✦Research · 14 recordsWrite a research paper

Research papers are written badly when the writing starts before the argument is settled. This narrows the question, reads with a reference list running from the first article, turns the notes into an outline that already contains the argument, and dates the first draft early enough that revising is possible rather than theoretical.

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Goal

A finished research paper, revised before the deadline Week 6

Argument settled in the outline, sources tracked, draft done early.

Question and sources Week 2

Reading with a reference list running from the start.

  • Turn the topic into a specific questionDo firstDay 2
  • Check the required format and citation styleDo firstDay 3
  • Find and read the key sources, adding each to the reference listDo firstDay 12

Outline and draft Week 4

The argument in bullet points before the prose.

  • Write the outline, with the argument in the headingsDo firstWeek 2
  • Write the first full draft, introduction lastDo firstWeek 4

Revise and submit Week 6

Time to revise is the whole point of starting early.

  • Read the draft against the question and cut what does not answer itDo firstWeek 5
  • Check citations and formattingDo firstWeek 5
  • Proofread and submitDo firstWeek 6

Routines

  • Paper writing sessiondaily
✦ It comes with a note

Research paper outline

Title Abstract: the question, the approach and the finding, in a few sentences Introduction: why the question matters and what the paper argues Methods or approach Results or discussion, one heading per point in the argument Conclusion: what it means and what is left open References

If the outline does not make sense as bullet points, the draft will not either.

✦ Questions

Write a research paper, answered.

Most follow title, abstract, introduction, methods or approach, results or discussion, conclusion and references, though humanities papers are often structured around the argument instead. Check the style guide or journal requirements before outlining, since the outline should match it.
With a question rather than a topic, and a few days of reading before any writing. The first paragraph is usually easier to write last, once you know exactly what the paper argues.
Because an outline is the argument without the prose. If the outline does not make sense as bullet points, no amount of writing will fix it, and it is far quicker to rearrange headings than finished paragraphs.
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