Exploring Expository Essays or How to Write a Research Paper.

1. Timetable
 A. Set up a timetable for yourself. You really don't want to leave everything to the last minute.

2. Topic
 A. Unless your topic has been assigned, you're going to want to choose one that you are interested in so you don't get bored.
 B. Click here to get some ideas. TOPICS
 C. Make sure you narrow your focus so you're not inundated with so much information that you get overwhelmed.

3. Information Collection
 A. As you begin to find information you'll want to use notecards to keep track of your information and sources.
 B. Click here to see how to set up your notecards.  NOTECARDS

C. Make sure you put your notes on one side and your source information on the the other.

4. Sources
 A. Primary sources are original, firsthand information.
  1. Interviews, letters, diaries, autobiographies
 B. Secondary source is information collected, research or compiled by someone else.
  1. Newspapers, books, magazines, websites.

5. Thesis Statement
 A. This is the main point of your paper.
  1. Use your topic and add the part you want to highlight in your paper to write your thesis statement.
   Example: topic = The International Space Station
     highlight = is a combined effort of 15 countries.

6. Outline
 A. Now it's time to organize your notecards. Put them in the order that you will use to write your paper. It's ok to change them around more then once if necessary.
 B. Click here for a great example on how to form an outline.
  OUTLINING

7. First Draft
 A. Yes, this means you need to write a first draft. You really don't want to pass in this copy!!
 B. Using your outline, write your first draft.
 C. You want to include your works cited page as part of your first draft.
  1. Make sure your works cited page is in alphabetical order. WORKCITED

8. Proofread, revise
 A. Make sure you proofread and make revisions to your first draft.
 B. It's a really good idea to have someone else proof your work as well. They may find errors you may have missed.

9. Final copy
 A. Now that your paper has been written, revised, reviewed and possibly revised again, it's time to type the final copy. (Your teacher may allow you to write it in blue or black ink on white lined paper.)
 B. The final copy should contain:
  1. Title page
  2. Body
  3. Works cited page