howto: date=April 2008 A Research Paper is a type of academic writing that needs more theoretical, significant and methodical level of inquiry.

Although a research paper is a kind of term paper, it is important to note that some term papers don’t require academic research. Hence, not all research papers can be considered as term papers

Gathering, interpreting, documenting details, developing and organizing ideas and conclusions and communicating them clearly—all these experiences will prove to be an essential and rewarding part of your education. But you must also have a positive outlook and ability to accomplish it—writing a research paper or a term paper is more than just having knowledge—these are the secrets to having an exceptional research paper.

The steps in writing a research paper are choosing a topic, finding information, defining thesis, making a tentative outline, organizing notes, writing the first draft, revising the outline and draft and typing/encoding the final paper.

When selecting a topic for research paper, have something that interests and challenges you, as your treatment toward the topic may well influence the amount of endeavor and enthusiasm you put into it. Keep away from subjects that are too technical and those that have a limited range of references.

In finding information, take a look at the materials found in the library—almanacs, atlases, catalogs, encyclopedias, dictionaries, magazines, newspapers, etc.—and surf the Internet or check out online resources. Scrutinize all of them and remember the sites; print out, photocopy or jot down notes of important details. Write down also the complete bibliographical information such as the author’s name; title of book; name, place and date of publication; page numbers, URLs, dates of access, etc. Any article without bibliographical information is useless since you cannot mention its source.

When defining your thesis, write it in one sentence: Your statement is like a statement of something that you believe in, as the main part of your essay will comprise of claims to support and defend it.

In making a tentative outline, reflect through your topic first and put it in logical order before you begin. Having a good outline is the key to writing a good research paper or term paper.

Include in your outline an introduction, where you state your thesis and the purpose of your research paper; the body, where you present arguments in essay form to support the statement of your thesis; and the conclusion, where you summarize your points.

When organizing notes, fix it according to your outline and then analyze all your data. If some opposing views would help to support your research paper, take note of them—this is the most important phase in writing a research paper. You must also be able to convey swiftly what’s in your mind.