Research Paper Checklist
Table of Contents
Choose a Topic
Pick a topic which interests and challenges you.
Focus on a limited aspect.
Obtain teacher approval for your topic.
Re-read your assignment sheet carefully to be certain you know what is expected.
Select a subject you can manage.
Avoid subjects that are too technical, learned, or specialized.
Avoid topics that have only a very narrow range of source materials.
Find Information
Use search engines and other search tools as a starting point.
Pay attention to domain name extensions (if it ends with edu or org)
Be selective of com (commercial) sites.
Be wary of personal home pages - their quality vary greatly.
Check out public and university libraries, businesses, government agencies.
Contact knowledgeable people in your community.
Write down full bibliographical information.
Your Thesis
Write your thesis statement down in one sentence.
Find arguments to support and defend this belief.
Outline
Think through your topic carefully and organize it logically
Include in your outline an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
Make the first outline tentative.
In the introdutions, state your thesis and the purpose of your research.
State how you plan to approach your topic.
Explain briefly the major points you plan to cover.
In the body, present your arguments to support your thesis statement.
In the conclusion, restate or reword your thesis and summarize your arguments.
Draft
Thesis statement is concise and clear.
Arguments are presented in a logical sequence.
All sources are properly cited.
Your intentions and points are clear in the essay.
Read your paper for grammatical errors.
Correct all errors that you can spot.
Get someone else to read it over.
Download or Print this Research Paper Checklist
Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.
Presented by:
Nicole Nichols-West
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Who it's for
This Research Paper Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Research Paper essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Research Paper structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Research Paper Checklist
- Save Research Paper Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Research Paper (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.