidelines

Formatting your research paper means you can submit it to your college, journal, or other publications in compliance with their criteria.

Research papers tend to follow the American Psychological Association (APA), Modern Language Association (MLA), or Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) guidelines.

Here’s how each style guide is typically used:

Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS):

CMOS is a versatile style guide used for various types of writing. It's known for its flexibility and use in the humanities. CMOS provides guidelines for citations, formatting, and overall writing style. It allows for both footnotes and in-text citations, giving writers options based on their preferences or publication requirements.

American Psychological Association (APA):

APA is common in the social sciences. It’s hailed for its clarity and emphasis on precision. It has specific rules for citing sources, creating references, and formatting papers. APA style uses in-text citations with an accompanying reference list. It's designed to convey information efficiently and is widely used in academic and scientific writing.

Modern Language Association (MLA):

MLA is widely used in the humanities, especially literature and language studies. It emphasizes the author-page format for in-text citations and provides guidelines for creating a "Works Cited" page. MLA is known for its focus on the author's name and the literary works cited. It’s frequently used in disciplines that prioritize literary analysis and critical thinking.

To confirm you're using the latest style guide, check the official website or publisher's site for updates, consult academic resources, and verify the guide's publication date. Online platforms and educational resources may also provide summaries and alerts about any revisions or additions to the style guide.

Citing sources

When working on your research paper, it's important to cite the sources you used properly. Your citation style will guide you through this process. Generally, there are three parts to citing sources in your research paper:

First, provide a brief citation in the body of your essay. This is also known as a parenthetical or in-text citation.

Second, include a full citation in the Reference list at the end of your paper. Different types of citations include in-text citations, footnotes, and reference lists.

In-text citations include the author's surname and the date of the citation.

Footnotes appear at the bottom of each page of your research paper. They may also be summarized within a reference list at the end of the paper.

A reference list includes all of the research used within the paper at the end of the document. It should include the author, date, paper title, and publisher listed in the order that aligns with your citation style.

10 research paper writing tips:

Following some best practices is essential to writing a research paper that contributes to your field of study and creates a positive impact.

These tactics will help you structure your argument effectively and ensure your work benefits others:

Clear and precise language: Ensure your language is unambiguous. Use academic language appropriately, but keep it simple. Also, provide clear takeaways for your audience.

Effective idea separation: Organize the vast amount of information and sources in your paper with paragraphs and titles. Create easily digestible sections for your readers to navigate through.

Compelling intro: Craft an engaging introduction that captures your reader's interest. Hook your audience and motivate them to continue reading.

Thorough revision and editing: Take the time to review and edit your paper comprehensively. Use tools like Grammarly to detect and correct small, overlooked errors.

Thesis precision: Develop a clear and concise thesis statement that guides your paper. Ensure that your thesis aligns with your research's overall purpose and contribution.

Logical flow of ideas: Maintain a logical progression throughout the paper. Use transitions effectively to connect different sections and maintain coherence.

Critical evaluation of sources: Evaluate and critically assess the relevance and reliability of your sources. Ensure that your research is based on credible and up-to-date information.

Thematic consistency: Maintain a consistent theme throughout the paper. Ensure that all sections contribute cohesively to the overall argument.

Relevant supporting evidence: Provide concise and relevant evidence to support your arguments. Avoid unnecessary details that may distract from the main points.

Embrace counterarguments: Acknowledge and address opposing views to strengthen your position. Show that you have considered alternative arguments in your field.

7 research tips

If you want your paper to not only be well-written but also contribute to the progress of human knowledge, consider these tips to take your paper to the next level:

Selecting the appropriate topic: The topic you select should align with your area of expertise, comply with the requirements of your project, and have sufficient resources for a comprehensive investigation.

Use academic databases: Academic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and JSTOR offer a wealth of research papers that can help you discover everything you need to know about your chosen topic.

Critically evaluate sources: It is important not to accept research findings at face value. Instead, it is crucial to critically analyze the information to avoid jumping to conclusions or overlooking important details. A well-written research paper requires a critical analysis with thorough reasoning to support claims.

Diversify your sources: Expand your research horizons by exploring a variety of sources beyond the standard databases. Utilize books, conference proceedings, and interviews to gather diverse perspectives and enrich your understanding of the topic.

Take detailed notes: Detailed note-taking is crucial during research and can help you form the outline and body of your paper.

Stay up on trends: Keep abreast of the latest developments in your field by regularly checking for recent publications. Subscribe to newsletters, follow relevant journals, and attend conferences to stay informed about emerging trends and advancements.

Engage in peer review: Seek feedback from peers or mentors to ensure the rigor and validity of your research . Peer review helps identify potential weaknesses in your methodology and strengthens the overall credibility of your findings.

The real-world impact of research papers

Writing a research paper is more than an academic or business exercise. The experience provides an opportunity to explore a subject in-depth, broaden one's understanding, and arrive at meaningful conclusions. With careful planning, dedication, and hard work, writing a research paper can be a fulfilling and enriching experience contributing to advancing knowledge.

How do I publish my research paper?

Many academics wish to publish their research papers. While challenging, your paper might get traction if it covers new and well-written information. To publish your research paper, find a target publication, thoroughly read their guidelines, format your paper accordingly, and send it to them per their instructions. You may need to include a cover letter, too. After submission, your paper may be peer-reviewed by experts to assess its legitimacy, quality, originality, and methodology. Following review, you will be informed by the publication whether they have accepted or rejected your paper.

What is a good opening sentence for a research paper?

Beginning your research paper with a compelling introduction can ensure readers are interested in going further. A relevant quote, a compelling statistic, or a bold argument can start the paper and hook your reader. Remember, though, that the most important aspect of a research paper is the quality of the information––not necessarily your ability to storytell, so ensure anything you write aligns with your goals.

Research paper vs. a research proposal—what’s the difference?

While some may confuse research papers and proposals, they are different documents.

A research proposal comes before a research paper. It is a detailed document that outlines an intended area of exploration. It includes the research topic, methodology, timeline, sources, and potential conclusions. Research proposals are often required when seeking approval to conduct research.

A research paper is a summary of research findings. A research paper follows a structured format to present those findings and construct an argument or conclusion.

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How to Write a Research Paper

Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this guide:

Research Paper Fundamentals

How to choose a topic or question, how to create a working hypothesis or thesis, common research paper methodologies, how to gather and organize evidence , how to write an outline for your research paper, how to write a rough draft, how to revise your draft, how to produce a final draft, resources for teachers .

It is not fair to say that no one writes anymore. Just about everyone writes text messages, brief emails, or social media posts every single day. Yet, most people don't have a lot of practice with the formal, organized writing required for a good academic research paper. This guide contains links to a variety of resources that can help demystify the process. Some of these resources are intended for teachers; they contain exercises, activities, and teaching strategies. Other resources are intended for direct use by students who are struggling to write papers, or are looking for tips to make the process go more smoothly.

The resources in this section are designed to help students understand the different types of research papers, the general research process, and how to manage their time. Below, you'll find links from university writing centers, the trusted Purdue Online Writing Lab, and more.

What is an Academic Research Paper?

"Genre and the Research Paper" (Purdue OWL)

There are different types of research papers. Different types of scholarly questions will lend themselves to one format or another. This is a brief introduction to the two main genres of research paper: analytic and argumentative.

"7 Most Popular Types of Research Papers" (Personal-writer.com)

This resource discusses formats that high school students commonly encounter, such as the compare and contrast essay and the definitional essay. Please note that the inclusion of this link is not an endorsement of this company's paid service.

How to Prepare and Plan Out Writing a Research Paper

Teachers can give their students a step-by-step guide like these to help them understand the different steps of the research paper process. These guides can be combined with the time management tools in the next subsection to help students come up with customized calendars for completing their papers.

"Ten Steps for Writing Research Papers" (American University)

This resource from American University is a comprehensive guide to the research paper writing process, and includes examples of proper research questions and thesis topics.

"Steps in Writing a Research Paper" (SUNY Empire State College)

This guide breaks the research paper process into 11 steps. Each "step" links to a separate page, which describes the work entailed in completing it.

How to Manage Time Effectively

The links below will help students determine how much time is necessary to complete a paper. If your sources are not available online or at your local library, you'll need to leave extra time for the Interlibrary Loan process. Remember that, even if you do not need to consult secondary sources, you'll still need to leave yourself ample time to organize your thoughts.

"Research Paper Planner: Timeline" (Baylor University)

This interactive resource from Baylor University creates a suggested writing schedule based on how much time a student has to work on the assignment.

"Research Paper Planner" (UCLA)

UCLA's library offers this step-by-step guide to the research paper writing process, which also includes a suggested planning calendar.

There's a reason teachers spend a long time talking about choosing a good topic. Without a good topic and a well-formulated research question, it is almost impossible to write a clear and organized paper. The resources below will help you generate ideas and formulate precise questions.

"How to Select a Research Topic" (Univ. of Michigan-Flint)

This resource is designed for college students who are struggling to come up with an appropriate topic. A student who uses this resource and still feels unsure about his or her topic should consult the course instructor for further personalized assistance.

"25 Interesting Research Paper Topics to Get You Started" (Kibin)

This resource, which is probably most appropriate for high school students, provides a list of specific topics to help get students started. It is broken into subsections, such as "paper topics on local issues."

"Writing a Good Research Question" (Grand Canyon University)

This introduction to research questions includes some embedded videos, as well as links to scholarly articles on research questions. This resource would be most appropriate for teachers who are planning lessons on research paper fundamentals.

"How to Write a Research Question the Right Way" (Kibin)

This student-focused resource provides more detail on writing research questions. The language is accessible, and there are embedded videos and examples of good and bad questions.

It is important to have a rough hypothesis or thesis in mind at the beginning of the research process. People who have a sense of what they want to say will have an easier time sorting through scholarly sources and other information. The key, of course, is not to become too wedded to the draft hypothesis or thesis. Just about every working thesis gets changed during the research process.

CrashCourse Video: "Sociology Research Methods" (YouTube)

Although this video is tailored to sociology students, it is applicable to students in a variety of social science disciplines. This video does a good job demonstrating the connection between the brainstorming that goes into selecting a research question and the formulation of a working hypothesis.

"How to Write a Thesis Statement for an Analytical Essay" (YouTube)

Students writing analytical essays will not develop the same type of working hypothesis as students who are writing research papers in other disciplines. For these students, developing the working thesis may happen as a part of the rough draft (see the relevant section below).

"Research Hypothesis" (Oakland Univ.)

This resource provides some examples of hypotheses in social science disciplines like Political Science and Criminal Justice. These sample hypotheses may also be useful for students in other soft social sciences and humanities disciplines like History.

When grading a research paper, instructors look for a consistent methodology. This section will help you understand different methodological approaches used in research papers. Students will get the most out of these resources if they use them to help prepare for conversations with teachers or discussions in class.

"Types of Research Designs" (USC)

A "research design," used for complex papers, is related to the paper's method. This resource contains introductions to a variety of popular research designs in the social sciences. Although it is not the most intuitive site to read, the information here is very valuable.

"Major Research Methods" (YouTube)

Although this video is a bit on the dry side, it provides a comprehensive overview of the major research methodologies in a format that might be more accessible to students who have struggled with textbooks or other written resources.

"Humanities Research Strategies" (USC)

This is a portal where students can learn about four methodological approaches for humanities papers: Historical Methodologies, Textual Criticism, Conceptual Analysis, and the Synoptic method.

"Selected Major Social Science Research Methods: Overview" (National Academies Press)

This appendix from the book Using Science as Evidence in Public Policy , printed by National Academies Press, introduces some methods used in social science papers.

"Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper: 6. The Methodology" (USC)

This resource from the University of Southern California's library contains tips for writing a methodology section in a research paper.

How to Determine the Best Methodology for You

Anyone who is new to writing research papers should be sure to select a method in consultation with their instructor. These resources can be used to help prepare for that discussion. They may also be used on their own by more advanced students.

"Choosing Appropriate Research Methodologies" (Palgrave Study Skills)

This friendly and approachable resource from Palgrave Macmillan can be used by students who are just starting to think about appropriate methodologies.

"How to Choose Your Research Methods" (NFER (UK))

This is another approachable resource students can use to help narrow down the most appropriate methods for their research projects.

The resources in this section introduce the process of gathering scholarly sources and collecting evidence. You'll find a range of material here, from introductory guides to advanced explications best suited to college students. Please consult the LitCharts How to Do Academic Research guide for a more comprehensive list of resources devoted to finding scholarly literature.

Google Scholar

Students who have access to library websites with detailed research guides should start there, but people who do not have access to those resources can begin their search for secondary literature here.

"Gathering Appropriate Information" (Texas Gateway)

This resource from the Texas Gateway for online resources introduces students to the research process, and contains interactive exercises. The level of complexity is suitable for middle school, high school, and introductory college classrooms.

"An Overview of Quantitative and Qualitative Data Collection Methods" (NSF)

This PDF from the National Science Foundation goes into detail about best practices and pitfalls in data collection across multiple types of methodologies.

"Social Science Methods for Data Collection and Analysis" (Swiss FIT)

This resource is appropriate for advanced undergraduates or teachers looking to create lessons on research design and data collection. It covers techniques for gathering data via interviews, observations, and other methods.

"Collecting Data by In-depth Interviewing" (Leeds Univ.)

This resource contains enough information about conducting interviews to make it useful for teachers who want to create a lesson plan, but is also accessible enough for college juniors or seniors to make use of it on their own.

There is no "one size fits all" outlining technique. Some students might devote all their energy and attention to the outline in order to avoid the paper. Other students may benefit from being made to sit down and organize their thoughts into a lengthy sentence outline. The resources in this section include strategies and templates for multiple types of outlines.

"Topic vs. Sentence Outlines" (UC Berkeley)

This resource introduces two basic approaches to outlining: the shorter topic-based approach, and the longer, more detailed sentence-based approach. This resource also contains videos on how to develop paper paragraphs from the sentence-based outline.

"Types of Outlines and Samples" (Purdue OWL)

The Purdue Online Writing Lab's guide is a slightly less detailed discussion of different types of outlines. It contains several sample outlines.

"Writing An Outline" (Austin C.C.)

This resource from a community college contains sample outlines from an American history class that students can use as models.

"How to Structure an Outline for a College Paper" (YouTube)

This brief (sub-2 minute) video from the ExpertVillage YouTube channel provides a model of outline writing for students who are struggling with the idea.

"Outlining" (Harvard)

This is a good resource to consult after completing a draft outline. It offers suggestions for making sure your outline avoids things like unnecessary repetition.

As with outlines, rough drafts can take on many different forms. These resources introduce teachers and students to the various approaches to writing a rough draft. This section also includes resources that will help you cite your sources appropriately according to the MLA, Chicago, and APA style manuals.

"Creating a Rough Draft for a Research Paper" (Univ. of Minnesota)

This resource is useful for teachers in particular, as it provides some suggested exercises to help students with writing a basic rough draft.

Rough Draft Assignment (Duke of Definition)

This sample assignment, with a brief list of tips, was developed by a high school teacher who runs a very successful and well-reviewed page of educational resources.

"Creating the First Draft of Your Research Paper" (Concordia Univ.)

This resource will be helpful for perfectionists or procrastinators, as it opens by discussing the problem of avoiding writing. It also provides a short list of suggestions meant to get students writing.

Using Proper Citations

There is no such thing as a rough draft of a scholarly citation. These links to the three major citation guides will ensure that your citations follow the correct format. Please consult the LitCharts How to Cite Your Sources guide for more resources.

Chicago Manual of Style Citation Guide

Some call The Chicago Manual of Style , which was first published in 1906, "the editors' Bible." The manual is now in its 17th edition, and is popular in the social sciences, historical journals, and some other fields in the humanities.

APA Citation Guide

According to the American Psychological Association, this guide was developed to aid reading comprehension, clarity of communication, and to reduce bias in language in the social and behavioral sciences. Its first full edition was published in 1952, and it is now in its sixth edition.

MLA Citation Guide

The Modern Language Association style is used most commonly within the liberal arts and humanities. The MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing was first published in 1985 and (as of 2008) is in its third edition.

Any professional scholar will tell you that the best research papers are made in the revision stage. No matter how strong your research question or working thesis, it is not possible to write a truly outstanding paper without devoting energy to revision. These resources provide examples of revision exercises for the classroom, as well as tips for students working independently.

"The Art of Revision" (Univ. of Arizona)

This resource provides a wealth of information and suggestions for both students and teachers. There is a list of suggested exercises that teachers might use in class, along with a revision checklist that is useful for teachers and students alike.

"Script for Workshop on Revision" (Vanderbilt University)

Vanderbilt's guide for leading a 50-minute revision workshop can serve as a model for teachers who wish to guide students through the revision process during classtime.

"Revising Your Paper" (Univ. of Washington)

This detailed handout was designed for students who are beginning the revision process. It discusses different approaches and methods for revision, and also includes a detailed list of things students should look for while they revise.

"Revising Drafts" (UNC Writing Center)

This resource is designed for students and suggests things to look for during the revision process. It provides steps for the process and has a FAQ for students who have questions about why it is important to revise.

Conferencing with Writing Tutors and Instructors

No writer is so good that he or she can't benefit from meeting with instructors or peer tutors. These resources from university writing, learning, and communication centers provide suggestions for how to get the most out of these one-on-one meetings.

