Topic 4

Part Three: Writing Your Paper

In this section, we will review writing paragraphs and the rules for using information from other sources in your writing. The most important skills we will practice are how to cite your sources and how to paraphrase the information to avoid plagiarism.

To draft a well constructed research paper, you must

• present your information in paragraphs,
• lead the reader through your information using strong transitions,
• clearly indicate the sources of your information,
• write an effective introduction and conclusion.

Your writing process began with developing a research question (Part One) and researching information (Part Two). Part Three reviewed the skills necessary to draft your paper: writing paragraphs, linking your ideas, citing sources, and writing the introduction and conclusion. Before you are finished, reread it to improve its content and check for errors. Use this checklist as a guide for revision.

Content:

• Introduction begins with hook, leads into topic
• Thesis statement clarifies the purpose of the paper
• Proposed content (subtopics) are clear, logical
• Sufficient supporting evidence from sources
• Strong conclusion; evidence of creative thinking
• Use of visuals is appropriate, explained, or omitted

Organization:

• Clear use of transitions, key words, etc.; paper’s content flows well
• Logical progression of ideas through the whole paper
• Stays on topic, does not have “filler” information

Mechanics:

• Few errors in grammar, verb tenses, punctuation
• Correct manuscript preparation (title page, abstract, etc.)

Research:

• Correctly formatted Reference list, in-text citations
• Source information is integrated together in text
• Variety of in-text citations are used