Research Papers...

So, usually when it comes time to write a research paper, I like to procrastinate...I'm not gonna lie, even though I don't mind writing essays I just hate doing the actual research part. I don't like to take the time to sit there and read or look up information to support my arguments for my paper. I know that procrastination is not a good technique or habit to use but it does help me sometimes because by procrastinating, it makes me work harder to meet my deadline. 

         When it comes time to actually writing my research paper, I usually like to do my research first. I usually just start with some general sources that go over my topic and cover the basics of what it includes. Then I look for more detailed sources with some very specific facts that I need to prove whatever I am arguing or talking about. I also write down specific ideas or quotes I get from the research on post it notes. This way I won’t forget where I got the information and can easily look back on it instead of going through the text again.

         Once I feel that I have enough support and research, I start to organize everything. Before I start actually writing, I like to look at all the support that I have and piece together an outline of my paper.

         Then, I usually like to write the whole paper in one sitting. This way I use the same style throughout the paper. I like to write a rough draft without any citations, just the ideas. I do this because I don’t want to deal with the process of citing things when first writing the paper; I just want to write it. Then I usually take a break. Once I can motivate myself again, I go back through the paper and read/edit it. Then, I go through it and add in the citations that I need.

         Then, when everything is cited and it’s in what I think is the “final draft”, I read through it around five times and then have someone else (usually my Dad) read and proof read it.

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