Writer's Guidelines: The Research Paper

1. The research paper is a long documented essay based on a thorough examination of a topic and supported by explanations and by both references to and quotations from sources.2. The research paper is no more difficult than other writing assignments if you select a good topic, use a systematic approach, and do not get behind with your work.3. Asystematic approach involves these then steps:
Select a topic
Find sources
List sources.
Take notes.
Refine your thesis and outline
Write your first draft
Revise your first draft
Prepare your Works Cited section
Write your final draft.
Submit required materials.
4. Your library almost certainly mixes traditional and electronic indexes and sources; you should become familiar with them.
5. MLA styple for works cited differs from that used in traditional and electronic indexes.
6. You can avoid plagiarism by giving credit when you borrow someone else's words or ideas.
Source:Brandon, Lee. Brandon, Kelly. Paragraphs and Essays with Integrated Readings, 11th Edition. Boston, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2011