Save Yourself From Research Paper Stress

Every student has been there: three in the morning, papers scattered everywhere, and a half finished research paper on the computer screen. Too many students wait until the last minute to write their papers, sacrificing their sleep and their grade, and putting themselves through unnecessary stress. But with a little planning and organization, you can save yourself from panic the night before your paper is due.

Read and keep your syllabus!

At the beginning of a semester, many high school teachers and college professors hand out a complete outline of the subjects they plan to cover and the assignments due along with them. A syllabus is an invaluable guide to what is expected of you and when it is expected, and can be a great planning tool.

Start early.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not required that you finish your paper in a frantic rush the night before it is due. Most instructors will tell you about a paper weeks before its due date, leaving what they feel is ample time to research, write, and proofread. Getting an early start will save you from last minute stress.

Begin with an outline.

Decide what you want to cover in your paper, and plot it out by paragraph. This will help you figure out more specifically what you need to research, how you want your paper to read, and help keep your paragraphs focused and on topic.

Stay organized.

It can be pretty difficult to write a research paper when all of your research is scattered between folders, desks, and computer files. Designate a special folder for all those loose pages and notes, and create a specific folder on your computer for online resources. Use a highlighter to mark important points as you read through your research so that you can quickly locate the information while you're writing.

Keep a running works cited page.

Instead of scrambling to list your research after you finish your paper, start your works cited page at the beginning of your research. Having your references in front of you will make internal citation a breeze when it comes time to write, and will help prevent the possibility of plagiarism.

Write your rough draft and walk away.

You've worked hard and accomplished the first draft of you paper. Now take a break and walk away from your paper for at least 24 hours before you begin proofreading. This will give you time to clear your mind and relax. When you go back to your paper, you'll be more likely to catch little mistakes, find holes, and develop new ideas.

Find a friend to read your paper aloud.

While most of the editing is done on your own, listening to someone else read your paper can uncover mistakes you may not have found during proofreading. When hearing another person read your paper, you may discover fragments, repetition, and poorly constructed sentences you didn't know were there.

Finish early.

Since you gave yourself an early start, there's no reason to have a late finish. While your classmates are pulling all-nighters, you can sleep easy with the satisfaction that your paper is not only finished, but is also printed and in your bag, ready to turn in the next day.

Writing a research paper doesn't have to be a nightmare. If you give yourself plenty of time and stay organized, you can turn in your paper knowing you took the time to give it your best effort.

Navigation

Put WritingLabEdge to work for you.