Don't reinvent the wheel! The standard 5 Point Essay is a great place to start, especially as you undertake a lengthy, in-depth research project. Basic tools like this can help you organize your thoughts as you go, instead of creating a full research paper from nothing. Take bite-sized chunks, and build from the basics.
IntroJust develop your Research Question (write your introduction last)
Major Point 1What are is the first major point you need to make? Remember you can have as many sub-points as you need in each major point
Major Point 2building on Major Point 1, what's the next most important point?
Major Point 3continue building and expanding
Conclusion:Wrap it up, tie it together, and help your reader make those vital connections
Getting Set Up
Always check with your instructor. Have a clear understanding of what it is they are asking. If you have questions, contact them directly. If an instructor provides feedback, they are the best source of information concerning that feedback. This process requires you to look ahead and know what is coming up, what is being expected, and to develop a plan of action.
The library is here to help. We provide tools and assistance for students, however, your individual research project is a work that you are in charge of. We can offer guidance on where to get resources, suggestions on what resources may be most beneficial, and how to use most resources, however, we don't know where you are headed with your specific project. It is ultimately up to you to decide how to best use resources, and where your paper should go, from a creative, logical, and researched perspective.
Sorting through all resources as your writing your paper is time consuming and tedious, and adds a lot of stress to the research process. Watch the video above and use a dedicated word document to keep your notes and citations, which then cuts down on the clutter needed to write your paper.
Constructing Your Paper
Taking time to outline and construct a scaffolding or skeleton of your paper before you start writing (or even getting too far into your research) can be super beneficial in writing your paper. It helps in editing and recognizing areas of weakness or underdeveloped points before you have even written a word, and allows you to organize your thoughts without needing to do it while also writing your paper under a deadline. Check out the video above for some quick tips on constructing your research paper.