RESEARCH TOOLKIT
  • Research Overview
    • What is Research?
    • The Research Process
  • Getting Started
    • Understanding the Assignment
    • Getting Organized
    • Finding Focus: Subject, Topic, Guiding Question
  • Gathering Info
    • Types of Information Resources >
      • GUHSD Online Databases
      • Searching Google Smartly
      • Using Wikipedia Wisely
      • GUHSD Library Catalog
    • Using Keywords for Searching
    • Taking Notes and Tracking Sources >
      • Note-Taking Strategies
  • Analyzing Info
    • Evaluating Information >
      • Avoiding Fake News
    • Developing a Thesis and Argument
    • Using Supporting Evidence
  • Presenting Findings
    • Paper/Essay >
      • MLA Format
    • Live Talk
    • Visual
    • Video/Audio
    • Website
    • GUHSD Virtual Makerspace
  • Teacher Resources
  • User Feedback Form

Presenting Findings: Paper/Essay


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There are several steps typically involved when writing a paper:

  • ​Finalize thesis and create an outline.
  • Write and revise the first draft.
  • Properly format paper and Works Cited (generally using MLA format).
  • Prepare final draft for submission.

Finalizing Your Thesis and Creating an Outline

  • Your thesis statement should clearly address the guiding question for your research and communicate the meaning you are adding.
  • You should have been developing and refining your thesis all  throughout the information gathering phase of researching. 
  • Finalizing your thesis statement requires you analyzing gathered information and should be one of the last things you do before beginning the actual writing of your paper.
  • Once you have your thesis statement, you are set to create an outline based on your thesis.

Revising Your First Draft

Read the first draft at least 3 times, taking a break between each reading:
1st Reading:
  • Read to correct basic errors such as spelling (spell check is not perfect), punctuation (too little or too much), and capitalization.

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2nd Reading:
  • Read your paper aloud to "hear" how your paper sounds.
  • This is a good way to improve your grammar and style.
  • Hear how smoothly your paper flows and make improvements such as adding transitions and replacing overused words.
3rd Reading:
  • Read for content, organization, clarity, and references, comparing what you have written with your outline.
  • Does the order of topics make sense?
  • Are there any areas that lack development or insufficient evidence?
  • Have you provided proper attribution for quoted and paraphrased material?

Prepare the Final Draft for Submission

  • If possible, have a friend or family member read your paper to see if it makes sense or if they have suggestions.
  • ​Make sure your paper is properly formatted according to MLA Style, unless directed otherwise by your teacher.
  • Create the final draft of your paper, including any last updates to your Works Cited page.
  • Review requirements outlined in the assignment to make sure that you turn in your work properly.

NEED TO KNOW
MORE ​ABOUT MLA?
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  • Research Overview
    • What is Research?
    • The Research Process
  • Getting Started
    • Understanding the Assignment
    • Getting Organized
    • Finding Focus: Subject, Topic, Guiding Question
  • Gathering Info
    • Types of Information Resources >
      • GUHSD Online Databases
      • Searching Google Smartly
      • Using Wikipedia Wisely
      • GUHSD Library Catalog
    • Using Keywords for Searching
    • Taking Notes and Tracking Sources >
      • Note-Taking Strategies
  • Analyzing Info
    • Evaluating Information >
      • Avoiding Fake News
    • Developing a Thesis and Argument
    • Using Supporting Evidence
  • Presenting Findings
    • Paper/Essay >
      • MLA Format
    • Live Talk
    • Visual
    • Video/Audio
    • Website
    • GUHSD Virtual Makerspace
  • Teacher Resources
  • User Feedback Form