"Getting Feedback" (UNC Writing Center)

This very helpful resource talks about how to ask for feedback during the entire writing process. It contains possible questions that students might ask when developing an outline, during the revision process, and after the final draft has been graded.

"Prepare for Your Tutoring Session" (Otis College of Art and Design)

This guide from a university's student learning center contains a lot of helpful tips for getting the most out of working with a writing tutor.

"The Importance of Asking Your Professor" (Univ. of Waterloo)

This article from the university's Writing and Communication Centre's blog contains some suggestions for how and when to get help from professors and Teaching Assistants.

Once you've revised your first draft, you're well on your way to handing in a polished paper. These resources—each of them produced by writing professionals at colleges and universities—outline the steps required in order to produce a final draft. You'll find proofreading tips and checklists in text and video form.

"Developing a Final Draft of a Research Paper" (Univ. of Minnesota)

While this resource contains suggestions for revision, it also features a couple of helpful checklists for the last stages of completing a final draft.

Basic Final Draft Tips and Checklist (Univ. of Maryland-University College)

This short and accessible resource, part of UMUC's very thorough online guide to writing and research, contains a very basic checklist for students who are getting ready to turn in their final drafts.

Final Draft Checklist (Everett C.C.)

This is another accessible final draft checklist, appropriate for both high school and college students. It suggests reading your essay aloud at least once.

"How to Proofread Your Final Draft" (YouTube)

This video (approximately 5 minutes), produced by Eastern Washington University, gives students tips on proofreading final drafts.

"Proofreading Tips" (Georgia Southern-Armstrong)

This guide will help students learn how to spot common errors in their papers. It suggests focusing on content and editing for grammar and mechanics.

This final set of resources is intended specifically for high school and college instructors. It provides links to unit plans and classroom exercises that can help improve students' research and writing skills. You'll find resources that give an overview of the process, along with activities that focus on how to begin and how to carry out research.

"Research Paper Complete Resources Pack" (Teachers Pay Teachers)

This packet of assignments, rubrics, and other resources is designed for high school students. The resources in this packet are aligned to Common Core standards.

"Research Paper—Complete Unit" (Teachers Pay Teachers)

This packet of assignments, notes, PowerPoints, and other resources has a 4/4 rating with over 700 ratings. It is designed for high school teachers, but might also be useful to college instructors who work with freshmen.

"Teaching Students to Write Good Papers" (Yale)

This resource from Yale's Center for Teaching and Learning is designed for college instructors, and it includes links to appropriate activities and exercises.

"Research Paper Writing: An Overview" (CUNY Brooklyn)

CUNY Brooklyn offers this complete lesson plan for introducing students to research papers. It includes an accompanying set of PowerPoint slides.

"Lesson Plan: How to Begin Writing a Research Paper" (San Jose State Univ.)

This lesson plan is designed for students in the health sciences, so teachers will have to modify it for their own needs. It includes a breakdown of the brainstorming, topic selection, and research question process.

"Quantitative Techniques for Social Science Research" (Univ. of Pittsburgh)

This is a set of PowerPoint slides that can be used to introduce students to a variety of quantitative methods used in the social sciences.

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How to write a ten-page paper: expert tips.

Writing a 10-page paper is not the easiest task in the world, especially if you have to turn it in within a short time. However, with a proper strategic approach, you can successfully write a 10-page paper in one night! Ready to learn how to write a 10-page paper? This article covers the best approach to writing a ten-page paper within a short period without compromising the quality of the paper. With our 10-page research paper example guide, we shall show you how to concentrate your effort, clear brain clutter, and cut to the chase!

In writing a 10-page research paper, there are some vital things to pay attention to. These are:

The paper structure , which should be in line with the recommended guidelines of your school or instructor. Slight deviations are sometimes acceptable.
The sources of information , which should be relevant, reliable, and research-oriented. The quality of your work will be evaluated based on the uniqueness of your resources.
The format of the paper , which should be the format accepted in your school. Don’t overlook your format as it will count to the final grading.
Your proofreading and revision , which determines how sleek and elegant your paper will be. This stage, though often overlooked, can make or break your essay.

These factors chronicle the general things to pay attention to. Let’s delve fully into how to write a ten-page paper in one day or as quick as a night!

How to Write a 10-Page Paper in One Night.

Short of time so much so that you’re tempted to use space-fillers in your ten-page paper? You needn’t do that! Writing a 10-page paper in one night may seem like an arduous task, but it is doable. The best way to tackle a 10-page paper is to do it without procrastinating. However, sometimes many things happen, and we don’t end up following up on things as we planned. If you’ve already delayed and the deadline for submission of your 10-page research paper is tomorrow, or if you just want to get over with that ten-page paper and spend your time on other things, I’m glad to tell you that it’s possible! It all boils down to playing your cards well, which we will show you how.

Sometimes, it is difficult to resist the temptation of just jumping to writing without a structure. But on such a night like this, you need a well-laid out structure because of the number of hours’ worth of corrections it can save you. This plan should contain the topic of the 10-page paper, how you choose to introduce the topic, the thesis statement for your research paper, etc. Once this is complete, all you need to do is to wear more flesh on each point and viola! you have your 10-page research paper right in front of you!

After you’ve written down appropriate plans, you need to dedicate a particular amount of time to each section. This time allocation will help you control the amount of time you will take to write the entire paper. For example, you could dedicate 1 hour to collecting and collating sources, 2 hours to reading these sources, 3 hours for the writing, 1 hour for the proofreading, etc. Allocate this time as you deem fit, as long as you’ll still be able to make it before the sun rises.

Knowing the right tools to carry out research goes a long way in saving lots and lots of time. And immediately organize these sources to what chapter or area they come to play. Elsevier, Google Scholar, etc., are excellent places to start. So how many sources for a 10-page paper? On average, about 5-7 sources are enough for a ten-page research paper. The bibliography section in your textbook could be of great help. It is advisable not to use Wikipedia as it is not a primary source of information and can be edited by almost anybody.

Citation/reference management tools are huge time savers. Believe me, you don’t want to be the one trying to manually keep a tab of your sources and reference at a time like this. Tools such as Endnote and Mendeley are relevant and reliable citation managers. Even though pressure may be high on you, don’t be tempted to plagiarize.

Strict formatting rules (e.g., APA, Harvard, MLA, etc.) apply to every academic paper. Therefore, you have to format your paper appropriately according to your school guidelines.

It is common to make some errors and huge oversights while working under pressure. Take time off when you are done and come back after a while to proofread it. Chances are, some things will not look right! Avoid the use of passive voice, slang, colloquial language, etc.

So here we are! How to write a ten-page paper in one day or night! Despite the limited time, you may have just written your best paper ever!

10-Page Research Paper Outline

Even when you’re short of time, always remember that there is a prescribed outline when writing a 10-page paper. This outline may vary as decided by your school, discipline, or type of essay. Generally, a 10-page paper outline goes as follows:

The introduction is meant to get readers interested in your work. Start with a striking quoted statement, statistics, etc., and serve them the basics of your work in this part. Divide the introduction into two paragraphs, the first posing the research question (thesis statement) and the second explaining how your paper will answer the question. End this paragraph with a sentence that summarizes the argument of the essay.

The body is the major part of your essay as it contains a chunk of the information. The body can be divided into three sections, each with a subheading. Each of these sections can contain six paragraphs. Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence, and emphasize only an idea following this pattern: the idea, the evidence supporting it, a rebuttal possible counter-arguments, stating how the point affects the overall topic, and then connecting the paragraph with the point in the next paragraph. You can also divide body paragraphs into chapters, following the same pattern.

This conclusion part summarizes your findings in two paragraphs. The first, which reiterates your thesis, and the second, which tells why your arguments matter. Keep it short and straight to the point.

How Many Words Is A 10-page Paper?

So now that you know how to write a ten-page paper, how many words is a ten-page paper? A 10-page paper word count is only 2,500 words. If you type at an average speed of 40wpm, that will take you about an hour to complete. You, however, can’t finish a 10-page paper within an hour, because, of course, you don’t have it all in your head.

10-page paper topics

There is a wide array of 10-page research paper topics. These topics could cut across all fields of discipline. Here are five 10-page paper topics to help you get an idea of possible topics to expect.

Do Children Learn Better In Single-Sex Schools?
What Are The Effects Of China’s One-Child Policy?
How Can Bullying Be Effectively Reduced In Schools?
Should Steroids Be Legalized?
Is Terrorism Justifiable?
The Effect Of Global Warming
The Growth Of World’s Population
The Development Of Social Media
Populism And Democracy
Space Exploration And Its Prospects

Writing a 10-page paper is easy once you know the right thing to do. If you’re short of time, just take a deep breath, relax, and get to work! You can finish writing a ten-page paper in one night if you hire professional writers right now!

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How to Start a Research Paper: A Comprehensive Guide

Starting a research paper can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to the process. This guide will walk you through each step, from picking a topic to polishing your final draft. By breaking down the process into manageable parts, you'll find it easier to stay organized and focused. Let's dive in and make your research paper a success!

Key Takeaways

Choose a topic that interests you and has enough resources available.
Formulate a clear research question to guide your study.
Conduct a thorough literature review to understand existing research.
Develop a detailed research plan, including methodology and timeline.
Ensure proper citation to maintain academic integrity.

Choosing a Research Topic

Choosing a research topic is a crucial first step in writing a research paper. It sets the foundation for your entire project . Here are some key steps to help you choose the right topic.

Formulating a Research Question

Person thinking with question marks and lightbulbs

Understanding the Importance of a Research Question

A well-defined research question is the cornerstone of any successful research paper. It acts as a compass, guiding your study and ensuring that you stay on track. Without a clear research question, your paper may lack focus and coherence. This question helps you narrow down your topic and provides a clear direction for your research.

Techniques for Crafting a Strong Research Question

To craft a strong research question, start by identifying a specific issue or problem within your topic. Use the following steps:

Identify a gap in the existing literature or a problem that needs solving.
Make sure your question is clear and concise, avoiding vague terms.
Ensure that your question is researchable within the scope of your resources and time.
Align your question with your research objectives to maintain focus.

Aligning the Research Question with Objectives

Your research question should align closely with your research objectives. This alignment ensures that every part of your study is interconnected and supports your overall goals. A well-aligned research question not only clarifies your study's purpose but also helps in structuring your paper effectively.

Conducting a Literature Review

Gathering relevant sources.

Start by collecting sources that are related to your research topic. Use libraries, online databases, and academic journals to find books, articles, and papers. Skimming sources instead of reading each one fully can save you time. If a source seems useful, set it aside for a more in-depth read later.

Analyzing Existing Research

Once you have gathered your sources, read through them and take notes on key points. Pay attention to different viewpoints and how they relate to your research question. This will help you understand the current state of research in your field. To elevate your essay , start with a comprehensive literature review to ground your work in relevant scholarship.

Identifying Research Gaps

Look for areas that haven't been explored or questions that haven't been answered in the existing research. These gaps can provide a direction for your own research and make your thesis more valuable. Defining your research question and following a methodical process to synthesize findings is crucial. This step is essential in the steps in the literature review process .

Developing a Research Plan

Creating a solid research plan is crucial for the success of your thesis. It helps you stay organized and ensures that you cover all necessary aspects of your research.

Writing the Thesis Introduction

Starting your thesis introduction can be daunting, but it's crucial for setting the stage for your research. Establishing the context for your study helps readers understand the background and significance of your work. This section should provide a clear overview of what your thesis will cover, making it easier for readers to follow your arguments.

Establishing Context

Begin by providing some background information on your topic. This helps to set the stage and gives your readers a sense of what to expect. Make sure to include relevant literature and previous studies to show how your research fits into the existing body of work. This is essential for demonstrating the importance of your research .

Crafting a Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement is the heart of your introduction. Typically, it is placed at the end of the introductory paragraph. This statement should succinctly present the main argument or focus of your thesis, guiding the reader on what to expect. A clear and concise thesis statement is crucial for a strong introduction.

Providing an Overview of the Study

Finally, outline the structure of your thesis. This roadmap will help readers navigate through your work, knowing what each section will address. By clearly presenting the layout, you reduce thesis anxiety and make your research more accessible.

Choosing a Research Methodology

Choosing the right research methodology is crucial for the success of your study. It determines how you will collect and analyze data, and ultimately, how you will answer your research question. Here are some key points to consider when selecting a methodology.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Methods

First, decide whether your research will be qualitative, quantitative, or a mix of both. Qualitative research focuses on understanding concepts, thoughts, or experiences. It often involves interviews, focus groups, or content analysis. On the other hand, quantitative research aims to quantify the problem by way of generating numerical data or data that can be transformed into usable statistics. This often involves surveys, experiments, or secondary data analysis.

Selecting Data Collection Tools

Once you've chosen between qualitative and quantitative methods, the next step is to select the appropriate data collection tools. For qualitative research, you might use interviews, focus groups, or observational methods. For quantitative research, consider surveys, experiments, or existing datasets. The choice of tools should align with your research objectives and the type of data you need to collect.

Justifying Methodological Choices

Finally, it's essential to justify your methodological choices. Explain why the selected methods are suitable for your research and how they will help you achieve your objectives. This step is crucial for gaining approval from stakeholders and ensuring the success of your project. Make sure to address any potential limitations and how you plan to mitigate them.

Organizing Research Materials

Creating a categorization system.

To start, you need a system to categorize your research materials. This can be as simple as using folders on your computer or as advanced as specialized software. Organizing your notes into categories helps you find information quickly. You can use sticky notes or a mind map to group related ideas. This step is crucial for keeping your research structured and accessible.

Using Reference Management Software

Using reference management software like Zotero or Mendeley can save you a lot of time. These tools help you keep track of your sources and format citations correctly. They also allow you to create a library of references that you can easily search through. This is especially useful when you need to cite sources in your paper.

Synthesizing Information

Synthesizing information means combining ideas from different sources to create a comprehensive understanding of your topic. Look for common themes, debates, and gaps in the literature. This will help you formulate a strong research question and provide a solid foundation for your thesis. Summarizing and integrating findings from various sources will make your research more robust and credible.

Drafting the Research Paper

Person writing research paper at desk with books

Writing the First Draft

Once your outline is ready, it's time to start writing your first draft. This is the longest step, but if you've prepared well, it should go smoothly. Begin with your thesis statement and then fill out the introduction with secondary information. The body of your paper will contain the bulk of your research, divided into sections with headers for easy navigation. Don't worry about perfection at this stage ; focus on getting your ideas down .

Incorporating Feedback

After completing your first draft, seek feedback from your supervisor and peers . Their insights can help you see your work from different perspectives and identify areas for improvement. Revising is a continuous process of re-seeing your writing, considering larger issues like focus, organization, and audience.

Polishing the Final Draft

Finally, polish your final draft. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and formatting. Ensure that your thesis is clear, concise, and free of errors. This step is crucial for making a strong impression and effectively communicating your research findings.

Maintaining Academic Integrity

Proper citation practices.

Proper citation is essential to uphold academic integrity. Always give credit to the original authors of the sources you use. This not only helps you avoid plagiarism but also strengthens your arguments by backing them up with credible sources. Citing your sources correctly is a fundamental aspect of academic writing.

Avoiding Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a serious offense in the academic world. It involves using someone else's work without giving them credit. To avoid plagiarism, make sure to paraphrase correctly and use quotation marks when directly quoting someone. Utilize plagiarism detection tools to ensure your work is original.

Ensuring Credibility of Sources

Using credible sources is crucial for the integrity of your research. Evaluate the reliability of your sources by checking the author's credentials and the publication's reputation. Credible sources add weight to your arguments and help you build a strong foundation for your research.

Effective Data Collection and Analysis

Choosing data collection methods.

Selecting the right data collection methods is crucial for the success of your research. Consider methods such as surveys, interviews, or experiments based on your research needs. Aligning data collection techniques with research needs ensures relevant and robust findings.

Analyzing Collected Data

Once you have gathered your data, the next step is to analyze it accurately . Use statistical tools and software to help you interpret the data. Create tables and graphs to illustrate your findings clearly. This will help you present your results in a structured and understandable way.

Interpreting Results

Interpreting your results is an essential part of your thesis. Discuss how your findings relate to your research questions and the existing literature. Highlight the significance of your analyses and the reliability of your findings. This will help you draw meaningful conclusions and provide valuable insights into your research topic.

Revising and Editing the Research Paper

Reviewing for clarity and coherence.

When revising your research paper, focus on ensuring that your ideas are clear and logically organized. Each section should flow smoothly into the next, and your arguments should be well-structured. Reading your paper out loud can help you catch issues that you might miss when reading silently. Additionally, consider having someone else review your paper to provide a fresh perspective.

Addressing Feedback

Incorporating feedback is a crucial part of the revision process. Share your draft with peers, mentors, or advisors and be open to their suggestions. Addressing feedback can help you identify areas for improvement and strengthen your arguments. Remember, revising is a continuous process of refining your work.

Final Proofreading

The final step in the editing process is proofreading. This involves checking for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Use tools like spellcheckers or digital writing assistants to help with this task. Ensure that your paper follows the required formatting guidelines and that all citations are correctly formatted. A well-proofread paper enhances the credibility of your research.

Revising and editing your research paper can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Our step-by-step guides make the process simple and stress-free. Whether you're stuck on where to start or need help polishing your final draft, we've got you covered. Visit our website to discover how our resources can help you achieve academic success.

