2.  A research paper is a formal report
that contains an original idea (a thesis)
and evidence to back up your idea
(research).

3.  Specific: Research  Realistic: Topic should
papers should be be something that you
specific and maintain can easily research.
clear focus.  Time: Make sure you are
 Measurable: Should able to complete all your
contain examples and research within the
evidence. timeframe given.
 Attainable: Provides a
thesis statement that
answers a clear research
question.

4.  Title page
 Table of contents
 Introduction
 Evidence and
support
 Conclusion
 Bibliography

5.  Step 1: Choose a topic  Step 2: Find information
that interests you. using different
Narrow that topic down resources and make
so that it is not too notes.
broad or complicated. ◦ The internet (be careful
◦ Ex: A research paper on about which sites you use!)
religion can be narrowed ◦ Books
down: religion  world ◦ Newspapers
religions  Buddhism ◦ Magazines/journals
◦ Encyclopaedias

6.  Step 3: Create your  Step 4: Before you start
thesis statement. The writing, make an
main portion of your outline of your essay to
essay will consist of organize your thoughts
arguments to support and plan what you will
and defend this belief. say.

7. I. INTRODUCTION - (Brief comment leading into subject matter - Thesis
statement on Shakespeare)
II. BODY –
A. Shakespeare's Early Life, Marriage, Works, Later Years A. Early life
in Stratford
1. Shakespeare's family
a. Shakespeare's father
b. Shakespeare's mother
2. Shakespeare's marriage
a. Life of Anne Hathaway
b. Reference in Shakespeare's Poems
B. Shakespeare's works
1. Plays
a. Tragedies
i. Hamlet
ii. Romeo and Juliet
b. Comedies
i. The Tempest
ii. Much Ado About Nothing
c. Histories
i. King John
ii. Richard III

8. C. Shakespeare's Later Years
1. Last two plays
2. Retired to Stratford
a. Death
b. Burial
i. Epitaph on his tombstone
III. CONCLUSION
A. Summary
1. Shakespeare's early life
2. Shakespeare's works
3. Shakespeare's later years
B. Thesis reworded
C. Concluding statement

9.  Step 6: Write your rough  Step 7: Revise, edit, and
draft. After you have type your final draft!
researched, taken notes,
and written your outline
prepare a rough draft of
your paper.