How to Write and
Organized Research Paper
FRUSTERATED?
 DO YOU FIND YOURSELF SITTING IN FRONT OF YOUR COMPUTER AT
1:00 A.M.?
 DO YOU HAVE A PILE OF UNORGANIZED RESEARCH SITTING IN FRONT
OF YOU?
 DO YOU FIND YOURSELF CUTTING AND PASTING LARGE SECTIONS OF
YOUR PAPER AT THE LAST MINUTE?
 DO YOU FIND THE ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION UNCLEAR?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need help
with organizing your research papers!
Agenda...
1.We will identify the essential steps in the research
writing process.
2.We will give you time management tips to help you
plan your research paper.
3.We will help you identify valuable campus support.
Breaking down the process...
Break Down Assignments
1. Pre-writing
 Understanding your assignment
 Brainstorming
 Research
 Outlining
2. Writing
 First draft
3. Post-writing
 Proofreading and revising
Detour...
Time Management
 As soon as you receive your syllabi and discuss it in class, write
down all of your due dates in a calendar.
 Break down your assignments into manageable steps in your
calendar (allocate colors if you need to).
 Assign a due date for each step to ensure you are on track.
 Make weekly and daily priority lists.
 Try different managing styles to find one that is right for you.
Pre-writing...
Gain Clarity
1. Read the assignment carefully.
2. Highlight key information (example: define, argue, analyze, compare, and
contrast).
 What type of paper are you writing (narrative, argumentative,
analytical)?
3. Be sure to have the due date highlighted in your academic calendar.
4. If there is evaluation criteria or grading rubric in your syllabi, be sure that
area is read carefully and highlighted.
5. If you have ANY questions or need clarification on content, please
contact your professor immediately.
Pre-writing...
Brainstorming
 Brainstorming stirs up several ideas before narrowing them
down to one specific idea. It is a vital step in creating an
organized research paper.
 Brainstorming may take many forms:
 List
 Free write
 Mapping
Pre-writing...
Brainstorming
 When you have selected your topic, do a preliminary research
scan to be sure you will be able to find information about your
topic.
 Visit Purdy-Kresge and search out titles on this topic.
 Be sure your instructor approves your choice of topic.
 Be sure your topic is not too narrow and not too broad.
 Be prepared to change your initial idea or modify it if it does not
seem feasible as a research paper topic.
The 3 x 5 Card Method
A popular method and may be the key to your organization!
 Always carry a stack of 3x5 cards with you to record information from the
sources you explore.
 Your entire paper can be drafted on your 3x5 cards before you type it.
 Be sure to document each source you use on the 3x5 cards.
 When you have completed your research and have all the information you
need to begin typing the first draft of your paper, the 3x5 cards can be
arranged in stacks in the order in which the information is to appear in
your paper.
Outlining...
An outline works as the blueprint of your paper and
will keep your paper thoroughly organized from the
start. The purpose of an outline is to:
Help you define the basic purpose and structure of
the paper.
Help you organize thoughts and lay the groundwork
for the first draft.
 This is the stage where much of your major editing
should occur.
Outlining...
PUTTING THE PUZZLE TOGETHER
 If you have used the 3x5 card method, typing the first draft of
your paper will be much easier.
 The 3x5 cards, labeled properly, form a structured outline
with headings and subheadings, which include all the major
points to be covered.
 Be sure to include section numbers for each 3x5 card so you
will know where the information belongs in your outline. You
will then be able to arrange your 3x5 cards in the proper
order before writing the first draft.
Outlining...
Example:
Topic: Unemployment in America
I. Introduction
A. Unemployment is a serious matter in our society.
B. Many unemployed Americans struggle due to
circumstances out of their control: the economy, medical
problems, and mental illness are some of the leading
causes. (thesis)
First Draft
Now that you have completed the most time consuming and
challenging portion of your research paper, it’s time to write your
first draft.
After you have gathered together all notes and materials, think about how
you would like to organize your paper.
What specific information do you want to include to support your thesis
(the point you are writing about or the purpose of your paper)?
The first draft must include the following:
 Introduction
 Body (Supporting Paragraphs)
 Conclusion
First Draft
Introduction
 The introduction reveals what you are going to tell the reader. The
conclusion indicates in summary form what you have told the reader.
The supporting paragraphs tell all the rest.
 Introductions can be one paragraph but can be three or four
paragraphs long, depending on the length of the writing assignment.
Avoid the mistake of discussing one or more of the main points in the
introduction.
 First, you must catch the reader's attention.
 Add some background information about your topic.
 Next you must indicate your thesis statement.
 Discuss the purpose of your paper the promise of what is to come.
First Draft
Body
The body of the paper may be more challenging to write unless you
have prepared a solid outline and have a foundation from which to
build.
 A body paragraph begins with a topic sentence backed up with facts,
details, reasons, or examples.
 You may include quotes or opinions (when they are requested).
 Paraphrasing is very important.
 You are developing the opening thesis statement and educating the
reader about the topic.
First Draft
Body
Key points to remember in developing supporting paragraphs:
 Unity - Clearly state the thesis, all supporting paragraphs will back up the
thesis. (Note: Avoid using statements like, "In this paper I will...")
 Support - Provide at least three separate supporting points for the thesis with
specific evidence for each of the supporting points.
 Coherence - Paper will have a clear method of organization with smooth
transitions from one idea to the next idea. It has an effective title, an
introduction, supporting paragraphs and a conclusion.
 Sentence structure - Sentences are clear and complete; use adverbs,
adjectives, capitals, and periods correctly; eliminate needless words; check
your spelling and vary your sentences.
First Draft
Conclusion
 Just as the introduction captures the reader's attention, the conclusion
should leave the reader thinking about the issues presented while
bringing the paper to a logical end.
 Do not make the mistake of introducing new points that were not
developed in the body paragraphs.
 Never leave the reader hanging, wondering if you forgot to end the paper
or left something out.
 Be sure the ending sounds like an ending, without using conversational
language such as, "this is all I have to say," or "this concludes my paper on
the topic of _______," or even worse, "The End."
Editing and Proofreading
Editing Content
 As you move from introduction to main body to summary and
conclusion, strive for unity and coherence. Repeatedly ask yourself,
"Do my supporting paragraphs relate to and develop my thesis?"
 Be sure you can answer these questions: What is the thesis? How
does the information presented support the thesis? If the purpose of
the paper is to provide information or to make a point or defend a
position, does it do so?
 This is not a time to cut and paste larger sections of the research
paper.
 Read paper aloud.
Editing and Proofreading
Common Mistakes
 Sentence fragments
 Run-on sentences
 Inconsistent verb tense
 Missing commas
 Contractions
 Consistent voice (first person, second person, third person)
 APA Style
QUICK APA CHECKLIST
 TITLE PAGE
 RUNNING HEADS AND PAGE NUMBERS
 12 INCH FONT – TIMES NEW ROMAN
 DOUBLE SPACED ONLY
 1” MARGINS ON ALL FOUR SIDES
 BE SURE YOU HAVE PROPERLY CITED ALL OF YOUR MATERIAL
 PROPER REFERENCE PAGE
 CLEARLY LABELED APPENDICES
Where can you find help?
School of Social Work Writing Tutors
Professors
Librarians
Purdy-Kresge – (313) 577-4042
http://www.lib.wayne.edu/
Peers
Thank you!
If you need further assistance on organizing your papers,
please schedule an appointment with your tutor!