A Step by Step of Writing A Research Paper

Step 1: Get familiarize with the research topic

You need to understand what your instructor or teacher wants before you start writing your research paper. Many students often ignore this critical step and later receive unexpected low grades on exciting assignments. Failure to read and understand instructions will lead to poor grades. You must spend valuable time going over your project. Carefully read the assignment, grading rubric, prompts, and any other materials accompanying the assignment. It is even crucial that you highlight note important aspects of the task. Don't rush to answer what you are being asked. Take time to understand your questions. And in case you are not sure about a particular concept, seek clarification from your teacher before you start writing. That would ensure that you are on the right path.

Step 2:Select your research topic

After you've understood what your assignment requires, choose a topic that you are going to discuss. This step can be frustrating, but you don't have to be too disheartened. It is advisable to pick a topic that you're passionate about. In many instances, a contentious topic is ideal. It allows you to exercise your potential of objectively explaining different positions. The guidelines given by your professor can help in selecting a research topic for your paper. If you have challenges fitting your selected case with the provided guidelines, feel free to choose a different topic. Additionally, it is essential to engage yourself with the topic chosen. Similarly, it is good for you to realize that your assignment gives you an opportunity of becoming an expert in your research topic.

Step 3:Create a research design

A research design is an approach you can use to answer your research questions based on data collected. While creating a research design, you need to make decisions about:

v    Your general practice and aims

v    The kind of research design to use

v    Your sampling methods

v    Data collection methods

v    Procedures for data collection

v    Data analysis methods

A prudent research design ensures that data collection methods used match research objectives.

Step 4:Create your research outline

A research outline is an effective strategy, plan, or blueprint for your research paper. It makes it easy for you to organize your arguments and thoughts. It has a list of crucial statements and topics that you should include in your research paper. A research outline gives an impression of how your research paper should appear before you start writing. The design enhances a clear flow of ideas, making it easier for your professor to understand your content. A good research outline makes it easy for you to write your paper efficiently. Your page outline should include;

·                     Paper title

·                     Abstract

·                     Thesis statement

·                     Research question

·                     Literature review

·                     Methodology

·                     Discussion of findings

·                     Conclusion part

·                     Recommendations

Step 5: Conduct prior research

              The most crucial part of your paper is research. You can obtain information relevant to your research topic from books, articles, and electronic databases. As you read through the sources, look out for key points that match your research topic. For example, expert opinions found in an article or book can contribute to the strength of your content. It is also vital that you obtain information from as many sources as possible to receive essential information. Conducting research will equip you with the relevant knowledge to quickly write your paper. Therefore, research is a significant part of generating knowledge required to develop a well-written research paper.

Step 6: Write your paper's introduction

The first paragraph of your research paper is typically an introduction. The objective of an introduction is to inform your readers of what they expect from your assignment. Though there is no particular guideline for writing a presentable introduction, it should accomplish some goals. It should attract the readers' attention. Your introduction should begin with a catch that grabs your reader's attention and introduces your research topic. You can draw your readers' attention by asking a rhetorical question, stating interesting statistics regarding your research topic, or revealing an unknown misconception about the subject. After grabbing the readers' attention, your introduction should state your research topic and thesis.

An example of an introduction

Hook>>>Are you fascinated with YouTube, social media, or apps? Focused topic and context>>> Currently, Brazilian youth have a flurry of opportunities where they can access entertainment and information. Although a significant portion of the technological outlets has been associated with connotations of "wasted brain space," all-screen time and technology should not be considered irrelevant. In fact, the widespread accessibility and appeal of technology have made it possible for educational or academic goals to be incorporated into it. Technology's potential to engage and captivate a selected audience can be mobilized and diverted from mindless entertainment into practical tools unlimited to amusement only. Television, games and YouTube can be utilized to appeal to learners' intellect to develop technical skills. This creates numerous opportunities to enhance the educational and behavioral development of teens.

Thesis statement>>>The use of screen time and technology can be important for children because it facilitates academic excellence by broadening classroom definitions and general literacy, improving performance of developmental skills, and supplementing formal education for more academically advanced students.

Step 7: Writing the first draft

A first draft or rough draft is the first version of your research paper. It is a sketch of what your final draft will look like. Your first draft should be written after you're through with the outline. Writing the first draft entails putting down everything that you plan to present in your final draft. A draft does not require editing or criticism because it is only a roadmap to the final research paper. You can brainstorm and have fun with your topic and think about how you can get through it from the beginning to the end. However, remember that you can always change what you've already written. Once you are through with your first draft, please go through it to get a practical sense of what you have accomplished and start writing your second and final draft.

Step 8: Writing a second draft

The second draft is the work that you will present to your teacher as your best piece of writing. It would be best if you considered crafting a second draft as a duty of increased importance. It is the final chance to correct any mistakes and enhance your paper. The second draft is an opportunity to make use of your editing ability and arrange your key points. At this stage, it is okay to proofread what you write, paying attention to details such as sentence structure, word choice, or fixing typos.

After writing your first draft, give yourself a break. Your second draft writing requires concentration and a fresh mind. It will help if you read it through several times to put it in order. Conduct a spellcheck and grammar check of your second draft. The process removes misspelled words, accidentally repeated words, and typos. A grammar check clears mistakes that are not obvious as spelling mistakes. The review corrects dangling participles, faulty parallelisms, passive voice misuse, and improper noun-verb agreement. After the grammar check, inspect your paper for technical aspects. These include in-text citations, references list, the title page, and style of formatting. Make sure they all correspond to your supervisor's guidelines.

Step 9: Writing body paragraphs

Body paragraphs can be written according to the guidelines of your research outline. However, the outline must not be strictly followed. Your design can be revised and changed to suit your research paper. The vital thing is concentrating on your thesis statement and problem statement. Present your points and justify your arguments with evidence.

Step 10: Conclusion

The conclusion part reminds the reader of the key points discussed in the research paper. It also summarizes what you consider essential for your reader to understand. When writing your conclusion, the following tips could be helpful. Start by rephrasing your thesis statement. A rephrased thesis statement reminds your readers of the key point of your research. Make a summary of your key points and describe how they uphold your argument. Finally, explain to the reader the significance of your opinion. Recommend to them what they should do with the information you have provided them. Below is an example of a conclusion;

Rephrased thesis statement >>> Screen time and technology use have been demonstrated to create a positive and well-rounded educational experience for adolescents and children. Technology improves underperforming developmental skills, supplements formal education, and enhances children's academic excellence by holding on to the expanded classroom definition.

Summary of main ideas within the paper>>>When technology is used to augment classroom education, it can be vital in helping the positive development of a learner's developing mind. Technology tools establish new ideas and fortify the present, making opinions more contextual and familiar. Students' performance can be improved by teaching them social skills through the introduction of videos or tablet apps that facilitate developmental growth in a way that is easily accessible and convenient.

Significance of the argument>>>As technology is embraced by society in their daily life, education should not be exempted. Any attempt to alienate technology from schooling should not be encouraged. The world is changing rapidly, and children should be empowered to keep up with the changes.