The document provides guidance on writing a successful research paper in 10 steps: 1) understand the genre, 2) choose a topic, 3) narrow the scope, 4) develop a thesis or research question, 5) conduct research, 6) create an outline, 7) write a first draft, 8) revise the draft, 9) proofread, and 10) submit the paper. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the assignment, finding a topic you're passionate about, doing thorough research, developing a strong thesis or research question, and revising. The key aspects are motivation, understanding sources and source evaluation, creating an outline after research, and focusing revision on higher-order concerns than proofreading.

1. The Writing Center & The Ethel K. Smith Library Present:

3. True research papers are more than a loose collection of anecdotal memories or a patchwork of data pulled from several books.

4. True research papers are more than a loose collection of anecdotal memories or a patchwork of data pulled from several books. A true research paper will be a unique and appropriate integration of evidence you have located from outside sources AND your personal insights.

8. Now that you have a few guidelines on what type of research paper you’ll be doing, you need something to do it on : a TOPIC

9. First, make sure you thoroughly understand the assignment .

11. The real key to successful papers is motivation ! Try several invention techniques (free writing, charting, clustering, etc.) to find what topics interest you !

14. Finally, understand your role. Professor, I know much less than you about this topic, and you will decide what grade I earn. So my role is to show you how much information I dug up and your role is to decide if it’s enough.

15. Professor, I know much less than you about this topic, and you will decide what grade I earn. So my role is to show you how much information I dug up and your role is to decide if it’s enough.

26. Proofreading is the final step in the process. It should address lower order concerns such as: Subject-Verb Agreement Tense Issues Non-Sexist Language Diction (Word Choice) Spelling and Grammar Errors Formatting Issues (MLA, APA, etc.) Always change your computer's spell check program to Academic Style and Grammar Settings, AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO THOSE MESSAGES

27. Check for alignment and presentation issues before printing. Turn It In!