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What are some writing tips?

What are some writing tips on how to organize a research paper. How do you set it up and what do you have to add to it. What is the best topic to do it on.

Thank you comment icon I propose this is too important for a few tips here. Instead, please consider visiting a public library for a book on the topic, as there are many and the quality is generally high. Yes, the guidance you seek will easily fill a book. Not that you need all the advice there, but there will be advice and samples. I wish you well. david kirk

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Kiamesha Denise’s Answer

Hi, Glorieliz Dunn,
It seems like you are asking two questions here. Writing can be a broad subject, so you have to be specific. Regarding research writing and research papers, I suggest taking into account what class the research paper is for. Is it a more academic paper or is it more self-interest? Both? Then you need some type of organization ( visual diagrams, video playlists, bullet points), etc. Also, make sure you are following the teacher's instructions and feedback. Ask questions if needed for clarification.
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Stephanie’s Answer

Hi GlorieLiz:

I find that writing an outline of what topics you want to cover in the paper is a great way to organize your thoughts. Start with your thesis statement, which is a one-to-two sentence statement about the topic you want to cover; include the position you are going to take on that topic. The thesis statement should appear in the first or second paragraph of your paper. Then identify a few sub topics that relate directly to your thesis statement. It's really important when you write a paper not to go off topic and write about things that don't relate to your thesis.

Here is a sample thesis, from the internet: "Cyber Bullying With more and more teens using smartphones and social media, cyber bullying is on the rise. Cyber bullying puts a lot of stress on many teens, and can cause depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. Parents should limit the usage of smart phones, monitor their children's online activity, and report any cyber bullying to school officials in order to combat this problem." (JBirdwellBranson, 2018, https://www.servicescape.com/blog/25-thesis-statement-examples-that-will-make-writing-a-breeze)

Your sub-topics could be:
- Cyber bullying causes stress, depression, and anxiety among teens
- Teens who have experienced cyber bullying experience higher suicide rates
- The impact of smart phones on cyber bullying
- The role of parents in curbing or eliminating cyber bullying

Then comes the research. You should have two or three references (pieces of research) for each page you write. Look for articles that address your thesis and/or the subtopics you identified. Make sure that when you write about the sub-topics, you tie them to the thesis. Also, a really good paper addresses the opposing opinion and why it isn't correct; in this case, that cyber bullying is not harmful and isn't increasing. You can put one or two sentences in your introduction about that, after you state your thesis.

Try to use only scholarly articles for the paper. For example, a paper published in an academic journal is much more reputable than something posted on Wikipedia. I'm not sure what style you need to use for the paper and its references, but here are some links to those most teachers ask students to use:
APA style: https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format
MLA style: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_style_introduction.html

I hope this helps!

- Stephanie
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Charly’s Answer

Hi good morning! In my personal opinion set the topic that you what to write. Make a deep deep research and study that topic. Organize all the points that come to your mind in a kind of chronological order in a blotter and start writing by feeling.
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Alan’s Answer

Glorieliz, start by being very clear on what you're trying to find out or prove about your topic. A research paper is about facts and facts only. Think of the questions that you need to answer. Then find legitimate, expert sources (avoiding Wikipedia and social media in general, except when the author is a recognized expert in the field relevant to your topic) that answer them clearly and factually. Read the sources carefully, taking clear notes that you plan on using in your paper. Start with the question you're trying to answer or thesis you're trying to prove. Then, yes, in a well organized way, go ahead and answer or prove it. Use quotations (the EXACT, unchanged words of the experts you're using within quotation marks) and paraphrases (your own way of stating what the expert is saying), and use footnotes or endnotes for every single one of those quotations or paraphrases, so that you are giving proper credit to the experts you're citing. By the end of your paper, you should have convinced the reader that you have factually answered the question you began with or have factually proven the thesis you started with. NEVER copy somebody else's words or work and pretend it's your own. I know it's popular these days, because there's very little integrity in our society, but it's cheating. And remember, this isn't an opinion paper. Your opinion doesn't matter, just present the facts that you are learning along with the reader. Dig deep. If you're not satisfied that you have answered or proven what you set out to, find better sources, professional ones like those of scientists, doctors, professors, historians, etc., depending on your topic. The goal is for you to become an expert so that you are teaching others. I hope that's a start.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Glorieliz!

Unleashing Your Potential in Writing a Research Paper

Mastering the art of organizing a research paper is a key stepping stone to successful academic writing. A well-structured paper not only paints a clear picture of your ideas but also paves the way for readers to grasp and trail your arguments effortlessly. Here are some empowering tips to help you craft a research paper effectively:

1. Pinpoint a clear and focused topic: Choose a topic that is precise, manageable, and resonates with your field of study. A well-defined topic will aid in constructing a cohesive argument, making your research paper more persuasive.

