Writing Guide: Research Essay

WRITING GUIDE: RESEARCH ESSAY

STEPS HOW TO DO THE STEPS
Make a schedule. See “Make a Schedule.”
  • Include the due date and dates for doing research, finishing a draft, revising, documenting sources, and editing.
Choose a topic. See “Choose a Topic.”
  • Choose a topic that interests you.
  • Make sure the topic is narrow enough to cover in the assigned length of the paper.
Ask a guiding question. See “Choose a Topic.”
  • Ask a question that will guide your research.
Find and evaluate sources. See “Find Sources” and “Evaluate Sources.”
  • Use library resources.
  • Consider the reliability of each source.
Take notes to avoid plagiarism. See “Take Careful Notes.”
  • Note the publication information.
  • Make an entry for each piece of information (“Take Careful Notes”).
Write a thesis statement. See Chapter 3.
  • Based on what you have read, write a thesis statement that includes the main point of your essay.
  • Turn your research question into a statement:

    RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the benefits of green landscaping?

    THESIS STATEMENT: There are many clear benefits of green landscaping.

    REVISED AFTER TAKING NOTES FROM SOURCES: Landscaping with drought-tolerant native plants conserves water, reduces the use of toxic soil conditioners, and requires little maintenance.
Support your thesis. See Chapter 3.
  • Review all notes to choose the best points.
  • Do further research if you do not have enough support to convince your readers of your main point.
Write a draft essay. See Chapter 4.
  • Make an outline that organizes your support.
  • Write an introduction that includes your thesis statement.
  • Write topic sentences and paragraphs that give support and supporting details.
  • Work in your outside sources using introductory phrases (see “Write Your Essay”).
  • Write a conclusion that reminds your readers of your main point and support and makes an observation.
  • Title your essay.
Revise your draft. See Chapter 4.
  • Is the thesis clear?
  • Do I have enough support?
  • Do I end strongly?
  • Have I integrated outside sources smoothly in the essay (and cited them)?
  • Are all sources documented correctly?
Cite and document your sources. For in-text citations, see “Cite and Document Your Sources.” For works cited entries, see “Cite and Document Your Sources.”
Edit your essay. See Chapters 16 through 18.
  • Reread your essay, looking for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.