1
Pick a topic and narrow it down.
Make sure you receive and understand all of the teacher’s directions for the topic requirement.
Ask NOW if you don’t understand what is expected. Ask for help often - the
sooner the better!
All of your teachers want you to be successful in writing a GREAT paper.
2
Schedule your time – AVOID LAST MINUTE PANIC!!! You have X number of days from getting the assignment until the day the paper is due.
Make a timeline or calendar for completing each step. Take into account other events and obligations during this time.
Note deadlines setup by the teacher and keep them. Here’s a sample of a Calendar/Timeline Chart.
3
Research your topic thoroughly. Use a variety of reliable sources - books, magazines, newspapers, internet, etc.. You must become an expert on your topic before you even begin to write the paper.
READ, READ, READ. Highlight and take notes, also make note of your sources for your Works Cited page.
Tips on Searching the Internet
CDH Online Databases Directions
4
Make an outline. Begin with a preliminary outline then make adjustments later. Have your teacher check your outline. Refer to your outline often to keep the paper on track.
Outline tips and blank outline for the Social Justice Investigative Paper
Outline tips and blank outline for a Problem-Solution research paper
5
Write a THESIS STATEMENT.What is a thesis statement? It is a sentence or two that lets the reader know what the paper is about and identifies the focus of the paper.
This is the most important item on your outline and in your paper.
The Thesis Statement should be in the first paragraph of the paper.
6
Document your sources. Use the MLA section of your Pocket Style Manual to see how to type in-text citations and the Works Cited page.
Examples of MLA style Works Cited entries
Examples of Works Cited entries for an Online Database and an Internet source
7
Each paragraph must have a topic sentence, several sentences with supporting information (3-8), and a concluding sentence. NO WIMPY PARAGRAPHS! Use smooth transitions in each paragraph.
REVISE NOW and again and again - don't wait until you have written the whole paper.
Have a teacher, parent, or another student read your work at each step along the way to offer suggestions for revising your writing. Use your outline to see if you are keeping on track.
Avoid using "I" and "you."
8 
Type the paper in MLA format. Use the MLA section of your Pocket Style Manual to see how to type your paper. Get help in editing the paper for spelling and formatting errors.
Avoid plagiarism - Plagiarism is copying
the work of someone else and turning it in as if it is your own work.
Use quotation marks around a direct quote along with proper citation.
Use an in-text citation with ideas and opinions from other sources.
Your paper might be submitted to an online service to check for plagiarism.
Do a final editing - Turn your paper in ON TIME
Check all details of citing sources, proper formatting, spelling, and punctuation.
Use a checklist or your teacher's grading sheet.
Congratulate yourself on doing a great job!