Starting a research paper might seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process much easier. From selecting a topic that interests you to organizing your research and drafting your paper, each step is crucial for success. Remember to stay focused on your research question, use reliable sources, and keep your writing clear and concise. By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to crafting a compelling and informative research paper. Good luck, and don't hesitate to seek help if you need it!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i choose a research topic.

Start by thinking about what interests you. Pick a topic that you find fun and fulfilling. This will keep you motivated throughout your research. Make a list of subjects you enjoy and see how they can relate to your field of study.

Why is a research question important?

A research question guides your study and keeps you focused. It helps you set specific goals and determine the direction of your research.

What is a literature review?

A literature review involves gathering and analyzing existing research on your topic. It helps you understand what has already been studied and identify gaps that your research can fill.

How do I create a research plan?

Start by outlining your methodology, creating a timeline, and allocating resources effectively. A solid plan helps you stay organized and ensures you cover all necessary aspects of your research.

What should be included in a thesis introduction?

Your introduction should establish the context for your study, present your thesis statement, and provide an overview of what your thesis will cover.

How do I choose the right research methodology?

Decide whether to use qualitative or quantitative methods, select appropriate data collection tools, and justify your choices based on your research goals.

What are proper citation practices?

Always give credit to the original authors of the sources you use. Use a consistent citation style and ensure all sources are properly cited to avoid plagiarism.

How do I revise and edit my research paper?

Review for clarity and coherence, address feedback from peers or advisors, and do a final proofreading to catch any errors.

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10 tips to write a research paper or thesis.

BY JANE HURST

A research paper is not merely a collection of tidbits from different sources, it is in fact your own statement or argument based on and substantiated through research. As the average research paper is 10-20 pages long, what can you do to make the whole process less painful? Here are 10 tips to write a stellar research paper.

Know Yourself

If you are someone who likes to write at night, plan on staying up late. If you always procrastinate, clear your schedule to write your paper at the last minute. Do you work best alone? Do you thrive from being surrounded by people? Do you need frequent breaks? Or would you rather work 10 hours straight? While most advice focuses on managing your impulses, the opposite is often more effective. Lean in and accept your quirks for a less painful and more productive experience.

The more time you can give yourself to work on your paper, the better. Unless you are a hopeless procrastinator, in which case, see #1. A month is a good time-frame to develop a 10 – 20 page research paper. This will give you enough time to choose a topic, research it, ask for help, change your topic if needed, write a couple of different drafts, and even take a few days off from your paper, to be able to evaluate it with fresh eyes later.

Choose a Broad Topic

Unless your heart is set on something you’ve always wanted to delve into, a good approach to choosing your topic is to pick a relatively broad interest, and then narrow it based on the research available to you. For example, consider researching 18th century German literature, and as you read about it, choose a topic that jumps out at you e.g. the representation of night time in the poetry of Novalis, or the unique contribution of Goethe to the Romantic movement, etc. Depending on your assignment, you might be able to stick with a fairly broad topic as well. Always make sure to pick a subject that has been written about widely, so your research will be easier and more robust.

Pick Your Thesis Later

Let your thesis emerge from your research. It’s a lot easier to start by researching a topic, and then develop a thesis based on the research available, than to come up with an argument and then hunt for supporting evidence. You might also be surprised at how often researching a topic changes your mind on it! If your teacher requires you to submit your thesis statement ahead of time, keep to a broad statement, and resubmit it if during the research and writing phases your thesis changes.

Mind Map it

Generally speaking, as a writer you either have a ton of ideas that need to be narrowed down, or you have trouble coming up with many ideas and therefore need to expand on one or two initial thoughts. Either way, consider a mind mapping process, Lifehacker has a great post on how to do it. Create a visual diagram of everything you could add to your research paper before moving to the next step.

Write an Outline

Repeat after me: I will always write an outline. After being all over the place, and exploring many different ideas through a mind map, it is now time to focus on what your paper will cover. Drop everything that’s unnecessary, and focus on what needs to be included. Then work on one chunk at the time. If you have a good outline, it will make the writing process a lot easier and your first draft will be much better.

Write the First Draft

Now it’s time to put it all together! Don’t try to write a polished or perfect draft, just start by writing your introduction, body, and conclusion. Focus on getting your thoughts on the page: avoid all distractions, write everything as it comes to you, following your outline. Mark the spots where you’d like to add a footnote, quote, or anything else that would require you to stop writing. Depending on your style, you’ll find at the end of your first draft that you either need to trim things down or add more details to reach the assigned length for your paper.

Review and Polish

Unless you are close to your deadline, take a break and do not look at your paper for a couple of days. Do something else instead, and take your mind completely off it. Then go back to your first draft with fresh eyes and work on polishing your writing, add the footnotes, quotes, and anything else needed to make this an A+ paper.

If you have a chance, ask a friend to read through and give you comments. Preferably someone senior with knowledge on the topic, but if that is not possible, then ask any friend to take a look. Having someone with less knowledge on the topic will check whether your writing is clear and if the big picture makes sense.

Use citation management Tools

One area where you could use some help is in reference and citation management. If you expect to write a lot of research papers, a dedicated tool like EndNote can be very powerful. If you are not ready to make the investment, Mendeley is a very powerful tool which is worth trying out. It makes it easy when you need to quickly add citations and automatically generate the References section.

Consider splitting up into multiple files

If your paper is over 50 pages and multiple chapters with many heavy graphics and figures, it can be helpful to break it down into multiple DOC files, with one DOC file per chapter. Editing a single small DOC file can be much easier than dealing with a huge file in Word.

One way to do this is by creating a Master Document in Word which can reference each of the chapters. This has been documented extensively by HowToGeek here.

A perhaps more simple way is to keep all the chapters independent, then convert each chapter to a PDF file (either with Word directly or with an online converter). Then simply merging all the PDF files together into a final single PDF file, and adding a nice front page. This can be achieved either with software such as Adobe or an online PDF merger such as FoxyUtils.

Jane Hurst has been working in education for over 5 years as a teacher. She loves sharing her knowledge with students, is fascinated about edtech and loves reading, a lot. Follow Jane on Twitter.

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Tips & Tricks for Writing a 10 Page Paper

Writing a 10-page essay is not easy. This is especially difficult when the student has only a short time frame to complete the task. Even students who are adept at managing their time will find this task challenging. However, you are able to complete this task if you are aware of the correct method.

Also, do not get stressed or nervous when given this job. Instead, take time to plan your task and concentrate on following the directions given by your teacher. This article provides a variety of aspects and ways to finish the task even when there is a short time frame.

WHAT IS A 10-PAGE PAPER?

Like the title suggests that this writing assignment for academic purposes comprises ten pages; similar to other academic paper assignments, writing this one may include writing prompts, guidelines along with a guiding rubric in addition to other resources. Therefore, prior to writing your essay, make sure you are aware of the requirements.

The ideal way to start is to write the essay when you are aware of what your teacher wants you to complete. Additionally, you should know how the teacher will evaluate you for it. If you're not sure about the specifications of your assignment, consult your teacher. Your teacher is happy to clarify the requirements of your assignment to you, even prior to choosing an appropriate topic for your paper. This will allow you to stay on track during your writing.

HOW TO WRITE A 10-PAGE PAPER

To compose your 10-page piece better, you must begin with organizing the writing procedure. A proper organization is essential to the success of this task. Therefore, you should take your time to consider the format of the paper according to the instructions and deadlines are given by your teacher.

Here's what you need to focus on when creating your writing plan:

Topic selection
Write your 10-page research outline
Researching sources and finding sources
A thesis statement is a statement that you write
Formatting and writing in actual practice
The paper should be proofread

These are the most crucial actions to follow when creating this essay. By following these steps, you will be able to complete the job faster. But, the order you follow while writing your essay might differ according to the topic you are writing about.

SELECTING 10-PAGE RESEARCH PAPER TOPICS

Students are given a variety of 10-page paper issues to be considered when given this academic assignment. The writing process involves careful selection of the topic to study or research to write about. In essence, students must choose subjects that they think are fascinating and worthy of further investigation.

In certain instances, teachers give a prompt to make the subject simple. Some teachers, however, allow students to choose their own research areas. If you're limited in time to finish this task select a topic that you're well-versed in.

If you're comfortable with the topic, it is easier to research and write about. In event that you select a difficult subject will require you to devote more time to research. Furthermore, the task is more difficult when you choose a subject that you don't feel strongly about. Thus, select a subject where you are able to quickly find useful details.

Here are some themes you could use to write about:

Why employees should have shorter work weeks
How can it be that using an animal in research experiments isn't ethical?
Why institutions of higher learning should require STEM subjects compulsory
The reason homework should be eliminated
Terrorism's effects on businesses
Leadership education is crucial in high school
How to get college tuition costs
The future of the internet
How can we cut down on air pollution?
Marketing with creativity to increase sales

CREATING A 10-PAGE RESEARCH PAPER OUTLINE

Similar to most academic papers outline for a research paper of 10 pages is the basic outline of the final piece of writing. The way you write your outline must be based on the specific requirements for the assignment. If your instructor required you to submit the outline first, adhere to the instructions, guidelines, and examples they may have given. If your teacher didn't request you to submit your outline before, make sure you complete this step, as it's extremely crucial to the effective and effective finalization of your project.

The process of creating an outline is about organizing the document. So, try not to be too formal. Utilize an outline of 10 pages to determine how you'll explain the most important aspects to back up your thesis. For example, if the assignment requires you to present your topic and then provide your views to support your thesis, you'll require at least three sections.

HOW LONG SHOULD AN OUTLINE BE FOR A 10-PAGE PAPER?

The outline for this document may be as long as 4, five, or even more components. The length of your outline will be determined by the concepts you wish to develop and the depth of your ideas. So, there's no exact size for an outline on this piece of paper.

When you are creating your outline, consider the concepts you wish to convey or express in the document. Also, think about an outline that can help you to do this in a structured and clear way. A good research paper with a 10-page outline can include three major sections.

Introduction Section: This introduces the topic to readers. It also contains an enticing hook that grabs the attention of the reader and encourages them to keep reading. It is also possible to include your thesis statement at the conclusion of the introduction portion of the document.
Body The body is the primary part of the research document. It contains the most important arguments and the evidence to support them. Each point in this section of the paper must be in logical relation.
Conclusion It is also the last section of your paper. It should summarize all the information you have discussed in other parts of the paper. Then, summarize what you've given the audience in your concluding paragraph.

TO WRITE A 10-PAGE PAPER IN ONE NIGHT, FIND SUFFICIENT SOURCES

One of the best methods to finish this job speedier is to locate sources first. Perhaps the question that is in your head is, what are the sources needed for the 10-page essay? It is recommended that you include at minimum ten information sources for your review of the literature. So, you can show the teacher that you have taken the time to research sources and then read the details they contain prior to writing your essay.

Writing a 10-page piece in just one evening will be much easier if you create short notes that summarize the contents of your sources. Make sure to follow your outline to make sure you have enough details for your essay. After locating sources and conducting research on your topic, you'll need to come up with your thesis statement that is based on the topic you've chosen and the data you've gathered. The thesis statement must be in line with the direction you intend to pursue in writing your essay.

It is feasible to compose a 10-page essay in a single night so long as you set your mind to accomplishing this feat. The mind is capable of making the body perform. Let us demonstrate how to complete a 10-page essay in just 3 hours!

A TEN-PAGE PAPER IN THREE HOURS: A GUIDE

Maybe, you're thinking about whether you can write this assignment in just hours. You can finish this task in as short as three hours. That means that you can write ten pages in just only one night. Once you've located sources, studied them, and compiled the data you'd like to include within your study paper, writing your paper will be easy.

Start by experimenting with freestyling using your research. Utilize your outline as well as the thesis declaration to serve guidelines. Do not think about the grammar aspect when writing your essay. Instead, concentrate on incorporating the relevant information and your primary points as well as the evidence supporting them in your research paper. Edit your research paper in the future after you have completed your research.

Check that your research paper adheres to the outline. It is recommended to include an introduction that includes a thesis statement, a body that contains the main elements and supporting arguments, and a conclusion that summarizes the whole message or argument.

Make sure you proofread and edit your work after you've finished writing. Examine your paper for spelling, grammar mistakes, typos, as well as actual errors. It is possible to take a break from writing and return for editing to quickly find all mistakes. But, if the goal is to complete your 10-page essay in a single night and you're able to complete the review in one go and finish it.

HOW MANY WORDS IS A 10-PAGE PAPER?

In most cases, the paper will have 5000 words. But, a 10-page document's word count could range between 4,500 and 5,500 words. The spacing of sentences on the page also decides the total length of the paper.

For example, a 5,000-word research paper could have ten pages in the case of single spacing. If double-spaced, the same research paper could include 20 pages. So, consult your teacher if you are unsure of the number of words you should add to your paper. The spacing that is specified by your teacher should inform you how many words to include in the ten-page essay they want you to compose.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WRITE A DOUBLE-SPACED 10-PAGE PAPER?

You might be wondering what time it would take to complete a 10-page document. The time needed to complete this essay is contingent on your speed of typing. For instance, if it is possible to type 40 words in a minute, you could spend an hour writing your research papers. It's because you'll need just 2,500 words.

But, if your teacher asks for you to create a paper with a single space, it'll take about two hours. It's because the research paper is likely to have about 5000 words. However, you must begin by organizing the project and locating the right sources, and doing research to make the job easy to complete.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE WITH ASSISTANCE TO WRITE A 10-PAGE PAPER?

It should take just under an hour to write this piece with help from a professional. If you ask for help from a guardian, parent or friend, or even a professional online, the writing process could be completed in a much shorter amount of time. This is because you can collaborate or let experienced experts complete the task for you. For example, online academic writers are experts in knowing where to locate sources. They also are familiar with the most effective methods for collecting data. They are able to quickly locate and analyze the information needed to write pages and academic papers.

If you're not sure the best way to compose a 10-page paper and you're worried about not being able to submit your work by the deadline, Ask for help. Speak to your guardian, parent, or friend about the task to determine if they are able to assist you. It is possible that you won't have these individuals who are able to assist you. This doesn't mean that you can't meet the deadline or write a poorly written research essay. Instead, make use of the internet to finish this task quickly and easily.

Frequently asked questions

How long should it take to write a 10 page paper , can you write a 10 page paper in one day .

A paper of 10 pages or even one that is much longer may be written in a day, which is definitely feasible.

Is writing a 10 page paper hard ?

It's difficult to write a 10-page paper, especially if you only have a short amount of time to accomplish it. But if you use the appropriate technique, you may handle it effectively even without wasting a lot of time.

How many words should a 10 page paper be ?

How long should the conclusion of a 10 page paper be , how long should an introduction be in a 10 page essay , how many paragraphs should a 10 page paper have , what is the hardest part of writing a paper , how many paragraphs is 1500 words , what does a 2000 word essay look like .

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How to Write an APA Research Paper

Psychology/neuroscience 201, v iew in pdf format.

An APA-style paper includes the following sections: title page, abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, and references. Your paper may also include one or more tables and/or figures. Different types of information about your study are addressed in each of the sections, as described below.

General formatting rules are as follows:

Do not put page breaks in between the introduction, method, results, and discussion sections.

The title page, abstract, references, table(s), and figure(s) should be on their own pages. The entire paper should be written in the past tense, in a 12-point font, double-spaced, and with one-inch margins all around.

(see sample on p. 41 of APA manual)

Title should be between 10-12 words and should reflect content of paper (e.g., IV and DV).
Title, your name, and Hamilton College are all double-spaced (no extra spaces)
Create a page header using the “View header” function in MS Word. On the title page, the header should include the following: Flush left: Running head: THE RUNNING HEAD SHOULD BE IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. The running head is a short title that appears at the top of pages of published articles. It should not exceed 50 characters, including punctuation and spacing. (Note: on the title page, you actually write the words “Running head,” but these words do not appear on subsequent pages; just the actual running head does. If you make a section break between the title page and the rest of the paper you can make the header different for those two parts of the manuscript). Flush right, on same line: page number. Use the toolbox to insert a page number, so it will automatically number each page.

Abstract (labeled, centered, not bold)

No more than 120 words, one paragraph, block format (i.e., don’t indent), double-spaced.

State topic, preferably in one sentence. Provide overview of method, results, and discussion.

