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I have trouble getting started on research papers. What should I do?
There are many ways to get started on a research project….
Oops.
Strike that. There is only one way to start your research project.
READ THE ASSIGNMENT.
Now.
Go ahead. I'll wait.
Did you read it yet? Yes. Good. Read it again.
I mean it.
Okay, now read it and underline any key words or things you need to remember to do (use specific sources, mention your favorite kind of catfood, whatever the professor specifies in that assignment, you make a note to DO IT).
Why? Because that's the assignment.
If you want to buy a CD, and the sales clerk says, that'll be 18 dollars, you can't say "Here's a five. Will that do?"
Nope.
Okay, so it's a pretty capitalist metaphor. Sue me. I'm a product of my environment. (product!! Ouch). Let's go with it, though. Your professor sets the 'price'; you have to meet it. If you do less than that, you will get less from your professor (ranging from an A- to an F, depending on what you did and the way your instructor grades). Either way, you get what you paid for.
Let's do a little quick test to see if I've made myself clear.
- Q. If the assignment says your paper must be 10 pages or longer, how long should it be?
- A. At least 10 pages long. (I aim for a full 10 pages just to be sure I can't lose points for that).
- Q. If the assignment says you must quote from an academic journal, will a quote from Newsweek do?
- A. No. (Click on this website to learn more about the definition of an academic journal or article).
- Q. If the assignment says you must use MLA format, do you have to include both in text citations and a works cited page at the end? Do you have to document both quotes and paraphrased statements? In your paper, will the only sentences that won't have citations be the ones that state your thinking or very common knowledge information?
- A. Yes. (Click here for information on MLA format).
Now was that so hard?
Now we're ready to talk about what you can do once you understand your assignment. Click on this link for more information...
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