You’ve done the research. Now you have to write it up. How will you start?
- Try starting with an outline. It’s an easy way to transition your ideas into a paper. Write down each of your main points in order, as well as sub-points that you will use to back up your claims. This outline will provide the structure of your paper.
- While writing your body paragraphs, try following the MEAL plan (main idea, evidence, analysis, and link back to larger claim). This process ensures that your paragraphs are clear, understandable, and contribute to your overall thesis.
- Write the discussion or conclusion last – after you already know where your paper is heading.
- Keep track of all the sources that you use as you go along. Zotero is useful for this. Refer to the “Citations/Avoiding plagiarism” tab for more guidance on this topic.
Once you’re in the revising stage, try creating a reverse outline to make sure your ideas are organized and the paper is well-structured. You may also find the roadmap metaphor helpful during this stage. See more information on the Revising tab.
For other ideas, check out the UNC Writing Center’s Handout on Research Reports.