Introduction

(Do not label as “Introduction.” Title of paper goes at the top of the page—not bold)

The introduction of an APA-style paper is the most difficult to write. A good introduction will summarize, integrate, and critically evaluate the empirical knowledge in the relevant area(s) in a way that sets the stage for your study and why you conducted it. The introduction starts out broad (but not too broad!) and gets more focused toward the end. Here are some guidelines for constructing a good introduction:

Don’t put your readers to sleep by beginning your paper with the time-worn sentence, “Past research has shown (blah blah blah)” They’ll be snoring within a paragraph! Try to draw your reader in by saying something interesting or thought-provoking right off the bat. Take a look at articles you’ve read. Which ones captured your attention right away? How did the authors accomplish this task? Which ones didn’t? Why not? See if you can use articles you liked as a model. One way to begin (but not the only way) is to provide an example or anecdote illustrative of your topic area.
Although you won’t go into the details of your study and hypotheses until the end of the intro, you should foreshadow your study a bit at the end of the first paragraph by stating your purpose briefly, to give your reader a schema for all the information you will present next.
Your intro should be a logical flow of ideas that leads up to your hypothesis. Try to organize it in terms of the ideas rather than who did what when. In other words, your intro shouldn’t read like a story of “Schmirdley did such-and-such in 1991. Then Gurglehoff did something-or-other in 1993. Then....(etc.)” First, brainstorm all of the ideas you think are necessary to include in your paper. Next, decide which ideas make sense to present first, second, third, and so forth, and think about how you want to transition between ideas. When an idea is complex, don’t be afraid to use a real-life example to clarify it for your reader. The introduction will end with a brief overview of your study and, finally, your specific hypotheses. The hypotheses should flow logically out of everything that’s been presented, so that the reader has the sense of, “Of course. This hypothesis makes complete sense, given all the other research that was presented.”
When incorporating references into your intro, you do not necessarily need to describe every single study in complete detail, particularly if different studies use similar methodologies. Certainly you want to summarize briefly key articles, though, and point out differences in methods or findings of relevant studies when necessary. Don’t make one mistake typical of a novice APA-paper writer by stating overtly why you’re including a particular article (e.g., “This article is relevant to my study because…”). It should be obvious to the reader why you’re including a reference without your explicitly saying so. DO NOT quote from the articles, instead paraphrase by putting the information in your own words.
Be careful about citing your sources (see APA manual). Make sure there is a one-to-one correspondence between the articles you’ve cited in your intro and the articles listed in your reference section.
Remember that your audience is the broader scientific community, not the other students in your class or your professor. Therefore, you should assume they have a basic understanding of psychology, but you need to provide them with the complete information necessary for them to understand the research you are presenting.

Method (labeled, centered, bold)

The Method section of an APA-style paper is the most straightforward to write, but requires precision. Your goal is to describe the details of your study in such a way that another researcher could duplicate your methods exactly.

The Method section typically includes Participants, Materials and/or Apparatus, and Procedure sections. If the design is particularly complicated (multiple IVs in a factorial experiment, for example), you might also include a separate Design subsection or have a “Design and Procedure” section.

Note that in some studies (e.g., questionnaire studies in which there are many measures to describe but the procedure is brief), it may be more useful to present the Procedure section prior to the Materials section rather than after it.

Participants (labeled, flush left, bold)

Total number of participants (# women, # men), age range, mean and SD for age, racial/ethnic composition (if applicable), population type (e.g., college students). Remember to write numbers out when they begin a sentence.

How were the participants recruited? (Don’t say “randomly” if it wasn’t random!) Were they compensated for their time in any way? (e.g., money, extra credit points)
Write for a broad audience. Thus, do not write, “Students in Psych. 280...” Rather, write (for instance), “Students in a psychological statistics and research methods course at a small liberal arts college….”
Try to avoid short, choppy sentences. Combine information into a longer sentence when possible.

Materials (labeled, flush left, bold)

Carefully describe any stimuli, questionnaires, and so forth. It is unnecessary to mention things such as the paper and pencil used to record the responses, the data recording sheet, the computer that ran the data analysis, the color of the computer, and so forth.

If you included a questionnaire, you should describe it in detail. For instance, note how many items were on the questionnaire, what the response format was (e.g., a 5-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree)), how many items were reverse-scored, whether the measure had subscales, and so forth. Provide a sample item or two for your reader.
If you have created a new instrument, you should attach it as an Appendix.
If you presented participants with various word lists to remember or stimuli to judge, you should describe those in detail here. Use subheadings to separate different types of stimuli if needed. If you are only describing questionnaires, you may call this section “Measures.”

Apparatus (labeled, flush left, bold)

Include an apparatus section if you used specialized equipment for your study (e.g., the eye tracking machine) and need to describe it in detail.

Procedure (labeled, flush left, bold)

What did participants do, and in what order? When you list a control variable (e.g., “Participants all sat two feet from the experimenter.”), explain WHY you did what you did. In other words, what nuisance variable were you controlling for? Your procedure should be as brief and concise as possible. Read through it. Did you repeat yourself anywhere? If so, how can you rearrange things to avoid redundancy? You may either write the instructions to the participants verbatim or paraphrase, whichever you deem more appropriate. Don’t forget to include brief statements about informed consent and debriefing.

Results (labeled, centered, bold)

In this section, describe how you analyzed the data and what you found. If your data analyses were complex, feel free to break this section down into labeled subsections, perhaps one section for each hypothesis.

Include a section for descriptive statistics
List what type of analysis or test you conducted to test each hypothesis.
Refer to your Statistics textbook for the proper way to report results in APA style. A t-test, for example, is reported in the following format: t (18) = 3.57, p < .001, where 18 is the number of degrees of freedom (N – 2 for an independent-groups t test). For a correlation: r (32) = -.52, p < .001, where 32 is the number of degrees of freedom (N – 2 for a correlation). For a one-way ANOVA: F (2, 18) = 7.00, p < .001, where 2 represents the between and 18 represents df within Remember that if a finding has a p value greater than .05, it is “nonsignificant,” not “insignificant.” For nonsignificant findings, still provide the exact p values. For correlations, be sure to report the r 2 value as an assessment of the strength of the finding, to show what proportion of variability is shared by the two variables you’re correlating. For t- tests and ANOVAs, report eta 2 .
Report exact p values to two or three decimal places (e.g., p = .042; see p. 114 of APA manual). However, for p-values less than .001, simply put p < .001.
Following the presentation of all the statistics and numbers, be sure to state the nature of your finding(s) in words and whether or not they support your hypothesis (e.g., “As predicted …”). This information can typically be presented in a sentence or two following the numbers (within the same paragraph). Also, be sure to include the relevant means and SDs.
It may be useful to include a table or figure to represent your results visually. Be sure to refer to these in your paper (e.g., “As illustrated in Figure 1…”). Remember that you may present a set of findings either as a table or as a figure, but not as both. Make sure that your text is not redundant with your tables/figures. For instance, if you present a table of means and standard deviations, you do not need to also report these in the text. However, if you use a figure to represent your results, you may wish to report means and standard deviations in the text, as these may not always be precisely ascertained by examining the figure. Do describe the trends shown in the figure.
Do not spend any time interpreting or explaining the results; save that for the Discussion section.

Discussion (labeled, centered, bold)

The goal of the discussion section is to interpret your findings and place them in the broader context of the literature in the area. A discussion section is like the reverse of the introduction, in that you begin with the specifics and work toward the more general (funnel out). Some points to consider:

Begin with a brief restatement of your main findings (using words, not numbers). Did they support the hypothesis or not? If not, why not, do you think? Were there any surprising or interesting findings? How do your findings tie into the existing literature on the topic, or extend previous research? What do the results say about the broader behavior under investigation? Bring back some of the literature you discussed in the Introduction, and show how your results fit in (or don’t fit in, as the case may be). If you have surprising findings, you might discuss other theories that can help to explain the findings. Begin with the assumption that your results are valid, and explain why they might differ from others in the literature.
What are the limitations of the study? If your findings differ from those of other researchers, or if you did not get statistically significant results, don’t spend pages and pages detailing what might have gone wrong with your study, but do provide one or two suggestions. Perhaps these could be incorporated into the future research section, below.
What additional questions were generated from this study? What further research should be conducted on the topic? What gaps are there in the current body of research? Whenever you present an idea for a future research study, be sure to explain why you think that particular study should be conducted. What new knowledge would be gained from it? Don’t just say, “I think it would be interesting to re-run the study on a different college campus” or “It would be better to run the study again with more participants.” Really put some thought into what extensions of the research might be interesting/informative, and why.
What are the theoretical and/or practical implications of your findings? How do these results relate to larger issues of human thoughts, feelings, and behavior? Give your readers “the big picture.” Try to answer the question, “So what?

Final paragraph: Be sure to sum up your paper with a final concluding statement. Don’t just trail off with an idea for a future study. End on a positive note by reminding your reader why your study was important and what it added to the literature.

References (labeled, centered, not bold)

Provide an alphabetical listing of the references (alphabetize by last name of first author). Double-space all, with no extra spaces between references. The second line of each reference should be indented (this is called a hanging indent and is easily accomplished using the ruler in Microsoft Word). See the APA manual for how to format references correctly.

Examples of references to journal articles start on p. 198 of the manual, and examples of references to books and book chapters start on pp. 202. Digital object identifiers (DOIs) are now included for electronic sources (see pp. 187-192 of APA manual to learn more).

Journal article example: [Note that only the first letter of the first word of the article title is capitalized; the journal name and volume are italicized. If the journal name had multiple words, each of the major words would be capitalized.]

Ebner-Priemer, U. W., & Trull, T. J. (2009). Ecological momentary assessment of mood disorders and mood dysregulation. Psychological Assessment, 21, 463-475. doi:10.1037/a0017075

Book chapter example: [Note that only the first letter of the first word of both the chapter title and book title are capitalized.]

Stephan, W. G. (1985). Intergroup relations. In G. Lindzey & E. Aronson (Eds.), The handbook of social psychology (3 rd ed., Vol. 2, pp. 599-658). New York: Random House.

Book example: Gray, P. (2010). Psychology (6 th ed.). New York: Worth

Table There are various formats for tables, depending upon the information you wish to include. See the APA manual. Be sure to provide a table number and table title (the latter is italicized). Tables can be single or double-spaced.

Figure If you have more than one figure, each one gets its own page. Use a sans serif font, such as Helvetica, for any text within your figure. Be sure to label your x- and y-axes clearly, and make sure you’ve noted the units of measurement of the DV. Underneath the figure provide a label and brief caption (e.g., “Figure 1. Mean evaluation of job applicant qualifications as a function of applicant attractiveness level”). The figure caption typically includes the IVs/predictor variables and the DV. Include error bars in your bar graphs, and note what the bars represent in the figure caption: Error bars represent one standard error above and below the mean.

In-Text Citations: (see pp. 174-179 of APA manual) When citing sources in your paper, you need to include the authors’ names and publication date.

You should use the following formats:

When including the citation as part of the sentence, use AND: “According to Jones and Smith (2003), the…”
When the citation appears in parentheses, use “&”: “Studies have shown that priming can affect actual motor behavior (Jones & Smith, 2003; Klein, Bailey, & Hammer, 1999).” The studies appearing in parentheses should be ordered alphabetically by the first author’s last name, and should be separated by semicolons.
If you are quoting directly (which you should avoid), you also need to include the page number.
For sources with three or more authors, once you have listed all the authors’ names, you may write “et al.” on subsequent mentions. For example: “Klein et al. (1999) found that….” For sources with two authors, both authors must be included every time the source is cited. When a source has six or more authors, the first author’s last name and “et al.” are used every time the source is cited (including the first time).

Secondary Sources

“Secondary source” is the term used to describe material that is cited in another source. If in his article entitled “Behavioral Study of Obedience” (1963), Stanley Milgram makes reference to the ideas of Snow (presented above), Snow (1961) is the primary source, and Milgram (1963) is the secondary source.

Try to avoid using secondary sources in your papers; in other words, try to find the primary source and read it before citing it in your own work. If you must use a secondary source, however, you should cite it in the following way:

Snow (as cited in Milgram, 1963) argued that, historically, the cause of most criminal acts... The reference for the Milgram article (but not the Snow reference) should then appear in the reference list at the end of your paper.

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How to Write a Research Paper: Your Top Guide

A research paper is a comprehensive document presenting the findings, analysis, and interpretation of an original study or investigation.

It typically follows a structured format, including an introduction outlining the research question or problem, a review of relevant literature, methodology detailing the approach used to collect and analyze data, results presenting the findings of the study, discussion interpreting the results in the context of existing knowledge, and a conclusion summarizing the implications and potential future directions of the research.

Research papers contribute new knowledge to a specific field, undergo rigorous peer review, and are often published in academic journals to disseminate findings to the broader scholarly community. Below, you will find effective steps you should take to learn how to write an effective research paper.

How Long Should a Research Paper Be

A research paper typically ranges from 6,000 to 8,000 words , equivalent to approximately 15 to 20 pages , double-spaced. However, the specific length can vary depending on factors such as the academic discipline, journal requirements, and the topic's complexity. It's vital to follow the research paper guidelines the instructor or publisher provides to ensure the paper meets the required length and format.

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Sample Research Paper

Before we dive into the specifics of writing a research paper, let’s explore some of its main components and how the information is structured.

How to Write a Research Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide

With the following guidelines, you can quickly produce a strong research paper without spending too much time on technicalities.

Understand the Research Paper Types

Research papers come in various types, each serving different purposes and methodologies. Here's a breakdown:

📄 Paper Type	📝 Description
Original Papers	Report new findings.
Review Papers	Summarize existing research.
Meta-analysis Papers	Analyze data from multiple studies.
Perspective Papers	Present unique viewpoints.
Case Studies	Analyze specific cases.
Conceptual Papers	Discuss theoretical frameworks.
Short Communications	Brief reports on significant findings.
Methodological Papers	Introduce new research methods.
Commentaries	Offer critical analysis of existing research.

Depending on the type of research paper, you will have to carefully read the assignment and understand how it correlates with your assignment.

Choose a Topic

A good topic for a research paper involves several considerations. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:

Follow Your Passion: Choose a topic that genuinely interests you.
Check Relevance: Ensure your topic is relevant to your field or area of study.
Narrow Your Focus: Specify a clear research question or problem.
Review Existing Literature: To refine your focus, see what's already been studied.
Assess Feasibility: Ascertain you have the resources and time to research the topic.
Seek Feedback: Discuss your ideas with peers or mentors.
Consider Impact: Think about how your research can contribute to knowledge or practice.
Stay Flexible: Be open to refining your topic as you learn more.

Conduct Preliminary Research

When you’re writing a research paper, preliminary research involves exploring existing literature to understand the landscape of your topic. Start by defining your broad area of interest and then delve into academic databases, journals, books, and credible websites to gather information. Identify key concepts, theories, and recent studies related to your topic.

Evaluate the credibility and relevance of the sources you find and take notes on important findings. Use this information to identify potential research questions or hypotheses and refine your topic to focus on a specific aspect that interests you and aligns with the existing literature.

During the preliminary research stage, it's important to ask questions that help guide your exploration and understanding of the topic. Here are some questions to consider:

What is the current state of research on my topic?
What are the key concepts, theories, and approaches in this area?
Are there any recent developments or trends related to my topic?
What gaps or unanswered questions exist in the literature?
What methodologies and research techniques have been used in previous studies?
What are the main arguments or perspectives on this topic?
Are there any controversies or debates surrounding my topic?
What are the practical implications or real-world applications of this research?
How might my interests or expertise contribute to this field?
Are there any interdisciplinary connections or related areas of study worth exploring?

Formulate a Thesis Statement

To formulate a thesis statement, start by identifying your research paper's main argument or central claim. This statement should provide a concise summary of the purpose and scope of your study. Here's a general formula for how to write a thesis for a research paper:

Identify the Topic: Start by clearly stating the topic or subject of your research paper.
State Your Position: Express your perspective or stance on the topic. What is the main argument you will be making?
Preview Your Main Points: Provide a brief overview of the key points or arguments that will support your thesis.

Here's an example:

"Despite the proliferation of stress management techniques in modern society, there is a growing need for research that evaluates the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing workplace stress. This paper argues that mindfulness practices, when integrated into organizational settings, can significantly improve employee well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction. By analyzing recent studies and case examples, this research will demonstrate the potential benefits of mindfulness interventions for addressing workplace stress and offer recommendations for implementation."

This thesis statement clearly identifies the topic (mindfulness-based interventions for workplace stress), states the position (advocating for their effectiveness), and previews the main points (benefits and recommendations). Overall, a thesis is the first thing you have to consider if you want to learn how to start a research paper.

Gather and Evaluate Sources

Gathering and evaluating sources for a research paper involves several steps to ensure that you use credible, relevant, and reliable information.

Use Keywords: Start with relevant keywords for your topic.
Utilize Academic Databases: Search in databases like PubMed, JSTOR, or Google Scholar.
Check Library Catalogs: Look for books and journals in your library.
Evaluate Credibility : Consider author credentials, publication date, and source reputation.
Review Abstracts: Check abstracts to see if the source is relevant.
Skim for Key Information: Quickly scan for main arguments and findings.
Check Citations: Look for references to other relevant works.
Consider Bias: Be aware of potential bias or conflicts of interest.
Take Notes: Keep track of sources for accurate citations.

Create a Research Paper Outline

A research paper outline is a structured plan that serves as a roadmap for your writing process. It organizes your ideas, arguments, and supporting evidence into a coherent and logical framework. Here's how to write a research paper outline:

Choose a formatting style.
Identify main sections.
Break down sections into subsections.
Provide supporting details.
Arrange points logically.

Research Paper Outline Structure

Section	Description
Title Page	Include the title of your paper, your name, the course name, instructor's name, and the date.
Abstract (optional)	Summarize the key points of your paper, including the research question, methods, results, and conclusions.
Introduction	Introduce the topic, provides background information, and states the research question or thesis statement.
Literature Review	Survey existing research and literature relevant to your topic, highlighting key findings, theories, and methodologies.
Methodology	Describe the methods and techniques used to conduct your research, including data collection and analysis procedures.
Results	Present your research findings, often using tables, graphs, or figures to illustrate key findings.
Discussion	Analyze and interpret the results, discussing their implications and relevance to the research question or hypothesis.
Conclusion	Summarize the study's main findings, restate the thesis statement, and discuss the broader implications of the research.
References	List all the sources cited in your paper, formatted according to the style guidelines (e.g., APA, MLA).
Appendices (if necessary)	Include any additional materials or data relevant to your study but not essential for understanding the main text.

Collect and Analyze Supporting Data

Before writing a research paper, you have to determine the type of data needed for your research, whether qualitative (such as interviews or observations) or quantitative (such as surveys or experiments).