2. Craft a compelling thesis statement: A thesis statement is a succinct encapsulation of your primary argument. It should be transparent, specific, and fortified by the evidence you'll unveil in your paper. A robust thesis statement will steer the structure of your research paper and simplify the reader's journey through your reasoning.

3. Segment your paper: Fragment your research paper into sections such as the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. This will assist in arranging your thoughts and presenting them in a logical sequence.

4. Pen an engaging introduction: Your introduction should offer a snapshot of your research paper, encapsulating a short description of the problem or issue you're tackling, your research question, and the main argument you'll be showcasing. A captivating introduction will seize your readers' curiosity and set the tone for the rest of your paper.

5. Conduct a comprehensive literature review: A literature review should offer a panorama of the existing research on your topic, pinpoint any gaps in the literature, and illustrate how your research enriches the existing knowledge. This section will fortify your paper's credibility and frame your findings.

6. Clearly outline your methodology: In the methodology section, elucidate the research design, data collection methods, and any pertinent ethical considerations. This section will help readers comprehend how you assembled and scrutinized your data, fortifying the credibility of your findings.

7. Analyze your results: In the results section, showcase the outcomes of your research in a lucid and succinct manner. Utilize tables, graphs, or other visual aids to help readers decipher your data and its significance.

8. Discuss your findings: In the discussion section, dissect the implications of your findings, juxtapose them with previous research, and address any limitations of your study. This section will help you underscore the significance of your research and pinpoint areas for future exploration.

9. Conclude your paper: In the conclusion section, recap your main points, reiterate your thesis, and discuss the implications of your findings for future research or practice. A compelling conclusion will leave an indelible mark on your readers and underscore the importance of your research.

Authoritative Reference Titles:

“The Craft of Research” by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph M. Williams, and Howard L. Rohrer: This book serves as a comprehensive compass to research and writing, offering tips on pinpointing a topic, structuring your paper, and crafting a persuasive argument.

“Writing a Scientific Paper” by M. T. M. Campbell and M.J. Mascolo: This book provides practical wisdom on writing scientific papers, including tips on structuring your paper, presenting data, and discussing your findings.

“They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing” by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein: This book highlights the importance of effectively utilizing sources in academic writing. It offers strategies for weaving sources into your paper and demonstrating your engagement with the literature.

ADDENDUM
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Martha’s Answer

Hello Glorieliz - you've received some really great suggestions already. I just wanted to chime in and mention that it might be a good idea to begin by discussing your topic with your teacher. After all, they're the ones who know best about whether your chosen topic is suitable. Plus, some teachers have particular guidelines or methods they'd like you to adhere to, and you might need to show that you've done this. Even if your teacher doesn't have a specific method, they might recommend a certain reference or style guide. Wishing you all the best!
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Aisha’s Answer

Hello Glorieliz,

Here's a concise and direct enhancement of your text:

- Always use active voice.
- Avoid unnecessary words.
- Write regularly.
- Conduct thorough research.
- Read about your writing topic.
- Set clear writing objectives.
- Be detailed and specific.
- Understand your readers.
- Make writing a daily habit.
- Seek and accept feedback.
- Keep your paragraphs brief.
- Allow your writing to rest before revising.
- Create a clear outline.
- Read your work out loud.
- Embrace the benefits of outlining.
- Grasp the fundamentals of grammar.
- Mix up your sentence structures.
- Write with your readers in mind.
- Steer clear of clichés.
- Maintain a consistent tone.
- Stay true to yourself.
- Break your text into logical paragraphs.
- Opt for simple, understandable words.
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Karin’s Answer

Hi Glorieliz,

I can't really answer your question. The way to write a "research paper" depends very much on your field and your level. A second year philosophy paper would be much different from a physics paper for a PhD student or a high-school essay.

So, your first point of contact would be your teacher: What is the exact topic? What are the expectations, i.e. how many pages? Is a structure given or can you come up with a structure/sections? Is it a literature research or your own research, i.e. experiments, surveys, coding etc.

Good luck!

KP
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Josh’s Answer

Greetings!

Addressing your query is a bit challenging since research papers come in a variety of forms. However, the adage "practice makes perfect" holds true in this context. You might be tasked with your first research paper in high school, and I would encourage you to utilize all available resources.

For instance, your school might have a Writing Center where you can receive step-by-step guidance. Crafting a research paper can be time-consuming if done correctly, so it's advisable to break the task into smaller, manageable parts. Each section can be reviewed for accuracy and feedback, allowing you to revise, reassess, and progressively work through the writing and compilation process.

Alternatively, you can independently write your research paper. In this case, I would suggest using writing aid tools such as Grammarly. Additionally, AI tools are now available to assist you in your writing journey. I wish you the best of luck. Make sure to utilize all resources and build upon each section as you progress through your research work.
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