Writing a research paper does not have to be stressful. Breaking down your work into several smaller steps and budgeting time will help you to write a better paper more efficiently.

Generally, the steps in writing a research paper are:

1. Select a topic
2. Find and evaluate sources
3. Begin reading and taking notes
4. Develop a working thesis
5. Continue reading and taking notes
6. Develop a working outline
7. Prepare a first draft
8. Edit
9. Prepare a final draft

Perdue University Online Writing Lab. This is a wonderful resource for citation and formatting of research papers. There is information on citation types and MLA format in general.

Click here to download the CEHS Library Research Guidelines iBook.

This book has detailed information on things like:

• Topic selection
• Source selection and citation
• Avoiding plagiarism
• Note taking, paraphrasing and summarizing
• Using quotations
• Outlining
• Writing and revision help
• Presentations
• … and more!

Click the button to the left to access turnitin.com. You can also use the TurnItIn app on your iPad. If you are using the iPad app you cannot perform a cut and paste upload or create a new user account.

Check with Ms. Young in the library if you do not know your class enrollment information.