Then, design data collection methods that align with your research objectives, ensuring they are reliable and valid. Implement these methods to gather the necessary data, ensuring proper documentation and ethical considerations. Once data is collected, organize and prepare it for analysis, which may involve coding qualitative data or entering quantitative data into statistical software.

Analyze the data using appropriate techniques, such as thematic analysis for qualitative data or statistical tests for quantitative data, to identify patterns, trends, and relationships.

For all kinds of research papers, always interpret the results in the context of your research question and draw conclusions based on them, ensuring that they support your research objectives and contribute to a broader understanding of the topic.

Write a Research Paper Introduction

The research paper introduction is crucial as it sets the stage, contextualizes the study, and engages readers by outlining the significance, research question, and objectives.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to write an effective introduction:

Contextualize the Topic: Introduce the research topic and briefly explain its significance in the field or its relevance to current issues.
State the Research Question: Clearly articulate the thesis for research paper your paper addresses.
Highlight Research Gap: Briefly mention any gaps or limitations in current literature that your study aims to address.
Outline Objectives: Describe the objectives or goals of your research and what you aim to achieve.
Preview Structure: Provide a brief overview of the paper's organization to guide the reader through its content.

Write Every Research Paper Body Paragraph

The main body of a research paper involves presenting and supporting your arguments, analyzing data, and discussing findings.

Organize Your Content

Plan the structure of your main body based on the outline you created earlier. Each main section should correspond to a key point or argument that supports your thesis statement.

Start with a Topic Sentence

Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main point or argument you will discuss in that paragraph.

Provide Evidence and Analysis

Support your arguments with evidence from credible sources, such as research studies, data, statistics, or expert opinions. Analyze and interpret the evidence to demonstrate its relevance to your thesis statement and research question.

Use Clear and Logical Transitions

Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs and sections to maintain coherence and flow. Use transition words and phrases to guide readers through your argumentation.

Consider Counterarguments

Acknowledge and address potential counterarguments or alternative perspectives related to your topic. This demonstrates critical thinking and strengthens your argument by showing that you have considered different viewpoints.

Use Visual Aids (if applicable)

If you have data or information that can be better presented visually, consider including tables, graphs, or charts to enhance clarity and understanding.

Maintain Objectivity and Clarity

Write clearly, concisely, and objectively, avoiding bias or subjective language. Present your arguments logically and systematically, ensuring that each point contributes to the overall coherence of your paper.

Summarize and Synthesize

Summarize key findings or arguments at the end of each section or paragraph. Synthesize information from different sources or perspectives to understand the topic comprehensively.

Conclude Each Section Thoughtfully

Conclude all parts of research paper that go in the main body with a brief summary or transition that connects back to your thesis statement and previews the next section.

How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper

A conclusion for a research paper must summarize key findings, reiterate the study's significance, and suggest avenues for future research. In the conclusion section, it is crucial to use words and phrases such as "in summary," "overall," "conclusively," "implications," "future research," and "contributions to the field."

Here are three examples of a research paper conclusion:

“To sum up, this study provides valuable insights into the impact of climate change on global biodiversity, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to mitigate its effects. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of implementing adaptive management strategies to safeguard ecosystems and enhance resilience in environmental change. Conclusively, this research contributes to the growing body of literature on climate change ecology and provides a foundation for future research aimed at addressing this critical global challenge.”
“In conclusion, this study's results demonstrate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing workplace stress and improving employee well-being. Our findings suggest that integrating mindfulness practices into organizational settings can significantly improve productivity, job satisfaction, and overall workplace functioning. Moving forward, further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of mindfulness interventions and identify best practices for implementation in diverse workplace environments.”
“In summary, this research paper has investigated the relationship between social media usage and adolescent mental health outcomes, revealing both positive and negative effects. Overall, our findings suggest that while social media can provide valuable social support and connectivity, excessive use may also contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression. Looking ahead, it is essential for policymakers, educators, and parents to work collaboratively to promote healthy social media habits and provide support for adolescents navigating the digital landscape.”

Cite Sources

Sources in a research paper are essential for acknowledging the ideas and work of others and avoiding plagiarism.

Choose a Citation Style

Determine which citation style you'll use for your paper, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, or others. Each style has a specific research paper format, so it's essential to use the appropriate style for your discipline or your assignment's requirements.

In-text Citations

Within the body of your paper, provide in-text citations to acknowledge the sources of your information. Include the author's last name and the publication year in parentheses at the end or within the sentence itself if the author's name is mentioned.

Create a Works Cited or References Page

At the end of your paper, include a separate page titled "Works Cited" (for MLA) or "References" (for APA and other styles). List all the sources you cited in your paper alphabetically by the author's last name.

Format Citations

Format each citation according to the guidelines of your chosen citation style. Pay attention to details such as punctuation, italics, and capitalization, as these can vary between styles.

Use Citation Tools

Consider using citation management tools such as Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote to help you automatically organize and format your citations. These tools can save you time and ensure accuracy in your citations.

Check Citation Guides

Refer to citation guides and manuals provided by your institution, library, or online resources for specific examples and instructions on how to cite different types of sources (e.g., books, journal articles, and websites).

Proofread, Edit, and Revise

Proofreading, editing, and revising a research paper are crucial to ensure clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Here are effective tips on how to effectively polish the final draft of your paper:

Step back after writing to refresh your perspective.
Listen for awkward phrasing and errors by reading aloud.
Ensure ideas flow logically and transitions are smooth.
Confirm your paper follows a clear structure from start to finish.
Double-check citations for accuracy and formatting.
Correct any grammar, punctuation, or spelling mistakes.
Add clarity and depth to key points as needed.
Remove unnecessary repetition or wordiness.
Get input from peers or instructors for fresh insights.
Make necessary changes based on feedback and your observations.
Do a final check for any lingering errors before submission.

Research Paper Writing Tips

Here are 6 in-depth tips that will bring your research paper writing prowess to the next level, which will be likely noticed by your teachers:

Formulate Hypotheses with Testable Predictions

Develop hypotheses that make specific, testable predictions about the relationships between variables in your research. Ensure hypotheses are grounded in theory and previous research, guiding your empirical investigation toward meaningful results and insights.

Design Robust Methodologies

Design your research methodologies with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring they are valid, reliable, and replicable. Select appropriate research designs, sampling techniques, and data collection methods that align with your research questions and objectives. Anticipate potential confounding variables and implement controls to mitigate their effects, enhancing the internal validity of your study.

Analyze Data Using Advanced Statistical Techniques

Employ advanced statistical techniques to analyze your data rigorously and uncover meaningful patterns or associations. To examine complex relationships among variables, utilize multivariate analyses, such as regression, factor analysis, or structural equation modeling. Interpret results critically, considering statistical and practical significance to draw robust conclusions.

Synthesize Findings with Theoretical Frameworks

Synthesize your empirical findings with relevant theoretical frameworks to generate novel insights and contribute to theoretical advancement within your field. Situate your research within broader theoretical debates and paradigms, identifying theoretical implications and avenues for future research.

Engage in Peer Review and Scholarly Dialogue

Seek opportunities to engage in peer review and scholarly dialogue to receive constructive feedback on your research and contribute to advancing knowledge. Submit your work to reputable academic journals, present at conferences, and participate in scholarly communities to receive critical appraisal and refine your ideas through intellectual exchange.

Communicate Results Effectively

Structure your paper following the IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) format, adhering to the conventions of scientific writing. Present findings objectively, using empirical evidence to support your claims and acknowledge limitations transparently.

In conclusion, with these effective steps and techniques, you can confidently write a research paper. Dive into research, organize your thoughts, support your arguments, revise diligently, and embrace improvement. Let your ideas flow and create papers that make a meaningful impact in your field.

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How to Start (and Complete) a Research Paper - TIP Sheet - Butte College. (n.d.). Copyright Butte College, All Rights Reserved. https://www.butte.edu/departments/cas/tipsheets/research/research_paper.html
Developersid. (2021, April 7). How to Write a Research Paper - Enago Academy. Enago Academy. https://www.enago.com/academy/how-to-write-research-paper/
Writing a Research Paper - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University. (n.d.). https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/research_papers/

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CAREER FEATURE
04 December 2020
Correction 09 December 2020

How to write a superb literature review

Andy Tay is a freelance writer based in Singapore.

You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Credit: Getty

Literature reviews are important resources for scientists. They provide historical context for a field while offering opinions on its future trajectory. Creating them can provide inspiration for one’s own research, as well as some practice in writing. But few scientists are trained in how to write a review — or in what constitutes an excellent one. Even picking the appropriate software to use can be an involved decision (see ‘Tools and techniques’). So Nature asked editors and working scientists with well-cited reviews for their tips.

WENTING ZHAO: Be focused and avoid jargon

Assistant professor of chemical and biomedical engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

When I was a research student, review writing improved my understanding of the history of my field. I also learnt about unmet challenges in the field that triggered ideas.

For example, while writing my first review 1 as a PhD student, I was frustrated by how poorly we understood how cells actively sense, interact with and adapt to nanoparticles used in drug delivery. This experience motivated me to study how the surface properties of nanoparticles can be modified to enhance biological sensing. When I transitioned to my postdoctoral research, this question led me to discover the role of cell-membrane curvature, which led to publications and my current research focus. I wouldn’t have started in this area without writing that review.

Collection: Careers toolkit

A common problem for students writing their first reviews is being overly ambitious. When I wrote mine, I imagined producing a comprehensive summary of every single type of nanomaterial used in biological applications. It ended up becoming a colossal piece of work, with too many papers discussed and without a clear way to categorize them. We published the work in the end, but decided to limit the discussion strictly to nanoparticles for biological sensing, rather than covering how different nanomaterials are used in biology.

My advice to students is to accept that a review is unlike a textbook: it should offer a more focused discussion, and it’s OK to skip some topics so that you do not distract your readers. Students should also consider editorial deadlines, especially for invited reviews: make sure that the review’s scope is not so extensive that it delays the writing.

A good review should also avoid jargon and explain the basic concepts for someone who is new to the field. Although I trained as an engineer, I’m interested in biology, and my research is about developing nanomaterials to manipulate proteins at the cell membrane and how this can affect ageing and cancer. As an ‘outsider’, the reviews that I find most useful for these biological topics are those that speak to me in accessible scientific language.

Bozhi Tian likes to get a variety of perspectives into a review. Credit: Aleksander Prominski

BOZHI TIAN: Have a process and develop your style

Associate professor of chemistry, University of Chicago, Illinois.

In my lab, we start by asking: what is the purpose of this review? My reasons for writing one can include the chance to contribute insights to the scientific community and identify opportunities for my research. I also see review writing as a way to train early-career researchers in soft skills such as project management and leadership. This is especially true for lead authors, because they will learn to work with their co-authors to integrate the various sections into a piece with smooth transitions and no overlaps.

After we have identified the need and purpose of a review article, I will form a team from the researchers in my lab. I try to include students with different areas of expertise, because it is useful to get a variety of perspectives. For example, in the review ‘An atlas of nano-enabled neural interfaces’ 2 , we had authors with backgrounds in biophysics, neuroengineering, neurobiology and materials sciences focusing on different sections of the review.

After this, I will discuss an outline with my team. We go through multiple iterations to make sure that we have scanned the literature sufficiently and do not repeat discussions that have appeared in other reviews. It is also important that the outline is not decided by me alone: students often have fresh ideas that they can bring to the table. Once this is done, we proceed with the writing.

I often remind my students to imagine themselves as ‘artists of science’ and encourage them to develop how they write and present information. Adding more words isn’t always the best way: for example, I enjoy using tables to summarize research progress and suggest future research trajectories. I’ve also considered including short videos in our review papers to highlight key aspects of the work. I think this can increase readership and accessibility because these videos can be easily shared on social-media platforms.

ANKITA ANIRBAN: Timeliness and figures make a huge difference

Editor, Nature Reviews Physics .

One of my roles as a journal editor is to evaluate proposals for reviews. The best proposals are timely and clearly explain why readers should pay attention to the proposed topic.

It is not enough for a review to be a summary of the latest growth in the literature: the most interesting reviews instead provide a discussion about disagreements in the field.

Careers Collection: Publishing

Scientists often centre the story of their primary research papers around their figures — but when it comes to reviews, figures often take a secondary role. In my opinion, review figures are more important than most people think. One of my favourite review-style articles 3 presents a plot bringing together data from multiple research papers (many of which directly contradict each other). This is then used to identify broad trends and suggest underlying mechanisms that could explain all of the different conclusions.

An important role of a review article is to introduce researchers to a field. For this, schematic figures can be useful to illustrate the science being discussed, in much the same way as the first slide of a talk should. That is why, at Nature Reviews, we have in-house illustrators to assist authors. However, simplicity is key, and even without support from professional illustrators, researchers can still make use of many free drawing tools to enhance the value of their review figures.

A woman wearing a lab coat smiles at the camera.

Yoojin Choi recommends that researchers be open to critiques when writing reviews. Credit: Yoojin Choi

YOOJIN CHOI: Stay updated and be open to suggestions

Research assistant professor, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon.

I started writing the review ‘Biosynthesis of inorganic nanomaterials using microbial cells and bacteriophages’ 4 as a PhD student in 2018. It took me one year to write the first draft because I was working on the review alongside my PhD research and mostly on my own, with support from my adviser. It took a further year to complete the processes of peer review, revision and publication. During this time, many new papers and even competing reviews were published. To provide the most up-to-date and original review, I had to stay abreast of the literature. In my case, I made use of Google Scholar, which I set to send me daily updates of relevant literature based on key words.

Through my review-writing process, I also learnt to be more open to critiques to enhance the value and increase the readership of my work. Initially, my review was focused only on using microbial cells such as bacteria to produce nanomaterials, which was the subject of my PhD research. Bacteria such as these are known as biofactories: that is, organisms that produce biological material which can be modified to produce useful materials, such as magnetic nanoparticles for drug-delivery purposes.

Synchronized editing: the future of collaborative writing

However, when the first peer-review report came back, all three reviewers suggested expanding the review to cover another type of biofactory: bacteriophages. These are essentially viruses that infect bacteria, and they can also produce nanomaterials.

The feedback eventually led me to include a discussion of the differences between the various biofactories (bacteriophages, bacteria, fungi and microalgae) and their advantages and disadvantages. This turned out to be a great addition because it made the review more comprehensive.

Writing the review also led me to an idea about using nanomaterial-modified microorganisms to produce chemicals, which I’m still researching now.

PAULA MARTIN-GONZALEZ: Make good use of technology

PhD student, University of Cambridge, UK.

Just before the coronavirus lockdown, my PhD adviser and I decided to write a literature review discussing the integration of medical imaging with genomics to improve ovarian cancer management.

As I was researching the review, I noticed a trend in which some papers were consistently being cited by many other papers in the field. It was clear to me that those papers must be important, but as a new member of the field of integrated cancer biology, it was difficult to immediately find and read all of these ‘seminal papers’.

That was when I decided to code a small application to make my literature research more efficient. Using my code, users can enter a query, such as ‘ovarian cancer, computer tomography, radiomics’, and the application searches for all relevant literature archived in databases such as PubMed that feature these key words.

The code then identifies the relevant papers and creates a citation graph of all the references cited in the results of the search. The software highlights papers that have many citation relationships with other papers in the search, and could therefore be called seminal papers.

My code has substantially improved how I organize papers and has informed me of key publications and discoveries in my research field: something that would have taken more time and experience in the field otherwise. After I shared my code on GitHub, I received feedback that it can be daunting for researchers who are not used to coding. Consequently, I am hoping to build a more user-friendly interface in a form of a web page, akin to PubMed or Google Scholar, where users can simply input their queries to generate citation graphs.

Tools and techniques

Most reference managers on the market offer similar capabilities when it comes to providing a Microsoft Word plug-in and producing different citation styles. But depending on your working preferences, some might be more suitable than others.

Reference managers

Attribute	EndNote	Mendeley	Zotero	Paperpile
Cost	A one-time cost of around US$340 but comes with discounts for academics; around $150 for students	Free version available	Free version available	Low and comes with academic discounts
Level of user support	Extensive user tutorials available; dedicated help desk	Extensive user tutorials available; global network of 5,000 volunteers to advise users	Forum discussions to troubleshoot	Forum discussions to troubleshoot
Desktop version available for offline use?	Available	Available	Available	Unavailable
Document storage on cloud	Up to 2 GB (free version)	Up to 2 GB (free version)	Up to 300 MB (free version)	Storage linked to Google Drive
Compatible with Google Docs?	No	No	Yes	Yes
Supports collaborative working?	No group working	References can be shared or edited by a maximum of three other users (or more in the paid-for version)	No limit on the number of users	No limit on the number of users

Here is a comparison of the more popular collaborative writing tools, but there are other options, including Fidus Writer, Manuscript.io, Authorea and Stencila.

Collaborative writing tools

Attribute	Manubot	Overleaf	Google Docs
Cost	Free, open source	$15–30 per month, comes with academic discounts	Free, comes with a Google account
Writing language	Type and write in Markdown*	Type and format in LaTex*	Standard word processor
Can be used with a mobile device?	No	No	Yes
References	Bibliographies are built using DOIs, circumventing reference managers	Citation styles can be imported from reference managers	Possible but requires additional referencing tools in a plug-in, such as Paperpile

*Markdown and LaTex are code-based formatting languages favoured by physicists, mathematicians and computer scientists who code on a regular basis, and less popular in other disciplines such as biology and chemistry.

