1. First, figure out exactly what is expected out of the paper. Read over the assignment and ask your professor for clarification from your professor if you need it. Make sure you follow all of the directions! This will prevent false starts and rewrites (and wasting time).
2. Next, brainstorm! Think about a unique way to approach what has been assigned (if you can – some assignments don’t allow for much wiggle room). Write down whatever ideas come to you, and then choose the one that fits the assignment, that you will enjoy writing the most, and about which you can find the most (reliable) information.
3. When writing a good paper, make sure you do some very good research. Without good research, your paper will fall flat before you even begin!
4. The next step is to organize your research. Outlines are always a helpful way to start, even if it’s just bullet points sketched out roughly on a piece of scrap paper. Knowing how your paper will flow will save time having to go back and rewrite things and move them around.
5. Now it’s time to assemble your research and do the actual writing – this can feel like the hardest part, but really, the worst is over! As long as you’ve done the first four steps, you should be able to put all of your research together with (relative) ease. Make sure you write a good thesis paragraph and conclusion – these should set the tone and wrap-up your paper well. And remember not to plagiarize (EVER!) (no, seriously, ever), and to use your own words when talking about the research you’ve found.
6. The final step is editing. After working on your paper for so long, you’re going to miss things, so it’s good to have one or two people go over your paper for you before turning it in. Some professors will allow you to turn in a rough draft for them to go over (or will require it), or you could use your school’s writing center (or a friend with good editing abilities). Incorporate any changes you want or need to, and then you’re done!
This article is part of a series:
- How to Research a Good Paper
- How to Write a Good Paper
- How to Format a Good Paper
