In school or sometimes in your career, you have to write a research paper at one time or another. Usually, you know enough about what to write. However, writing is seldom anyone’s favorite way to spend time. In the pile up of work, writing often sinks to the bottom of priorities. Only the knowledge of how to write a research paper fast and efficiently can save you.

For school, a research paper demonstrates the learning and knowledge gained from the class. It is, therefore, important to show your teacher that you have studied well and applied your learning in a way that is meaningful to you. A well-written research paper will serve not only to reinforce your learning; it could be useful for others as a source of information and reference for other studies as well. Your paper must be documented, well prepared, well examined, and well written. Also, it must be submitted on time.

Here are guidelines provided by writing-academy.com to write your research paper efficiently and fast.

1. Determine how much time you have into realistically divided important increments

• 5% defining your thesis statement
• 5% writing it down
• 15% writing an outline of arguments and counter-arguments
• 25% research
• 40% actual writing
• 10% polishing

This is just to give you an idea. You can adjust the time is needed. For example, you may want to allow more time for research and writing.

2. Decide on your thesis statement

The thesis is the “meat”, the foundation of your research paper. You want it to be robust and strong. Focus your mind on what you want to say, clarify your idea encapsulated in your mind. As much as possible, make it be something you genuinely believe in. It would be much easier to write about something you believe in your heart be true rather than something you down.

3. Write down your thesis statement

Make it succinct, clear, and sure. As you move on to writing the outline, write the introduction to make the reader understand why you came up with the thesis. Make the presentation interesting, provoking, and attention-grabbing to draw the teacher and the reader into further reading.

4. Write the outline

Think about the arguments to support your thesis and write the ideas out in short sentences. Write as fast as the thoughts occur to you. Imagine that you are talking with a friend, convincing them of your point of view and then write down your line of reasoning. Also, think about possible counter-arguments. Remember, you are writing only the outline so don’t write in paragraphs just yet. Keep items in bullet points. Arrange topics in headings and sub-headings as applicable and according to the format prescribed by your teacher.

5. Do your research

This is usually the bottleneck for writers. Research can take a long time, particularly if you don’t know how to work fast and have no idea what you are looking for. This is why is important to have an outline. The outline will guide you on the specific information you need to find, so you don’t have to waste time reading lots of useless material. The usual order of things is to study other materials that have been published on your topic. Since you need to be efficient and produce your research paper fast, you don’t have time to go about the usual way.

To do fast your research, go to the library and take out books related to your topic, scan the table of contents of each book, find a chapter that seems related to any of the arguments in your outline, and go to that section. Scan it quickly and pick up relevant information for your reference, including citation information. Read the content of the statement, though, to make sure you are not misquoting the author. If you scan and work fast, you can find references for all your arguments in no time. Don’t get caught up reading what does not apply to your research.

6. Write down the content

Flash out the points in paragraph form by using your outline as a guide. Let the ideas flow and write freely. Explain each argument in turn, and respond to counter-arguments persuasively with facts and data. End with a conclusion supporting your thesis in a convincing way.

7. Proofread the content

Polish up your writing, make sure the ideas flow smoothly from one paragraph to another and the presentation of arguments is cohesive and coherent. Edit grammar and punctuation to eliminate excess. Tighten up your thesis statement, introduction, and conclusion. These are the things that will leave a lasting impression.

Writing research papers does not have to be drudgery. Welcome it as a part of your growth and development as a person devoted to learning and education. It will discipline you to keep challenging and improving yourself.

If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let us know in the comments section below!