Advice on writing research papers

Almost all students who have finished college have experienced writing a research paper. Research papers are lengthy documents which many students find difficult to finish and even start. In reality, with proper planning and organisation, coupled with diligence, you can successfully turn in a good and high quality research paper.

Topics and thesis statement

Research paper topics Research paper topics can be either provided by a professor or chosen freely by a student. In the former, a professor would give out a list of possible topics for students to select. Some students like pre-prepared topic lists as these take the stress off searching for a subject to write about. If you feel you have a good topic in mind which is not part of your professor's list, approach your teacher about your idea and ask if he can make you an exception. If he turns your request down, do not take it personally and just select from the topics he has provided the class. Sometimes professors would give students a free hand to think about a topic. In such cases, topics generally have to be related in some way to the subject or course. Do not feel frustrated if you are not able to hit on a great idea the first try. Understand that research skills take time to develop. To help you develop a topic you can work with your classmates and do brainstorming sessions. Write a strong and provocative thesis statement Your thesis statement is the backbone of your paper and should be compelling. Good ways to develop a strong thesis statement include being passionate about your topic, using strong adjectives, being specific, and focusing on just one central idea.

Personal stories and target readers

Include relevant personal experiences If possible inject in your research report personal experiences to make it lively and interesting. Relate a particular topic or subject in your paper to your own experience. Using your own stories as reference in a research paper is one of those great research techniques which can keep you engaged in your work. Select your target audience In writing research or academic papers, as much as possible do not write only for your teacher or professor. Be creative and pretend that you will be writing for a friend, a large audience or even a highly respected magazine. Doing this will surely energise you and fire you to do your best. If you write as if only your professor would read your work, you might end up doing a paper which lacks dimension and depth.