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-020-03422-x

Interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

Updates & Corrections

Correction 09 December 2020 : An earlier version of the tables in this article included some incorrect details about the programs Zotero, Endnote and Manubot. These have now been corrected.

Hsing, I.-M., Xu, Y. & Zhao, W. Electroanalysis 19 , 755–768 (2007).

Article Google Scholar

Ledesma, H. A. et al. Nature Nanotechnol. 14 , 645–657 (2019).

Article PubMed Google Scholar

Brahlek, M., Koirala, N., Bansal, N. & Oh, S. Solid State Commun. 215–216 , 54–62 (2015).

Choi, Y. & Lee, S. Y. Nature Rev. Chem . https://doi.org/10.1038/s41570-020-00221-w (2020).

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How to write a whole research paper in a week

Writing up a full research article in a single week? Maybe you think that’s impossible. Yet I have done it repeatedly, and so have students in my courses. This is an exceptionally joyful (even if demanding) experience: being so productive just feels great! You are not wasting any time, and a paper produced in one go is typically coherent and nice to read. Even if you are a slow writer, you can write a whole paper in a single week — if you follow my strategy. Read below about what you need to prepare and how to approach this project.

I wrote my first scientific research article in 7 days. It started as a desperate effort to stop my procrastination and “just do it”. But I was surprised what a positive experience it was: focused and efficient, I was making daily progress, feeling motivated and content. Finally, the fruits of my hard work were gaining shape — and they did it so quickly!

I realized it was highly effective to write up a paper like this: writing for the whole day, every day until the first draft was finished. My writing project was firmly present in my mind — I didn’t lose time catching up with what I have written in the last session. Since I was not doing anything else, my wandering mind settled in very fast, and I was getting into a routine. The daily progress was clearly visible and motivated me to continue. And the result was a coherent paper that was easy to revise.

Meanwhile, this paper-a-week approach is my favorite. That’s how I write my papers, and that’s what I teach to students. In on-site courses young scientists draft a whole paper in 5 days, writing one major section per day. At the beginning of the week, many participants have doubts. But at the end of the week, they are all excited to see how much they managed to write in just a single week.

If you would also like to try out this approach, then read on about the necessary preparations, the optimal setting, and a productive writing strategy.

If you would like to get support during the preparation, drafting and revising of your research article, check out my online course Write Up Your Paper .

Prepare well

First, think about your audience and pick a suitable journal . This is an important step because the audience and journal determine the content & style of your paper. As a reference, pick two recent papers on a similar topic published in your target journal.
Create a storyline for your paper. What is the main message you want to convey, and how are you going to present your results?
Put together all the results that you need to present your story convincingly: collect the necessary data, finish analyses, and create figures and tables.
Select and read the relevant background literature as well as studies you want to compare your work with. As you read, note down any point that comes to your mind as something to be mentioned in the Introduction or Discussion section.
Draft a preliminary Abstract : it will help you keep the direction and not get distracted by secondary ideas as you write the individual sections.

Depending on how complete your results already are, you might need 2-4 weeks to finish all these preparations. To help you keep an overview, I created a checklist with detailed steps that you need to take before you attempt to write up your paper in a week. Subscribe to our Newsletter and get your copy of the checklist.

Reserve a whole week for writing

Now, writing a paper in a single week is a serious business. You can’t do it if you don’t focus solely on the writing and create good writing conditions. Therefore, I recommend the following settings:

Find a place where you can write without distractions. I have written my first paper over the Easter holidays when there was nobody in the office. You might choose to write at home or in a library. Though if possible, the best is to go for a retreat: removing yourself from your everyday settings immensely helps focus on the writing.
Cancel (all) social obligations for the week. While it’s crucial to relax in the evening, you want to avoid disturbances associated with social events. Anything that makes your thoughts drift away from your work because it requires planning, exchanging of messages with others, or simply because it’s too exciting is better left for some other week. On the other hand, a quiet meeting with a good friend over a glass of wine or beer might be just the perfect way to unwind and rest after a productive, yet exhausting day of writing.
Get support from the partner, family or friends — if possible. It’s best when you don’t need to run errands, cook and clean during this week. If you live alone, you can probably easily arrange yourself for undisturbed work. If you live with other people, ask them for consideration and support.

What I described above are the *ideal* conditions for undisturbed writing. But don’t give up if you can’t create such conditions for yourself. Work with what is possible — maybe it will take you 7-8 instead of 5-6 days but that’s still a great result, right?

Do you need to revise & polish your manuscript or thesis but don’t know where to begin?

Get your Revision Checklist

Click here for an efficient step-by-step revision of your scientific texts.

Maybe you think that you can never ever draft a research article in a single week. Because you write so slowly, producing only few paragraphs per day. Well — I agree that if you don’t optimize your writing strategy, it would be hard to impossible to write up a whole paper in a week.

Separate the processes of writing and revising. That’s the most important principle. Resist the urge to revise as you write the first draft. Moreover, don’t interrupt your writing to look up missing information. Work with placeholders instead. This allows you to get into the state of flow and proceed much faster than you can imagine.
Start your writing day with 10 minutes of freewriting . Write without stopping about anything that comes to your mind. This helps you to warm up for writing, clear your head of any unrelated thoughts, and get into the mood of writing without editing.
Take regular power breaks. I recommend to follow the Pomodoro technique : write for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. After 3-4 such sessions take a longer break of 0.5-1 hour. During the breaks get up, walk a bit, stretch, look around, and breathe deeply. These breaks help you sustain high focus and productivity throughout the whole day.
Eat and sleep well. What you are doing is similar to a professional athlete. So take care of your brain and body, and they will serve you well.
Reward yourself. Every day celebrate the progress you have made. You have full right to be proud of you!

Write the individual sections in a reasonable order

If you have written a research paper before, you have probably realized that starting with the Introduction and finishing with the Discussion is not the ideal order in which to tackle the individual sections. Instead, I recommend the following procedure:

Start with the Methods section. This is the easiest section to write, so it’s great as a warm-up, to get into writing without the need to think (and procrastinate ;)) too much. Look at your figures and tables: what methods did you use to create them? Then describe your methods, one after another.
Results section: Writing the Methods section refreshes your memory about the research you have done. So writing the Results section next should not be too hard: Take one display object (figure or table) after another, and describe the results they contain. While you do so, you will come across points that need to be discussed in the Discussion section. Note them down so you don’t forget them.
Introduction : When your results are fresh in your mind, you are in a great position to write the Introduction — because the Introduction should contain selected information that gives the reader context for your research project and allows them to understand your results and their implications.
Discussion : When you have taken notes while writing the Results section, the Discussion section should be quite easy to draft. Don’t worry too early about the order in which you want to discuss the individual points. Write one paragraph for each point , and then see how you can logically arrange them.
Abstract and title : On the last day, revise the preliminary Abstract or write a new one. You could also take a break of a few days before tackling the Abstract, to gain clarity and distance. Generate multiple titles (I recommend 6-10), so that you and your co-authors can choose the most appropriate one.

Just do it!

Once you have written the whole draft, let it sit for a week or two, and then revise it. Follow my tips for efficient revising and get your revision checklist that will guide you step-by-step through the whole process.

Now I am curious about your experience: Have you ever written up an academic article quickly? How did you do it? Please, share with us your tips & strategies!

Do you need to revise & polish your manuscript or thesis but don’t know where to begin? Is your text a mess and you don't know how to improve it?

Click here for an efficient step-by-step revision of your scientific texts. You will be guided through each step with concrete tips for execution.

7 thoughts on “ How to write a whole research paper in a week ”

Thank for your guide and suggestion. It gives to me very precious ways how to write a article. Now I am writing a article related to Buddhist studies. Thank you so much.

You are welcome!

excellent! it helped me a lot! wish you all best

Hi Parham, I’m happy to hear that!

I have never written any paper before. As I am from very old school.

But my writing skill is actually very good. Your help is definitely going to help me as this has inspired me alot. Will let you know, once done. I really like the outline that you have given. Basically you have made it so easy for me .

Hope fully will be in touch with you soon.

Thanks and ki d Regards, Shehla

Dear Shehla, that sounds great! I’m looking forward to hearing about your paper!

Comments are closed.

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10 Page Research Paper Outline

Research Paper Writing

At some point along your academic journey, your college instructors will require you to demonstrate good research paper writing skills.

The research paper is usually considered a higher level of writing that demands high competency and skills levels.

A good understanding of the steps for writing a research paper come in handy.

Organization

1. it enhances organization, 2. it helps avoid stagnation, 3. it helps in alignment, 4. it helps produce in-depth work, 5. it enhances motivation, 6. it acts as schedule, introduction (2 paragraphs: 125-140 words per paragraph), body (18 paragraphs: 3 sections, 6 paragraphs each), conclusion (2 paragraphs), introduction, summary of a 10 page research paper outline template, topic: lead poisoning.

Step 1: Choosing the Topic[nbsp]

Step 2: Determining the Research Problem

Step 3: determining the audience, step 4: conducting research, step 5: creating the main category, step 6: creating the subcategories.

Note that one key element of research paper writing is proper organization.

In such organization, there is a particularly focus on the appropriate research paper format.

This organization is the basis of a well-developed research paper. An organized research paper should:

Be focused on a thesis statement
Use sources to support the thesis
Apply different sources to use different ideas and information to support an argument
Cite the sources used

Usually, a 10 page research paper should be crafted in a manner that optimizes the respective research paper topics.

This involves adopting an organization that enhances effective articulation of the different ideas supporting the research topics.

Such organization can be realized through the 10 page research paper outline.

It is important to note that college research papers could assume different formats.

Particularly, research papers in business and social sciences are likely to adopt different research paper formats from those in life and physical sciences.

Accordingly, the 10 page research paper outline is more common among business and social science research papers.

Importance of a 10 Page Research Paper Outline

The 10 page research paper outline plays an important role in developing the appropriate research paper format.

Adhering to this outline is likely to accord you some advantages throughout the process of writing your college research paper.

Some of these advantages include:

The outline is central to organization of ideas in the research paper.

Such organization helps to enhance the coherence of ideas in the research paper.

In this, the outline acts as a guide on the ideas to be included, how they will be developed, and their sequence.

It is acts as a solid guide on how to writer your college research paper.

The 10 page research paper outline is very effective in reducing incidences where you are likely to get stuck when writing the college research paper.

This is because it facilitates the development of a structure on how to navigate through the target research paper topics.

The outline is key in ensuring that you remain on course when writing the research paper.

Herein, it can act as research paper template that guides you through the writing process to ensure you remain within the context of the entailed research paper topics.

The outline comes in handy when you want to evaluate different perspectives in the research paper.

It is important to note that a good research paper should evaluate different ideas within a particular context.

As such, by relying on the outline, you can easily determine the most appropriate approach in the analysis of these perspectives.

The 10 page research paper outline can help you remain focused and motivated throughout the college research paper writing process.

With the outline, it is possible subdivide the research paper into sections and milestones, where achievement of each milestone can act as a source of motivation.

As noted above, the outline can be used to mark respective milestones in the writing process.

You can use it to mark and adhere to deadlines on the different tasks requisite to the whole writing process.

Note that in some cases, you may be required to submit the work in bits.

Structure of a 10-Page Research Paper

Breaking a 10-page research paper into smaller sections helps make the writing process easy.

Note that hypothetically, a ten-page paper should be between 20 and 22 paragraphs.

This is the same for a 10 pages essay.

So, how should a 10 page paper outline look like?

What sections should you include?

What should be the length of each section?

These are pertinent questions and their answers are explored below.

As evidenced in a typical 10 page research paper example, a research paper should have 3 main parts, including:

The breakdown of each part is as expounded below:

A 10 page paper outline should have a 2 paragraphs’ introduction.

An ideal paragraph should be about 125 words.

In some cases, it could be as much as 140 words.

As shown in a typical 10 page research paper example, the introduction should be between 250 and 280 words in total.

The first paragraph should:

Stipulate the research question
Provide a brief background and
Explain what requires to be interpreted

The second paragraph should:

Explain how the 10 page paper will answer the research question
Highlight the thesis statement (in one sentence)

The body of a 10 page essay or research paper should be divided into about 3 sections.

Accordingly, each section in a good 10 page paper outline should have up to 6 paragraphs.

Section III

Section I could focus on one position of the argument.

Section II could explore the opposing position.

Section III could expound on how the conflict between the two positions was resolved.

Each paragraph of a 10 page paper body should begin with a topic sentence that aligns with both the section’s point/ argument and the research paper’s thesis.

To make writing easy and coherent, you should create a 10 page paper outline with about 18 topic sentences (6 for each section).

As reflected in a good 10 page research paper example, the conclusion should have two paragraphs (125- 140 words each).

Reiterate the thesis
Show why the thesis presented the most effective way of exploring the evidence presented in the body.

The second paragraph should explain:

Why the argument matters
How the research paper and derived interpretations help understand the issue under study

Template of a 10 Page Research Paper Outline

A good research paper is founded on a solid template. The research paper template looks at different parts of the research paper.

Precisely, the template of a 10 page research paper outline covers three key areas. These areas include:

The introduction is usually two paragraphs in length. It encompasses a brief story about the entailed research paper topic, where it stipulates the reason why the story requires exploration.

The body should encompass different parts with clear subheadings.

For a 10 page research paper outline, the body could be in as many parts as 4, 5, or even more, depending on the number of ideas being advanced and their requisite depth. [nbsp]

The conclusion should be 2 paragraphs long. The first paragraph should recapture the thesis statement in relation to the evidence adduced in the college research paper.

On the other hand, the second paragraph should explain why the paper’s argument(s) is/are characteristic to the understanding of the entailed phenomenon.

General overview of the topic

Statement of relevance

Thesis statement

Transition to the first Body paragraph

Key argument #1

Topic sentence

Evidence (quote)[nbsp]

Transition to the next Body paragraph

Key argument #2

Evidence (quote)

Key argument #3

Transition to the Conclusion

Restatement of the thesis statement

Summary of the key points

Food for thought

Bibliography

Sample Research Paper Template

-Lead poisoning definition

-Importance of the study

-Key terms and their definitions

-Symptoms of lead poisoning

-Effects of lead poisoning

-Treatments for lead poisoning

-Summary of key points

-Recommendations (Handling lead poisoning hazards).

Steps in Developing a 10 Page Research Paper Outline

Developing the 10 page research paper outline is a systematic process. The process is defined by numerous steps as illustrated below.

Step 1: Choosing the Topic [nbsp]

This step requires you to identify the topic to write about or issue to investigate.

It is important to ensure that you choose a topic that is interesting to you. Where the topic is chosen for you, you can go ahead and determine the viewpoint you intend to assume.

After selecting the research topic, it is time to identify the main argument in your research paper.

This entails the point around which the research paper will be built around. To do this, you should sum up the point in a single short phrase.

Developing a good 10 page research paper outline requires you to clearly identify your target audience.

It is important to ensure that the target audience will relate with or appreciate your point of view.

A good outline must be founded on in-depth research. This research is supposed to give you a thorough idea on all issues relating to your topic.

In this step, you should investigate and note down different views about the topic. Collect adequate evidence on all these views.

With details on the topic, it is time to create the key categories that characterize the 10 page research paper outline.

This requires you to note down each of the major points you intend to cover in the research paper. These points should derive from the research earlier conducted.

This step entails developing a list of different points meant to support the major points.

The number of subcategories should be determined by the amount of details you intend to provide in the major points.

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Research paper

Writing a Research Paper Introduction | Step-by-Step Guide

Published on September 24, 2022 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on March 27, 2023.

The introduction to a research paper is where you set up your topic and approach for the reader. It has several key goals:

Present your topic and get the reader interested
Provide background or summarize existing research
Position your own approach
Detail your specific research problem and problem statement
Give an overview of the paper’s structure

The introduction looks slightly different depending on whether your paper presents the results of original empirical research or constructs an argument by engaging with a variety of sources.

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Step 1: introduce your topic, step 2: describe the background, step 3: establish your research problem, step 4: specify your objective(s), step 5: map out your paper, research paper introduction examples, frequently asked questions about the research paper introduction.

The first job of the introduction is to tell the reader what your topic is and why it’s interesting or important. This is generally accomplished with a strong opening hook.

The hook is a striking opening sentence that clearly conveys the relevance of your topic. Think of an interesting fact or statistic, a strong statement, a question, or a brief anecdote that will get the reader wondering about your topic.

For example, the following could be an effective hook for an argumentative paper about the environmental impact of cattle farming:

A more empirical paper investigating the relationship of Instagram use with body image issues in adolescent girls might use the following hook:

Don’t feel that your hook necessarily has to be deeply impressive or creative. Clarity and relevance are still more important than catchiness. The key thing is to guide the reader into your topic and situate your ideas.

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This part of the introduction differs depending on what approach your paper is taking.

In a more argumentative paper, you’ll explore some general background here. In a more empirical paper, this is the place to review previous research and establish how yours fits in.

Argumentative paper: Background information

After you’ve caught your reader’s attention, specify a bit more, providing context and narrowing down your topic.

Provide only the most relevant background information. The introduction isn’t the place to get too in-depth; if more background is essential to your paper, it can appear in the body .

Empirical paper: Describing previous research

For a paper describing original research, you’ll instead provide an overview of the most relevant research that has already been conducted. This is a sort of miniature literature review —a sketch of the current state of research into your topic, boiled down to a few sentences.

