Writing a Research Paper

This guide is meant to help you with the process of writing a research paper in an academic setting. Further help can be obtained from The Writing Center at 585-343-0055 ext. 6270 (2nd floor B-wing Humanities Suite of the Batavia Campus). Please consult a librarian for assistance with this guide.

Step One: Beginning Your Paper

Read your assignment. Be sure you understand what is required.
Brainstorm about some possible paper topics, and list the main points/arguments you would make about each topic.
Select a topic from your list. (If you can't come up with a topic, and need some more ideas, see the library guide, Need a Good Paper Topic?)

Step Two: Locating Information: "Doing the Research"

Books:

Use the GCC Library Catalog to locate books on your topic.
Journal and Magazine Articles:
Begin at the GCC Library Homepage.
Under Find Databases & Websites, click on Databases by Subject.
Select a database that covers your topic area, and search by subject or keywords.
Print out/copy the articles you find in online databases or printed journals.
Web Resources:
Begin at the GCC Library Homepage.
Under Find Databases & Websites, click on Websites by Subject. Click on a website about your topic and search.
Under Instruction & Tutorials, click on How-to Guides, then click on and read Checklist for Evaluating Internet Resources. You may also want to take the tutorial How to Evaluate Websites.
Go back to the How-to Guides and click on Guide to Internet Search Tools. Use one of the librarian-selected search engines to locate information.

Step Three: Structure and Development

Reread your assignment.
Make sure that you gathered enough research (information) to support your ideas.

Write down a Thesis Statement and Outline

A thesis statement is the central idea of your paper. You should be able to state your thesis in one or two sentences.

It is a good idea to begin the paper with your thesis statement.

Make an outline of the points and examples of your paper.

Do not worry about wording or punctuation at this point.

Step Four: Writing your Paper (the First Draft)

The first paragraph should contain your introduction and thesis statement.

The next paragraphs should contain examples supporting your thesis statement.

The last paragraph should contain a conclusion and reflections on the thesis statement.

Cite (give credit to) the sources of information, quotes or ideas you used in your paper -- include parenthetical citations within the paper, and a Works Cited or bibliography at the end of the paper.

Be sure to use the style guide your professor prefers (MLA, APA, etc.)

Step Five: Proofreading and Revision

Proofread your draft, looking for spelling and grammar mistakes.

Make sure all of your main points or arguments are supported by research.

Take your draft to the CAP Center or your professor and ask them to proofread it.

Step Six: Writing your Final Draft

Use all comments made by proofreaders and write a final draft.

Reread the final draft for errors before turning it in.

For Further Help

These websites provide much more detailed information about writing a paper:

Study Guides and Strategies
A comprehensive guide to study skills by St. Thomas University. Scroll down to the section Writing a Research Paper.

A Writer's Reference, by Diana Hacker
GCC Library Reference collection at PE1408.H2778

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