Writing an effective research paper is easier and less time-consuming when the topic is one in which the writer is interested. If possible, select a topic that interests you. Choosing a topic that you are already familiar with is a good ideas as well. If the topic has been pre-chosen, you may want to talk to the professor about writing the paper from a different angle or with an alternative thesis statement. If the topic has not been pre-chosen, make sure your topic of choice is not too broad. For example, if the topic is film, select a genre or a director on which to focus.
The bulk of your paper should come from reading, interpreting and analyzing data, whether it be in the form of scientific information or the biography of a famous writer. Knowing where to find information can make writing the paper much easier. Avoid using unreliable or unofficial sources. For example, Wikipedia is not a source of information that should be used in research, according to Inside Higher Ed. Turn to Encyclopedias, periodicals, magazines, journals and newspapers instead. Community or school libraries have access to many reliable sources of information. Always check with a professor to find out what types of sources are acceptable.
Write the research paper using the basic essay format, according to A Research Guide for Students. First write an introductory paragraph stating the thesis. The thesis must contain an overall idea or topic that will be followed throughout the research paper. This can be a hypothesis, opinion or idea. The body the of the paper should contain at least three paragraphs, all of which should reveal the research and information found. Your last paragraph should be a summary or conclusion.