This should be informed by genuine engagement with the literature. Your search can be less extensive than in a full literature review, but a clear sense of the relevant research is crucial to inform your own work.

Begin by establishing the kinds of research that have been done, and end with limitations or gaps in the research that you intend to respond to.

The next step is to clarify how your own research fits in and what problem it addresses.

Argumentative paper: Emphasize importance

In an argumentative research paper, you can simply state the problem you intend to discuss, and what is original or important about your argument.

Empirical paper: Relate to the literature

In an empirical research paper, try to lead into the problem on the basis of your discussion of the literature. Think in terms of these questions:

What research gap is your work intended to fill?
What limitations in previous work does it address?
What contribution to knowledge does it make?

You can make the connection between your problem and the existing research using phrases like the following.


Although has been studied in detail, insufficient attention has been paid to .	You will address a previously overlooked aspect of your topic.
The implications of study deserve to be explored further.	You will build on something suggested by a previous study, exploring it in greater depth.
It is generally assumed that . However, this paper suggests that …	You will depart from the consensus on your topic, establishing a new position.

Now you’ll get into the specifics of what you intend to find out or express in your research paper.

The way you frame your research objectives varies. An argumentative paper presents a thesis statement, while an empirical paper generally poses a research question (sometimes with a hypothesis as to the answer).

Argumentative paper: Thesis statement

The thesis statement expresses the position that the rest of the paper will present evidence and arguments for. It can be presented in one or two sentences, and should state your position clearly and directly, without providing specific arguments for it at this point.

Empirical paper: Research question and hypothesis

The research question is the question you want to answer in an empirical research paper.

Present your research question clearly and directly, with a minimum of discussion at this point. The rest of the paper will be taken up with discussing and investigating this question; here you just need to express it.

A research question can be framed either directly or indirectly.

This study set out to answer the following question: What effects does daily use of Instagram have on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls?
We investigated the effects of daily Instagram use on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls.

If your research involved testing hypotheses , these should be stated along with your research question. They are usually presented in the past tense, since the hypothesis will already have been tested by the time you are writing up your paper.

For example, the following hypothesis might respond to the research question above:

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The final part of the introduction is often dedicated to a brief overview of the rest of the paper.

In a paper structured using the standard scientific “introduction, methods, results, discussion” format, this isn’t always necessary. But if your paper is structured in a less predictable way, it’s important to describe the shape of it for the reader.

If included, the overview should be concise, direct, and written in the present tense.

This paper will first discuss several examples of survey-based research into adolescent social media use, then will go on to …
This paper first discusses several examples of survey-based research into adolescent social media use, then goes on to …

Full examples of research paper introductions are shown in the tabs below: one for an argumentative paper, the other for an empirical paper.

Argumentative paper
Empirical paper

Are cows responsible for climate change? A recent study (RIVM, 2019) shows that cattle farmers account for two thirds of agricultural nitrogen emissions in the Netherlands. These emissions result from nitrogen in manure, which can degrade into ammonia and enter the atmosphere. The study’s calculations show that agriculture is the main source of nitrogen pollution, accounting for 46% of the country’s total emissions. By comparison, road traffic and households are responsible for 6.1% each, the industrial sector for 1%. While efforts are being made to mitigate these emissions, policymakers are reluctant to reckon with the scale of the problem. The approach presented here is a radical one, but commensurate with the issue. This paper argues that the Dutch government must stimulate and subsidize livestock farmers, especially cattle farmers, to transition to sustainable vegetable farming. It first establishes the inadequacy of current mitigation measures, then discusses the various advantages of the results proposed, and finally addresses potential objections to the plan on economic grounds.

The rise of social media has been accompanied by a sharp increase in the prevalence of body image issues among women and girls. This correlation has received significant academic attention: Various empirical studies have been conducted into Facebook usage among adolescent girls (Tiggermann & Slater, 2013; Meier & Gray, 2014). These studies have consistently found that the visual and interactive aspects of the platform have the greatest influence on body image issues. Despite this, highly visual social media (HVSM) such as Instagram have yet to be robustly researched. This paper sets out to address this research gap. We investigated the effects of daily Instagram use on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls. It was hypothesized that daily Instagram use would be associated with an increase in body image concerns and a decrease in self-esteem ratings.

The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:

A hook to catch the reader’s interest
Relevant background on the topic
Details of your research problem

and your problem statement

A thesis statement or research question
Sometimes an overview of the paper

Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.

This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .

The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .

A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis —a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.

Cite this Scribbr article

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How to Publish a Research Paper in a Journal (According to Published High Schoolers)

By Tom Gurin

Fulbright Scholar; music composer, historian, and educator

10 minute read

SCHOLARS IN THIS ARTICLE:

Abigail Bogdanovsky - Published in Curieux Academic Journal

Claire Loftus - Published in Curieux Academic Journal

Suraga Nallan - Published in the Journal of Emerging Investigators

Surabi Bhaskar - Published in Curieux Academic Journal

“As a rising sophomore, I didn’t have any experience publishing papers. The thought of publishing a paper seemed daunting to me, but ultimately it was not. My mentor was able to share his expertise and experience with me in publishing papers.” -Claire

The double process of writing a research paper and then getting it published can feel terrifying, especially your first time going through it. But research shouldn’t be scary, it should be about finding and diving into your academic passions! Conducting and publishing research contributes valuable knowledge to a global community of scholars. High school students who sign up for Polygence benefit from dual-pronged support in conducting research and showcasing their hard work through peer-reviewed journals, such as the National High School Journal of Science .

In this article, we’ll hear from real high schoolers as they break down the step-by-step process for conducting and publishing your own original research. It’s not easy, but it’s less intimidating than you might think!

Do your own research through Polygence!

Polygence pairs you with an expert mentor in your area of passion. Together, you work to create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own.

Step 1: Connect with a Mentor

“My mentor was very helpful in guiding me in the right direction, accessing papers for me, simplifying things I didn't understand and making sure I was never overwhelmed with the project… Polygence was super helpful with publishing. I had no idea what I was doing and without a mentor, I would have definitely been a lot more stressed…. I also had no idea what this project entailed when I started and my mentor explained everything thoroughly and helped walk me through what was required step by step.” -Abigail

Importance of Mentors for Research

If you’re reading this article, then you’re ready to take your first step toward publishing your research paper by finding and connecting with a mentor! While there is no universal rule stating that research can’t be a solo mission, 99% of the time, researchers are not working in a vacuum on their own. Researchers have support from teammates and colleagues, and, most importantly, they receive guidance from mentors. Undergraduates, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, even accomplished professional researchers, and tenured faculty receive guidance from mentors within their fields. High school research is no different in this respect. Even though it’s possible to conduct and showcase original research on your own as a high schooler, receiving high-quality mentorship will take your research to the next level, empowering you to produce and publish an original research paper that you will be proud of for years to come.

Tips for Finding and Connecting with a Great Mentor

Identifying and connecting with a dedicated mentor who is also an expert in your field can be challenging. When contacting potential mentors, keep in mind what you are hoping to get out of that mentor/mentee relationship. Communicate the aspects of research where you feel confident, as well as the areas where you feel less sure and could use some support. Demonstrating that you are excited about contributing original research to your field and that you are eager for constructive feedback is a great way to set the right tone. If you are still looking for your perfect mentor, Polygence works with hundreds of expert researchers, all of whom are passionate about supporting young scholars. Let us connect you with your mentor match!

Your Own Engineering Project - Ready, Set, Go!

Polygence pairs you with an expert engineering mentor in your area of passion. Together, you work to create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own. We also offer options to explore multiple topics, or to showcase your final product!

Step 2: Develop Your Research Question

“I have become adept at identifying and analyzing literature for my work… My experience with Polygence was immensely helpful in developing both my research and writing skills. Now, as a college student working in a lab, I am able to apply these skills in both classroom and lab settings.” -Sarubi

Understand Existing Research

The very last thing you want is to find yourself halfway amid your final round of experiments, only to realize that the research topic you chose was too broad, or that others have studied it before in great depth. To make sure this doesn’t happen, and to set yourself up for a successful project in general, it’s important to familiarize yourself with existing research before designing your own experiments. Your mentor can help you find, access, and understand relevant and recent literature within your field.

Select a Research Topic

Once you and your mentor have explored the existing literature and understand the current state of the field, it’s time to develop a research question or find a gap in the research or an opportunity to contribute your own data. For example, many research papers conclude with ideas or suggestions for further research. If you read any articles from the past two or three years that interest you, take a look at their conclusions and ask your mentor whether it would be feasible to accomplish a portion of what the authors suggest. A great research topic should be:

The goal is to contribute new information or novel connections to the scholarly community.

Robust but feasible

Your topic should be significant but not overwhelming. The research should be important but possible to accomplish within your time frame.

Something you are passionate about

Selecting a topic that you are deeply interested in will make the entire process much more meaningful and enjoyable.

Step 3: Research!

This step will depend on your chosen topic and the plan that you and your mentor develop together. Once complete, we can move on to step 4!

Step 4: Write a Draft of Your Manuscript

“The publication process was quite long... My mentor really helped me figure out how to design an experiment, how to write a paper, and how to make edits.” -Suraga

“One tip I would give is: don’t go into a project hoping to publish in a specific journal. Being able to publish in any journal is an accomplishment that you should be proud of. Additionally, I think that it is important that students write what they want to, and not to impress these journals.” -Claire

“In AP Bio, we had to write many lab reports and the format was very similar to my research paper. It made the lab reports feel not too difficult because I understood the step-by-step process of how to write them.” -Abigail

Once you've completed the research, experimentation, and/or data collection phase of your project, it’s time to start writing. After all, scholarship is a community, and it’s important to clearly communicate your findings so that others can continue to make progress in your field. During manuscript preparation, you will need to carefully organize and present your research data in a way that is both clear and compelling. Some scholars recommend going ahead and identifying your top choice through an academic journal before you even begin writing your paper. That strategy has the advantage in terms of familiarization with the preferred style, format, length, etc., and of the journal you wish to publish in. However, based on input from high school scholars who have been published in these journals, having a particular publication in mind can distract from the writing process, particularly if it’s your first time putting together an original research paper. They suggest taking the process one step at a time, focusing on writing the best manuscript possible and getting frequent feedback from your mentor. Once you have a draft of your manuscript, there will be time to tailor your academic paper to a specific journal during the revision process.

Manuscript Writing Tips for Clarity and Impact

Each field is different. Consult peer-reviewed journals in your field for ideas on how to structure your writing, how to perform data analyses, and how to present your findings.

For scientific papers, your hypothesis should always be constructed based on results from published literature.

The style of writing in most research papers is very dry. Use simple sentence structures, and don’t be afraid to say the same thing twice — in the same way — if that’s what you mean. If you catch yourself reaching for synonyms in search of new ways to rephrase the same idea, remember that academic writing prioritizes clarity above all else. Unnecessarily mixing up your wording can be confusing and obstruct readers’ comprehension of your meaning.

Step 5: Select Your Top Choice Journal During the Revision Process

“My mentor helped me make a list of different places I could send my paper too. Polygence has a platform which shows a bunch of journals to which you can publish and which can align with the subject of the paper you wrote.” -Abigail

Once you feel that your paper is coming into focus, it may be helpful to begin looking for journals that would be good matches for your submission. Remember: ethical research practices dictate that you should only submit your work to one journal at a time.

Choosing the Right Journal

With your mentor, browse the recent issues from various publications that accept submissions from high schoolers conducting research work in your field. For each publication, learn about the journal’s scope, its audience, its impact factor, and its acceptance rate. Next, create a ranking of your top three or four that seem to be well-aligned with your work and your goals. Make note of the submission requirements for your top choice journal (for instance, some journals specify a maximum number of works cited per article) and the types of papers that they tend to publish. As you fine-tune your paper, keep in mind their stated requirements and your own observations from recent issues.

Step 6: Submit Your Manuscript

“A takeaway would be to be patient because the process to hear back can be kind of long and it is stressful not knowing. But always know that you can resubmit somewhere else if your first attempt doesn't work out.” -Abigail

“It was definitely a strenuous process, but I learned that the reality for any level researcher, from amateur to seasoned, is ultimately that your work is bound to be rejected, but as long as you revise and keep submitting, eventually your work will align with the interests of a publication. Thanks to Polygence, I had my mentor to support me through the process and encourage me to keep pushing until we found success…” -Sarubi

Patience is Key

Waiting is arguably the hardest part of the publication process. Once you submit your paper to a suitable journal, typical response times vary from a few weeks to a few months, depending on their publication timeline, their backlog, and their review process. Stay patient and stay positive. If your article is not accepted, don’t be discouraged. Resilience and openness to feedback are crucial ingredients to finding success in academic publishing. There are plenty of reasons for a journal to reject a paper, even if the research is solid and the article is well-written. If your top choice journal passes on your article, simply work with your mentor to prepare it for submission in another one on your list.

Step 7: Your Article’s Been Accepted — Congrats! Now What?

Having your article accepted by a journal is a great accomplishment, but the process is still not over! Be prepared to go through a few more rounds of revision and editing, which can take several more weeks or even months. Throughout this final revision and editing process, expect to receive detailed feedback from peer reviewers and other scholars. Depending on the journal, these readers could be high schoolers, undergraduate students, graduate students, or and/or professional researchers.

Responding to Critical Feedback

Receiving and responding to critical feedback on your work can be challenging, especially when the paper has been finished — in your opinion — for months. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind if and when you receive comments on your paper that you disagree with.

Do not respond immediately. If possible, take some time to reflect on the criticisms. Sleep on it, if you can.

Remember that your reviewers are on your team. Sometimes, direct feedback can come across as harsh, but don’t take it personally. Their goal is simply to help you publish the best possible version of your article.

Keep an open mind. Openness to feedback is necessary when engaging with the scholarly community, and the best writers tend to be the ones who genuinely welcome and take advantage of the constructive criticism they receive.

Try your best to understand where the suggestions are coming from. Even if you disagree with a critique, understanding why a reviewer perceives a weak point in your paper can give you ideas to strengthen your work throughout.

Say, thank you. Always respond to feedback graciously and politely.

Long-Term Benefits of Publishing a Research Paper

“The biggest benefit of publishing my work is knowing that my research paper is out in the world helping others learn. Through this project, I have also gotten more familiar with the process of writing a research paper. Specifically, what content to include, how it should be structured, and editing. I know that this skill will serve me throughout the rest of my life.” -Claire

Publishing a research paper in high school can have a lasting positive impact. In addition to the satisfaction that comes with active participation in the scholarly community, you’ll learn from your mentor about the process of conducting research in your chosen field, as well as how to write effective journal articles in an academic style. These skills will be beneficial throughout your academic career, particularly if you are interested in continuing to conduct research at the undergraduate level. Finally, authoring an article that is published in an academic journal can help demonstrate intellectual curiosity and resilience in your applications to colleges and universities.

Polygence Scholars Are Also Passionate About

How polygence can help.

Polygence supports high schoolers throughout the entire process of conducting and publishing original, independent research. Over your chosen timeline, you’ll develop and accomplish your own original research project with personalized guidance from a dedicated expert mentor in your field. Once you’ve completed your research, you’ll receive tailored feedback as you draft, revise, and edit a research paper that you’ll be proud to show off. Polygence also offers premium showcasing support , giving you a boost of confidence as you and your manuscript step into the world of academic publishing.

Original research is about stepping into the unknown. For high schoolers, producing and publishing an original research paper on your own can feel overwhelming. Having the right mentor on your team can give you confidence that you’re going in the right direction as you discover, explore, and share your passion for research.

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CWP: Craft of Prose: Researching the White Paper

Getting started
News and Opinion Sites
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What to Do When You Are Stuck
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Research the White Paper

Researching the white paper:.

The process of researching and composing a white paper shares some similarities with the kind of research and writing one does for a high school or college research paper. What’s important for writers of white papers to grasp, however, is how much this genre differs from a research paper. First, the author of a white paper already recognizes that there is a problem to be solved, a decision to be made, and the job of the author is to provide readers with substantive information to help them make some kind of decision--which may include a decision to do more research because major gaps remain.

Thus, a white paper author would not “brainstorm” a topic. Instead, the white paper author would get busy figuring out how the problem is defined by those who are experiencing it as a problem. Typically that research begins in popular culture--social media, surveys, interviews, newspapers. Once the author has a handle on how the problem is being defined and experienced, its history and its impact, what people in the trenches believe might be the best or worst ways of addressing it, the author then will turn to academic scholarship as well as “grey” literature (more about that later). Unlike a school research paper, the author does not set out to argue for or against a particular position, and then devote the majority of effort to finding sources to support the selected position. Instead, the author sets out in good faith to do as much fact-finding as possible, and thus research is likely to present multiple, conflicting, and overlapping perspectives. When people research out of a genuine desire to understand and solve a problem, they listen to every source that may offer helpful information. They will thus have to do much more analysis, synthesis, and sorting of that information, which will often not fall neatly into a “pro” or “con” camp: Solution A may, for example, solve one part of the problem but exacerbate another part of the problem. Solution C may sound like what everyone wants, but what if it’s built on a set of data that have been criticized by another reliable source? And so it goes.

