Get ready to take on your first college research paper like a pro
Just got assigned your first college research paper? Don’t sweat it! College Research Papers For Dummies has your back with the perfect companion to these not-as-hard-as-they-look assignments. Discover how to research, argue, problem-solve, analyze, and synthesize your way through even the densest material. Find out how to best revise and rework your paper until it’s a polished gem. Plus, get some quick tips on higher-level research papers, such as literature reviews and white papers.
- Accurately cite references using APA, MLA, and Chicago styles
- Take advantage of all the resources available to you as you write your first research paper, from your university’s library databases to your local college center’s support services
- Develop common research paper writing techniques, including argumentation, research questions, and thesis statements
Don’t wait until the night before your paper is due! Grab a copy of College Research Papers For Dummies today and ace that first research paper like we all know you can.
Introduction 1
Part 1: Laying a Foundation for Writing a Research Paper 5
Chapter 1: Understanding Expectations: College Research Papers 7
Chapter 2: Certifying Consistency: Documentation Styles 19
Chapter 3: Preventing Plagiarism: Endorsing Academic Integrity 33
Chapter 4: Fulfilling Requirements: Research Papers and Portfolios 49
Part 2: Building Essentials of Research 61
Chapter 5: Managing Information: Gathering and Organizing Sources 63
Chapter 6: Evaluating and Preparing Sources 87
Chapter 7: Going on the Offensive: From Evidence to Argument 107
Chapter 8: Citing Sources and Finalizing Recognition 119
Chapter 9: Classifying College Research Writing 145
Part 3: Developing Essentials of Research Writing 167
Chapter 10: Identifying Audience and Purpose 169
Chapter 11: Writing with Style 187
Chapter 12: Reviewing Fundamentals: Grammar and Conventions 207
Chapter 13: Focusing on Appearance: Formatting 227
Part 4: Writing Research Papers 245
Chapter 14: Planning and Organizing Research Writing 247
Chapter 15: Creating Draft One 267
Chapter 16: Identifying Required and Optional Headings 285
Chapter 17: Revising and Editing in Three Layers 301
Chapter 18: Finalizing before Sending: Checking the Presentation 323
Part 5: The Part of Tens 337
Chapter 19: Ten Common Problems and How to Fix Them 339
Chapter 20: Ten Resources for Improving Research Writing 347
Index 353
A crash course for writing college research papers
You know you’re not in high school anymore when your professors start assigning research papers. College Research Papers For Dummies explains how to tackle these daunting tasks. You’ll discover the basics of researching, planning, organizing, writing, and revising your papers, plus you’ll find tips for improving your use of the written word. And if you’re scratching your head over APA, MLA, citations, and references, fear not—it’s all explained inside. You’re well on your way to that A, thanks to this handy Dummies guide.
Inside…
- Making and rebutting arguments
- Structuring research papers
- Citing and referencing sources
- Finding trustworthy evidence
- Presenting your ideas clearly
- Avoiding accidental plagiarism
- Developing research questions
- Revising and perfecting papers
Produktdetaljer
Biografisk notat
Joe Giampalmi, EdD, is a hall-of-fame educator who’s been teaching students to use active voice, Oxford commas, and supporting arguments for more than five decades. He is the author of APA Style & Citations For Dummies and College Writing For Dummies.