DIFFERENT WRITING STAGES

The Stages of Writing Research Papers

1. Identifying and Refining a Researchable Topic or Question

It must be narrow and focused enough to be interesting, yet broad enough to find adequate information.
Before selecting your topic, make sure you know what your final project should look like.

2. Gathering Primary and Secondary Sources

Many potential researchers are unsure where they can obtain data to begin their research and analysis.
We should first divide the different types of data into two major classifications. First is the primary data,
it refers to data collected by the researcher himself/herself. This is data that has never been gathered
before, whether in a particular way, or at a certain period of time. Another is secondary data, this type of
data typically comes from other studies done by other institutions or organizations.

3. Organizing Your Notes and Other Research Information

What system will you use to keep track of your bibliographies? Your reading notes? The quotations,
images, or other specific items that jumped out at you during the course of research? If you are writing
about a complex event that unfolds over time, constructing a chronology can be helpful.

It can be useful to group your materials in a way that relates to your questions and to the story you plan
to tell. Try categorizing them so you can easily recall which are more important and which are less
important.

4. Outlining

An outline is usually in the form of a list divided into headings and subheadings that distinguish main
points from supporting points.

Outlines are good places to sketch out several kinds of “balance” in your paper.

Balance between general context and the heart of your research. One common error is to get so involved
in telling the background story that you forget to mention your actual subject until page 15! Aim for
proportionality in your outline. The most important themes and questions should get the most attention
and space.

Balance between more general assertions and concrete evidence and examples to back those assertions
up. Another common error is to gravitate toward either overly general or overly detailed writing. The
former results in vagueness that cannot sustain an argument. The latter results in failure to develop an
argument at all.

5. Formulating Your Argument

What exactly is your subject? What exactly is your argument (sometimes also called a “thesis”)?
Your subject and your argument are not identical. Your argument is the original point you are making,
the result of all the thinking you have done during the course of research. It is a claim about the
significance of a historical subject (or problem or question) and a promise that you will demonstrate that
your approach to the subject–your interpretation--is persuasive and compelling. An argument is more
than an announcement about what your subject will be. It is an assertion about what your subject
means and why it matters.

6. Writing an Introduction

The introduction should introduce your subject, state your argument, and reveal for the reader what you
plan to accomplish in the paper. You can also explain briefly why the paper is organized as it is so that the
reader will know exactly what to expect. Think of the introduction as a textual map for an intellectual
journey.

7. Drafting the Body of Your Paper

Drafting the body of your paper means writing down all the information that you have collected, that
includes notes, your analysis, statistics, and conclusions. By drafting the research paper we mean writing
the research paper for the first time. You need to revise your draft several times before you have your
final manuscript.

8. Writing a Conclusion

Return to your argument and remind your reader of the most compelling evidence presented to support
it.

9. Revising

Excellent papers are drafted far enough ahead of time so that you have time to re-read, reflect, and
revise–all of which will make your paper better than it would have been without revision. Consider
asking trusted colleagues to read and comment on your work. Think about the overall organization of
your paper. Does is flow logically and cohere throughout? Are there bumpy spots that need reworking,
better transitions, and reorganization? Think about each paragraph. Does it go where you say it will go?
Do you offer concrete evidence and examples when you make general points? Is the transition from the
paragraph before smooth? Is the transition to the next paragraph equally smooth?

Think about each sentence: grammar, spelling, punctuation, word choice, etc. Ask yourself if your writing
is as bold and direct as possible. Be ruthless about eliminating pompous language, jargon, and fussy
constructions. They will not impress your reader or do justice to your ideas.

10. Proofreading
Use your computer’s spell checker, but don’t stop there. Many people find that it is easier to catch errors
on paper than on a screen. Try reading your work aloud. It can be a little embarrassing at first, but it is a
great technique for zooming in on errors, weak spots, and awkward phrases.