For example, if you are trying to write a white paper on the opioid crisis, you may focus on the value of providing free, sterilized needles--which do indeed reduce disease, and also provide an opportunity for the health care provider distributing them to offer addiction treatment to the user. However, the free needles are sometimes discarded on the ground, posing a danger to others; or they may be shared; or they may encourage more drug usage. All of those things can be true at once; a reader will want to know about all of these considerations in order to make an informed decision. That is the challenging job of the white paper author.   The research you do for your white paper will require that you identify a specific problem, seek popular culture sources to help define the problem, its history, its significance and impact for people affected by it. You will then delve into academic and grey literature to learn about the way scholars and others with professional expertise answer these same questions. In this way, you will create creating a layered, complex portrait that provides readers with a substantive exploration useful for deliberating and decision-making. You will also likely need to find or create images, including tables, figures, illustrations or photographs, and you will document all of your sources.

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Last Updated: Aug 26, 2024 1:21 PM
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How to Write a White Paper (+Template and Writing Tips)

Hand off the toughest tasks in SEO, PPC, and content without compromising quality

The thought of writing a white paper can be a bit… intimidating (not to mention bah-oring).

Worry no more. I’ve put together this no-BS guide that’ll have you churning out white papers that don’t just inform but convert—even if you haven’t written a lick of content since your high school days.

What Are White Papers?

In a nutshell, white papers are a persuasive, in-depth report on a specific topic. Marketers create white papers to showcase their expertise, educate their audience, and (ideally) convince them that their solution or approach is the best way to tackle a particular problem.

Now, you might be thinking, “Isn’t that a blog post?” Sort of, but not quite.

While both white papers and blog posts aim to be informative, white papers are typically more formal, research-backed, and focused on a specific problem or solution. Think of them as a blend between a blog post and a research paper.

Not to mention, they are often offered as a download behind a lead capture of some sort.

Benefits of White Papers in Content Marketing

Unlike a fleeting social media post or a quick blog skim, white papers require a bit more commitment from your audience.

That’s because they offer something truly valuable: in-depth insights, original research, and actionable solutions to real problems. The real deal. Strike this cord, and you’ll be creating content that not only generates leads but also establishes your brand as a thought leader in your industry.

It’s common practice to gate white papers behind a lead capture form (asking for an email address, job title, etc.).

There are two benefits to this approach. 1) You get their contact information for future campaigns, and 2) readers who are willing to give up some of their personal information are the folks who are serious about solving their problems and are more likely to convert into paying customers down the line.

The potential of white paper isn’t just anecdotal. It’s backed by data.

A recent study revealed that white papers are serious contenders in the content marketing world. You see, 43 percent of marketers reported white papers as one of their top-performing content formats. In fact, they ranked fourth in effectiveness, just trailing in-person/online events, webinars/online courses, and research reports.

How to Write a Great White Paper (Even if You’re Not a Writer)

Alright, this thing ain’t going to write itself, so it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get this white paper written. Hesitant? Don’t worry if you don’t consider yourself a “writer”—I’m going to walk you through the process step-by-step.

Step 1: Define Your Goal and Target Audience

Before diving headfirst into research and writing, take a moment to clarify some goals.

What are you hoping to achieve with this white paper? Generate leads, position your company as a thought leader, or educate your audience about a complex topic?

And who are you talking to? Are they newbies or well-versed in your field of expertise?

Open a doc and write down your answers. Then, refer to them as you write. It’ll help you stay on track.

Step 2: Conduct Your Initial Research

Now that you know what you want to achieve and to whom you’re talking to, whack that lab coat of yours on and start the research process.

Dissect industry reports, case studies, and relevant data to back up your claims and insights. Remember, providing valuable information is the backbone of every good white paper, so make sure your research is thorough and credible.

Step 3: Structure Your White Paper the Right Way (a Template)

Once you’ve gathered your information, create a detailed outline that maps out the white paper’s structure. Super important. Great outlines guide the journey to excellent content.

Here’s how a white paper is typically structured (go right ahead—copy and paste it and use it as a template, if you’d like):

Title Page: Your white paper’s business card. It should include:

A strong, attention-grabbing title that reflects your topic and keywords
Your name (or your company’s name)
The date of publication
(Optional) Your company logo or a relevant image

Executive Summary: This is your white paper’s elevator pitch. In a few concise paragraphs, summarize:

The problem you’re addressing
Your proposed solution(s)
The key benefits readers will gain

Introduction: Now’s your chance to hook the reader. Start with a compelling stat, a thought-provoking question, or a relatable anecdote. Then, provide some background context on the problem and why it matters.

Problem Description: Time to really go deep into the problem. Explain its causes, consequences, and why it’s important to address it now. Use data, statistics, and real-world examples to paint a vivid picture of the issue.

Solution Description: Your time to shine. Present your solution(s) in detail, explaining how they address the problem and why they’re the best approach. Be sure to back up your claims with evidence and data.

Benefits: Don’t just tell readers what your solution is—show them how it will benefit them. Highlight the tangible outcomes they can expect, such as increased efficiency, cost savings, or improved performance.

Implementation Guidelines: Get practical and actionable. Provide a step-by-step guide on how to implement your solution, including tips, best practices, and potential roadblocks to watch out for.

Conclusion: Wrap it all up with a powerful conclusion that summarizes the key points and reinforces the value of your solution. Include a strong call to action, encouraging readers to take the next step, whether it’s contacting you for more information, downloading a resource, or implementing your recommendations.

(Optional) Appendices and References: If you have additional data, charts, or research that supports your claims, include them in appendices. Also, cite any references you used throughout the white paper to add credibility.

Step 4: Writing the Content

Alright, you’ve got your outline, your research is locked and loaded, and now it’s time to face the blank page. Deep breaths, everyone. Let’s do this.

Here are a few white paper-specific writing tips to keep in mind:

Tailor your language and tone to your target audience. Are you speaking to tech-savvy engineers or marketing executives? Adjust your vocabulary and level of detail accordingly.
A white paper isn’t a novel. It’s a problem-solving document. Clearly articulate the problem , offer a well-researched solution, and back it up with evidence.
If you’re proposing a new method or approach, explain your methodology and reasoning in detail. This builds trust and credibility.
Don’t leave your readers hanging. Tell them what you want them to do after reading your white paper. Should they contact you for a consultation? Download a related resource? Make it clear and easy for them to take the next step.

Step 5: Time to Edit

Now that your white paper’s first draft is done, resist the urge to hit “publish” straight away. Take a step back (wait a day or two if you can), grab a fresh cup of coffee, and begin the editing process.

Hit the basics first. Give your white paper a thorough read-through. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing. Does your writing flow smoothly? Are your points clear and concise? If not, don’t be afraid to make cuts or rephrase sentences for clarity.

Next, consider the bigger picture. Does your white paper’s structure make sense? Are your arguments well-supported by evidence? Is your call to action compelling? If not, it might be time for some refining or rearranging of sections.

If you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to ask a colleague or friend for feedback. A fresh pair of eyes can often spot things you might have missed.

And if you really want to polish your prose, consider hiring a professional editor. They’ll help you refine your writing and ensure your white paper is error-free and engaging.

A well-edited white paper not only reflects your brand well but also makes your content more accessible and enjoyable for readers. So, take the time to polish your masterpiece before releasing it into the wild.

Conclusion and Next Steps

While crafting a killer white paper can feel like scaling Mount Everest, the rewards—in terms of leads, authority, and brand recognition—are worth the climb. But hey, if you’d rather leave the heavy lifting to the experts (and focus on what you do best), we’ve got your back.

At Loganix, we’re all about helping you achieve your SEO goals—whether that’s through top-notch content creation or a comprehensive SEO strategy that drives real results.

Ready to take your online presence to the next level?

🚀 Book a strategy call with us today, and let’s develop a plan that fits your unique goals. 🚀

Written by Aaron Haynes on August 14, 2024

CEO and partner at Loganix, I believe in taking what you do best and sharing it with the world in the most transparent and powerful way possible. If I am not running the business, I am neck deep in client SEO.

Now it’s your turn.

Now I’d like to turn it over to you to spark a debate or lead a new discussion.

What in this post were you excited about? What was useful? What would you like to read more about?

Or maybe you just have a question about something you read.

Either way, let us know in the comments below.

COMMENTS

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Writing a long research paper in one night isn't ideal, but it is doable. Some of the best ways to get it done is to follow these 5 tips: 1. Plan and Outline. ... Writing a 10- or 20-page research paper in one night is not easy, so there are bound to be mistakes and typos. The best way to catch these mistakes is to follow these tips:
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The 10 page research paper is probably the most common assignment students get in their coursework. It seems like a good length for most topics that instructors want students to research and write about. Plus, it doesn't seem horribly discouraging - in terms of how many words is a ten page paper double spaced, it will vary from about 2500 ...
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Save each page in a separate file according to the subject. Print them out. Arrange your printed pages (subtopics) in a logical order. When you find a sequence that makes sense, cut and paste the pages together into one big file. Don't delete your individual pages, though. You may need to come back to these.
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Conduct preliminary research. Develop a thesis statement. Create a research paper outline. Write a first draft of the research paper. Write the introduction. Write a compelling body of text. Write the conclusion. The second draft. The revision process.
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We've covered a lot of ground here. To recap, the three steps to writing a high-quality research paper are: To choose a research question and review the literature. To plan your paper structure and draft an outline. To take an iterative approach to writing, focusing on critical writing and strong referencing.
How To Write A 10 Page Research Paper: The Best Tips
2 Paragraphs, Or 1 Page Of Introduction. An introduction is a crucial aspect whether you're looking for a 20-page research paper or how to write a 10-page research paper. In the Introduction, you will summarize everything you're going to write ahead. For a 10-page research paper, the ideal introduction size would be a single page.
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By refining your focus, you can produce a thoughtful and engaging paper that effectively communicates your ideas to your readers. 5. Write a thesis statement. A thesis statement is a one-to-two-sentence summary of your research paper's main argument or direction.
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Few things strike more fear in academics than the accursed research paper, a term synonymous with long hours and hard work.Luckily there's a secret to help you get through them. As long as you know how to write a research paper properly, you'll find they're not so bad . . . or at least less painful.. In this guide we concisely explain how to write an academic research paper step by step.
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Essay length guidelines. Type of essay. Average word count range. Essay content. High school essay. 300-1000 words. In high school you are often asked to write a 5-paragraph essay, composed of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. College admission essay. 200-650 words.
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This interactive resource from Baylor University creates a suggested writing schedule based on how much time a student has to work on the assignment. "Research Paper Planner" (UCLA) UCLA's library offers this step-by-step guide to the research paper writing process, which also includes a suggested planning calendar.
Writing A 10-Page Paper Has Never Been Easier!
In writing a 10-page research paper, there are some vital things to pay attention to. These are: The paper structure, which should be in line with the recommended guidelines of your school or instructor. Slight deviations are sometimes acceptable. The sources of information, which should be relevant, reliable, and research-oriented.
How to Write a Research Paper: 11-Step Guide
Step 4: Create a Research Paper Outline. Outlining is a key part of crafting an effective essay. Your research paper outline should include a rough introduction to the topic, a thesis statement, supporting details for each main idea, and a brief conclusion. You can outline in whatever way feels most comfortable for you.
How to Start a Research Paper: A Comprehensive Guide
Drafting the Research Paper Writing the First Draft. Once your outline is ready, it's time to start writing your first draft. This is the longest step, but if you've prepared well, it should go smoothly. Begin with your thesis statement and then fill out the introduction with secondary information. The body of your paper will contain the bulk ...
Can I write a 10 page Research paper in 2 days, is it possible?
Yes it's possible, what works for me is having a good outline, after that, writing the paper is the easy part. I mean someone rewrote a 7 page research paper in 2 hours. Sure. I've done a 10 page paper in a few hours the night before. Had to do citations and the whole deal.
10 Tips To Write A Research Paper OR Thesis
Time. The more time you can give yourself to work on your paper, the better. Unless you are a hopeless procrastinator, in which case, see #1. A month is a good time-frame to develop a 10 - 20 page research paper. This will give you enough time to choose a topic, research it, ask for help, change your topic if needed, write a couple of ...
How to Create a Structured Research Paper Outline
How to write a research paper outline. Follow these steps to start your research paper outline: Decide on the subject of the paper. Write down all the ideas you want to include or discuss. Organize related ideas into sub-groups.
How to Write Any College Paper at the Last Minute
How to Write a 6-to-12-Page Essay in a Matter of Hours. Schedule your time. Compose your thesis and intro paragraph. Do your research. Write your body paragraphs. Create a conclusion. Take a troubleshooting break. Add your finishing touches.
Tips & Tricks for Writing a 10 Page Paper
But, a 10-page document's word count could range between 4,500 and 5,500 words. The spacing of sentences on the page also decides the total length of the paper. For example, a 5,000-word research paper could have ten pages in the case of single spacing. If double-spaced, the same research paper could include 20 pages.
How to Write an APA Research Paper
Title page. (see sample on p. 41 of APA manual) Title should be between 10-12 words and should reflect content of paper (e.g., IV and DV). Title, your name, and Hamilton College are all double-spaced (no extra spaces) Create a page header using the "View header" function in MS Word. On the title page, the header should include the following:
How to Write a Research Paper: Step-by-Step Guide
How Long Should a Research Paper Be. A research paper typically ranges from 6,000 to 8,000 words, equivalent to approximately 15 to 20 pages, double-spaced. However, the specific length can vary depending on factors such as the academic discipline, journal requirements, and the topic's complexity. ... Before writing a research paper, you have ...
How to write a superb literature review
Attribute. Manubot. Overleaf. Google Docs. Cost. Free, open source. $15-30 per month, comes with academic discounts. Free, comes with a Google account. Writing language
How to write a whole research paper in a week
If you want to draft a whole research paper in a single week, you need to prepare everything in advance so that you can fully focus on writing and actually finish in a week. First, think about your audience and pick a suitable journal. This is an important step because the audience and journal determine the content & style of your paper.
10 Page Research Paper Outline
The 10 page research paper outline can help you remain focused and motivated throughout the college research paper writing process. With the outline, it is possible subdivide the research paper into sections and milestones, where achievement of each milestone can act as a source of motivation. 6. It acts as schedule.
Writing a Research Paper Introduction
Table of contents. Step 1: Introduce your topic. Step 2: Describe the background. Step 3: Establish your research problem. Step 4: Specify your objective (s) Step 5: Map out your paper. Research paper introduction examples. Frequently asked questions about the research paper introduction.
How to Publish a Research Paper in a Journal
Long-Term Benefits of Publishing a Research Paper "The biggest benefit of publishing my work is knowing that my research paper is out in the world helping others learn. Through this project, I have also gotten more familiar with the process of writing a research paper. Specifically, what content to include, how it should be structured, and ...
Guides: CWP: Craft of Prose: Researching the White Paper
Researching the White Paper: The process of researching and composing a white paper shares some similarities with the kind of research and writing one does for a high school or college research paper. What's important for writers of white papers to grasp, however, is how much this genre differs from a research paper.
How to Write a White Paper (+Template and Writing Tips)
Also, cite any references you used throughout the white paper to add credibility. Step 4: Writing the Content. Alright, you've got your outline, your research is locked and loaded, and now it's time to face the blank page. Deep breaths, everyone. Let's do this. Here are a few white paper-specific writing tips to keep in mind:

Hacks How to Write a 10 and 20 page Paper in One Night

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2. Determine your Main Topic

3. Perform Research

4. Outline 3-5 subtopics

Writing in One Night

1. Plan and Outline

2. Use Specialized Search

3. Leverage Tools

4. Proofread and Edit

5. Check Formatting

Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash

Start Early

Writing in Stages

Use a Timeline

The Writing Process

The Breakdown of a 10-Page Paper

Sources to Consider Using

Final Steps: Editing and Formatting

The Bottom Line

Oh, leaving so soon?

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How to Write a 10-Page Research Paper

Start Early

Write in Stages

Use a Timeline

How To Write A Research Paper

Overview: Writing A Research Paper

Overview: The 3-Stage Process

Need a helping hand?

Step 1: Find a topic and review the literature

Step 2: Develop a structure and outline

Step 3: Write and refine

Recap: Key Takeaways

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How To Write A 10-Page Research Paper: Some Of The Best Tips

How To Write A 10-Page Research Paper Fast?

How To Write A Research Paper By Breaking It Into Smaller Parts?

2 Paragraphs, Or 1 Page Of Introduction

18 Paragraphs, Or 6 Pages Of The Body (Further Divided Into Three Parts)

Argument Position / Acknowledgement Of The Existence Of The Problem / Defining The Case

Roots / Causes Of The Problem / Explaining The Case

Solutions To The Problem / Results Of The Case

2 Paragraphs, Or One Page Of Concluding The Case

How To Write A 10 Page Research Paper in 10 Steps

Understanding The Assignment

Going Through A Feasibility Check

Choosing A Topic

Making Initial Research

Gathering Sources

Ask Questions Related To Your Topic, Talk To Your Sources

Interviewing The Participants / Volunteers

Form A Stance

Create An Outline

Start Writing

Cite Your Sources

Be Your Critic (It’s fun!)

Re-read, Enjoy Your Work, and Then Submit

Try Our Free Paper Writing Service

1. Gaining a deep understanding of any expectations

2. Choose your research topic

3. Gather preliminary research

4. Define your research question

5. Write a thesis statement

6. Conduct in-depth research

7. Determine supporting evidence

8. Write a research paper outline

9. Write your first draft

10. Cite your sources correctly

11. Ensure your work is original

12. Revise, edit, and proofread

Citing sources

10 research paper writing tips: