You’ve got a research paper to write, and maybe you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. Writing a research paper can seem like a huge mountain to climb, but it’s actually more manageable if you break it into simple steps.

Think of it like a story — your story about exploring a topic, discovering facts, and telling others what you’ve learned.

Know What’s Expected

First, check what your teacher or supervisor wants. Instructions may include length, topic, or formatting. Missing this can lead to writing something that doesn’t fit the assignment.

• Ask: What exactly am I supposed to do?
• Who will read this?
• What style should I use?

Pick a Topic You Like

Choosing the right topic is like picking your adventure. It’s easier and more fun if you pick something you’re curious about.

• Narrow a broad topic, e.g., “How Plastic Pollution Affects Ocean Life” instead of “Environment.”
• Choose a topic that sparks your interest and fits the assignment.

Start Exploring

Think of yourself as a detective gathering clues. Read articles, books, or watch videos. Take notes on key points and always record sources for citations later.

Make Your Main Point — Your Thesis

After research, determine the main idea of your paper, called the thesis statement. It acts as a map guiding your entire paper.

Plan Your Route with an Outline

Create a quick outline before writing. Break your paper into sections:

• Introduction: Introduce your topic.
• Body: Main points, like stops on a journey.
• Conclusion: Wrap everything up.

Dig Deeper

Gather facts, examples, and quotes to support each point. Ensure your sources are trustworthy and reliable.

Time to Write the First Draft

Your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. Start with the introduction, write body paragraphs one idea at a time, then summarize in the conclusion.

• Connect ideas with words like “first,” “also,” or “however.”
• Restate the thesis differently in the conclusion.

Give Credit Where It’s Due

Whenever using someone else’s ideas or words, cite them properly to respect the author and avoid plagiarism. Use styles like APA or MLA as instructed.

Time to Polish — Revise and Edit

After finishing your draft, take a break, then review with fresh eyes. Check ideas, grammar, and clarity. Ask someone else to read it if possible. This step strengthens your paper and makes it easier to read.