FUNDAMENTALS OF

WRITING A RESEARCH
TOPIC 9
PAPER

RESEARCH PAPER
Who needs to write research papers?
Students
Academics
People working in
organizations/institutions
Those who need to present ideas to others
in decision-making positions
Research allows ideas to be shared, so that
they can be implemented and translated
into reality

RESEARCH PAPER
What is a good research paper?
Is a form of extended essay
Is a sustained inquiry
Presents summarised information
Cites outside sources of
information

STEPS IN WRITING A
RESEARCH PAPER
Write

like you speak then

change to formal writing
Written in third person, no I or
you, but from standpoint of a
narrator
Facilitated using the outline for
organization
Facilitated with note cards for
recollection of facts

KEY STEPS IN WRITING A

GOOD RESEARCH PAPER
1.

Selecting a Topic
a. Brainstorm for topic ideas
b. Read for background information
c. Narrow down your topic
d. Make list of useful words
e. Be flexible
f. Restate topic as focused research question
g. Brainstorm for topic ideas
h. Formulate a thesis statement
i. Discuss with your peers/tutor

KEY STEPS IN WRITING A

GOOD RESEARCH PAPER

2. Planning the Research Design and

Process
A strong research framework, sound
data collection methods and rigorous
data analysis are cornerstones
Research is to provide new ideas, or
fresh insights, on a topic
Work is supposed to be new, not a
repetition of other peoples work

KEY STEPS IN WRITING A

GOOD RESEARCH PAPER

Tips on getting started on research:

a. start by reading research studies on
your subject.
b. treat research like a detective story
c. look at most recent books and journal
articles first
d. photocopy important material
e. make a careful and complete notation
of the source of your material

KEY STEPS IN WRITING A

GOOD RESEARCH PAPER
3.

Compiling Research Resources

a. Reference works
b. Books
c. Journal articles
d. Government publications
e. News, magazines and newspapers
f. Electronic resources (World Wide Web)
g. Miscellaneous sources
h. External sources

GETTING STARTED
Writing is easy. All you do is stare at
a blank sheet of paper until drops
of blood form on your forehead.
(Gene Fowler)
What is your opinion of this
statement? Personally, what are the
challenges you encounter in writing
and how do you handle them?

GETTING STARTED
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Outlining and Organization

Support your Argument
Writing Tips
Citation Styles (refer to pg 137)
Presentation

TIPS AND GUIDELINES

Read, Read, Read
2. Organise your Discussion
3. Categorise Information
4. Develop Note-taking Skills
1.

Looking at examples (pg 141

144)