College research paper checklist
- 3. From the beginning, as you write a research paper, you should keep the assignment in mind. This will help you craft a stronger research paper that delivers exactly what your instructor is asking for
- 5. Choosing a topic that fits the assignment and interests you is important. Be sure to stick to that topic throughout your paper. As you read through a final draft of your paper, your topic should be clear and organized.
- 7. Using trustworthy sources is key when writing a good research paper. Every resource used in your final paper should be a credible, reliable, logical, properly-cited source
- 9. Your thesis is an important building block for the rest of your research paper. By the time your paper is complete, the thesis should be obvious, well-crafted, and connected to the rest of your paper.
- 11. Your research paper should have a clear, logical organizational structure that makes it easy for readers to understand your writing.
- 13. Plagiarism, the use of another person's words or ideas without giving them credit, is a serious offense. Be sure to cite quotations and paraphrases in your research paper
- 15. Be sure to check (and double check! and triple check!) the spelling and grammar in your paper so that you can fix errors and make improvements.
- 17. Use your teacher's instructions and the appropriate style guidelines (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) to be sure your paper is formatted correctly before turning it in.
- 19. Don't forget to leave time for the unexpected. Be sure to know how your teacher would like for you to submit your paper and don't wait until the very last minute.