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Academic & Research Writing

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of academic and research writing for university students, including the different types of research papers and the CARS model for structuring introductions.

Effective academic writing begins long before you write your first draft. The pre-writing phase lays the foundation for a well-structured, well-researched, and well-argued paper. This page guides you through the essential pre-writing steps that will set you up for success.

Understanding the Assignment

Before you begin writing or even researching, it's crucial to thoroughly understand what's being asked of you.

Analyzing Assignment Prompts

  • Identify key task words (analyze, compare, evaluate)
  • Note content/subject matter requirements
  • Recognize format specifications
  • Confirm submission guidelines and deadlines

Clarifying Expectations

  • Review assessment criteria/rubrics
  • Consult with instructors about uncertainties
  • Examine sample papers if available

Tip: Create a checklist based on your assignment prompt to ensure you address all requirements as you write.

The Research Process

  1. Choose a Topic
    • Consider your interests and assignment requirements to find a topic that you are passionate about and that meets the criteria set by your instructor.
    • Ensure the topic is neither too broad nor too narrow. A well-defined topic will allow you to focus your research and delve deeply into specific aspects, rather than being overwhelmed by too much information or struggling to find enough material.

  2. Choose a Type of Research or Research Method

    • Determine whether your research will be primarily quantitative (numerical data and statistics), qualitative (understanding experiences and meanings), or mixed methods (combining both approaches).

    • Consider whether you'll conduct empirical research (collecting new data) or theoretical research (analyzing existing literature and developing frameworks). Your choice should align with your research question and the type of evidence needed to support your argument.

  3. Conduct Preliminary Research
    • This step is also referred to as a literature review or secondary research.
    • Use academic databases like JSTOR, Google Scholar, and your university’s library resources to find scholarly articles and papers on your topic.
    • Consult library resources, including scholarly books, journals, and other academic publications, to gain a comprehensive understanding of your subject.
    • Take notes and keep track of sources as you go. This will help you organize your thoughts and make it easier to cite sources later in your paper.
  4. Develop a Research Question or Thesis Statement
    • Your thesis should be specific, arguable, and supported by evidence. It serves as the central argument of your paper and guides your research and writing.
    • A research question should be clear, focused, and answerable within the scope of your paper. It sets the direction for your research and helps you stay on track.
  5. Create an Outline
    • Organize your main points and supporting evidence in a logical structure. An outline helps you see the overall flow of your argument and ensures that your paper has a clear and coherent structure.
    • Ensure a logical flow of ideas, with each section building on the previous one and leading naturally to the next.
  6. Develop an Effective Search Strategy
    • Use a clear and structured approach to locate scholarly information that directly supports your research question. This saves time, improves the quality of your sources, and ensures thorough coverage of your topic.
    • Break your research question into 2–4 main concepts and choose keywords for each. Use advanced search techniques—such as combining keywords with AND/OR and applying filters—to narrow or expand your results as needed.
    • Select appropriate tools based on your information needs, including academic databases, library catalogs, or government and specialized sources. Ask a librarian for help if you're unsure where to begin.
  7. Use and Evaluate Sources Effectively
    • Use peer-reviewed journals, academic books, and reputable websites to gather information. These sources are more likely to be reliable and credible.
    • Critically assess the credibility and relevance of each source. Look for the author’s qualifications, the publication date, and the evidence presented to ensure that you are using high-quality sources in your paper.
  8. Watch for Common Research Pitfalls
    • Even well-planned research can run into problems, often due to preventable missteps like unclear goals or overlooked assumptions. Being thoughtful and flexible throughout the process—especially when defining your approach or interpreting results—can help you avoid these issues.
    • Remember, research is iterative: take time to revisit and refine your choices, and don’t hesitate to adjust your strategy as you move forward. Learning to anticipate and manage these common challenges will help you become a more confident and capable researcher.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your academic writing is well-researched, well-organized, and highly effective in conveying your ideas.

Next Steps

Once you've completed your pre-writing activities, you're ready to begin Drafting Your Paper.