Research Support

Develop a solid background knowledge about your topic.  As you are developing a solid background about your topic, list possible supporting claims to build and support your argument.   This will help you refine your search when you are looking for quality sources AND it will help you begin an outline for your paper.  This is an essential step in order to figure out if you have a manageable topic. 

1. Keep track of what source each fact comes from and a page number when available.  You will need this later for your in-text citations.

2. Write your notes by paraphrasing.  A paraphrased statement is information rewritten in your own words BASED on scholarly information you obtained from a source. To do this:

   • • Reread important passages to ensure understanding. 

     • Determine the main ideas and keywords. 

     • From there, rewrite in your own words.  Try not to look at the source.

Revising involves taking a step back from your work and looking at it through the reader’s perspective.  It will be a time when you look to see if you prove your thesis clearly and completely and also where you make sure your writing is clear, concise, and flows logically. 

The best way to revise your work, is by reading it out loud multiple times.  While doing this, stop and

1. Eliminate unnecessary information.

2. Add details where needed.

3. Rearrange for clarity.

Asking for feedback from classmates is a great idea! 

When you are done, be sure to proofread your paper and correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.