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As a student, you will be responsible for writing research papers. While the task might sound daunting, it is essential to note that the proper methods and tips are bound to produce the best results. Go through this article as it highlights the mistakes you ought to avoid when writing your research paper.
9 Reliable Tips and Websites to Use When Writing a Research Paper
These tips will come in handy if you wish to score highly on your paper:
1. The Suitability of Your Research Gap
For a research paper to get published, it has to be authentic. Therefore, this is the first step you ought to consider. While some tutors recommend titles, others task you to establish a research topic.
How do you do so? Do not fret about choosing the most appropriate research topic. You could select a research problem from previous research papers and fill in the gap that could have been untapped. Explore academic websites like Google Scholar for options on possible areas you could consider for your article.
A research gap could be an unexplored or underexplored area in a pre-existing research paper. While this might sound like the way to go, ensuring that the piece you settle for is within your scope of interest.
2. Pick a Research Topic That Matches Your Academic Level
It is also vital to pick up a research gap that matches your academic level and prowess. Remember, you will go through enormous amounts of information when scheming through numerous articles. Therefore, you might be tempted to consider a complex concept.
Even though exploring a complex concept might sound like a good idea, it is easier to tap into a topic you are familiar with. Doing so also makes the process of writing the research paper less daunting. It also makes it less tasking for you to issue instructions if you opt to work with service providers that provide the option to buy essay or research papers.
3. Seek Clarification
Pre-existing papers provide the perfect base for your research paper. However, before settling on one, get your facts right and ensure you are on the right path. It is essential to ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the author biased in their submission?
- How significant is the research work?
- What issues or viewpoints did the author ignore?
- What factors influenced the results and conclusions made by the author?
- Is there a different perspective from the author’s?
The answers to these questions will better understand the pre-existing research paper. They will also offer a broader perspective of how you will present your ideas or whether the piece is worth considering to base your research.
4. Follow the Outlined Specifications and Instructions
Schools have research advisors to guide students when writing research papers. Their services range from establishing a research topic to guiding you through the research paper writing procedure.
Therefore, if you are unsure about your skill, seek help. It is also essential to give information about the instructions issued by your tutor. These instructions will dictate the path they will choose to handle your case.
5. Citations
Besides establishing a topic and coming up with information about it, providing citations is another crucial area that costs most students. Sources go a long way in making your paper authoritative and cementing the facts.
If you are unsure about this bit, do not fret because there are digital tools and websites you could consider. For instance, a platform like Essential Science Indicator could be the most appropriate pick if your paper is science-based. It provides information about publications, emerging branches, and contributors.
Another option you could consider is Google Trends since it highlights questions related to the scope of your research.
6. Poor Grammar
Any academic writing also tests your command of language. Therefore, when writing your research paper, it is vital to have this in mind. It significantly influences how your message is perceived.
One crucial factor to consider to avoid unnecessary grammatical errors is writing in an active voice. Doing so exudes confidence and makes it easier for the reader to keep up with the writing.
Similarly, ensuring you are consistent with the verb tense within the text is paramount. Doing so ensures the seamless flow of ideas throughout the writing.
Other factors that affect your score include improper punctuation marks, which could easily determine the meaning of your text. For instance, an improperly used semi-colon directly affects how a message is interpreted. Pay extra attention to your subject-verb arrangement and agreement.
Use tools and websites like Grammarly to cross-check your work to avoid being penalized for grammatical errors.
7. Incoherent Ideas
A research paper also tests your ability to communicate ideas seamlessly. Remember, there is a specified word count on your paper. Therefore, you ought to stick to it while writing your essay.
The best way to prioritize what your paper will entail is to highlight your key focus areas and build content around them. Be factual and ensure every detail in the article adds value to the topic.
Your ideas should be concise. Failing to meet this requirement communicates that you are unsure about the topic or did not research enough. Avoid repetitive phrases and statements that make your paper bloated.
8. Not Paying Enough Attention to Editing
It goes without question that writing a research paper from scratch takes time and effort. If you are unsure about committing to the task, consider working with custom essay writing service providers.
However, if you trust yourself to spend long hours on the paper, remember to set aside enough time to edit it. While you might be tempted to submit your manuscript immediately after completing it to meet the deadline, you will likely miss out on common mistakes.
Take enough time to proofread your work and ensure it meets the required standards. Do so when you have a fresh mind. Another tip is to have a second party review it to identify possible mistakes. It is also essential to check the instructions your tutor issued to ensure your paper meets the requirements provided before submitting it.
9. Plagiarism
Plagiarism is one of the most grievous yet most common ethical offenses. It entails using text, images, concepts, or ideas from previously published material without providing credits. As a result, it is crucial to provide all the required citations if the paper’s contents are not initially your work.
Any student’s dream is to excel academically, especially when tackling tasks such as writing a research paper. Therefore, highlighting mistakes and websites to consider is a step in the right direction in ensuring you score highly and avoid unnecessary penalties.
