how to finish a research paper fast

Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

How to Write a Research Paper Fast

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: January 27, 2020

As a student, you knew it was inevitable. The day has come where you have to write a research paper, but you’ve put it off until the last minute. Now the pressure is sinking in to get it done quickly and you want to know how to write a research paper fast.

The good news is that it’s doable. The better news is that there are ways to avoid waiting until the last minute. We will tackle those after we give you everything you need to know to get it done.

Photo by Russ Ward

The process.

A research paper is what it sounds like — a paper that requires a thesis (or argument) along with the research to back it up. Research papers involve citing a variety of sources, analyzing arguments, and pulling different academic pieces together to prove a point.

1. Understand the Assignment:

The first thing you have to make sure you do before you get to outlining and writing is to understand the assignment. You will need to organize different pieces of information, from books, essays, interviews, articles and more.

2. Choose a Topic:

Depending on the assignment provided, you will either have a topic in front of you or you will have to decide on one yourself. If your professor did not provide you with a topic, here are some helpful ways to choose one that will work for your needs:

Choose something you understand enough so that you will be able to interpret the research about it
Before you get started, check that there is a lot of content about that topic by performing a simple online search to see what turns up
Write out your topic as a research question that you plan to answer
Research more about your topic and find evidence to back up what you want to answer
Make a list of keywords that you continue to see pop up about the topic
Create your thesis

3. Perform Research:

While performing research is as easy as conducting an online search for sources, the more important element is evaluating the validity of a source. Don’t use Wikipedia as a source, because it is crowdsourced and can be edited by anyone. Instead, rely on digital encyclopedias, scholarly databases, trustworthy publications like TIME magazine and the New York Times, and the like. Since you’re writing this research paper at the last minute, the library may not be a possible option. However, for the next time you write a research paper and plan in advance, definitely utilize books from the library.

4. Write Your Thesis:

A thesis statement is the gist of your entire paper. It is what you will spend your writing proving; therefore, it has to be strong and to the point. A thesis statement appears in the introduction of your research paper, following the strong hook statement that draws your readers in. There is a formulaic way to write a strong thesis statement, and it looks something like this:

“By examining (argument 1), (argument 2), and (argument 3), it is clear that (statement you will prove).”

A thesis statement is typically one sentence and it is clearly written so that the reader knows exactly what they will read about in your paper.

To check that you’ve written a strong thesis statement, ask yourself if it achieves the following:

Is it in the introduction?
Does it answer the question from the prompt?
Can others argue against my thesis?
Is it going to prove a single claim?
Does it answer something meaningful?

5. Outline Your Paper:

Now that you have the main ingredients for your research paper, namely your thesis and supporting research, you can start outlining. Everyone has their own way they like to create an outline for papers. Here’s one good example of how it can be done — this is called a flat outline:

List the topics you will discuss
Under each topic, write your sources
If you are lacking sources, revisit and research more to give more meat to your paper
Move your topics and their information onto your paper in an organized flow
Write your thesis at the top so you can ensure that you are answering/proving your thesis throughout the paper’s argument

6. The Body/Intro and Conclusion:

So, do you start with your introduction and conclusion and then fill in the body? Or, do you do it the other way around? Really, there is no right or wrong way. It ultimately depends on your preference. Some people like to write their introduction and use it to serve as an outline of their paper and then flow from there. Others like to write their points in the body of their paper and then extrapolate the introduction and conclusion from what they wrote.

Regardless of how you perform your work, there is a structure that the paper must follow, which looks like this:

Introduction – includes a hook sentence (grabs the reader), your thesis and a menu sentence (a list of what you will discuss).
Body paragraphs – each body paragraph comes from what you mentioned in your introduction’s menu sentence. Each body paragraph has a topic sentence, or a first sentence that clearly states what it will be about. Each body paragraph includes support and sources that prove the topic sentence or argument.
Conclusion – here, you restate your introduction and thesis in different words. You want to end with a strong and memorable sentence. Just like your introduction began with a hook statement, your conclusion should end with something that will be remembered.

7. Cite Sources:

One of the major differences between a research paper and any other academic paper is that you must cite your sources. The end of your paper will have a list of sources, or a bibliography. Depending on your professor’s preferences, they will either be listed in APA format , MLA , Chicago , etc. This is an imperative step because your entire research paper’s evidence is based on and backed up by these sources, so you must give them credit where credit is due.

While this is not in the cards for all paper writing, it is very important for a last minute research paper. You’ve likely spent hours crunching the information and regurgitating it in your own words to fill up the once blank pages. As such, it’s a good idea to step away from your paper, get some sleep, and then revisit it with fresh eyes in the morning.

9. Proofread Revise and Editing:

As with any paper, you want to make sure you read it over to catch any mistakes. Not only should you use the Word processing tool that checks spelling and grammar for you, but you must also read it out loud to find any mistakes.

10. Find and Remove Plagiarism:

Once you are done with the entire proofreading and checking phase, the last thing that you have to do is find and remove plagiarism in your research paper. Plagiarism has a lot of consequences, and you have to make sure that your research paper is completely free of it. To do this, you first have to use a plagiarism checker to find all the plagiarized parts. Once found, you can either remove them or give the required accreditations.

If there is time to ask a friend or peer to read over your paper one time, that will be a good idea, too.

Photo by Dan Dimmock on Unsplash

How to write a research paper in a day.

Granted, all the steps above can help you write a research paper fast. Here’s a brief look at how you can do this in a day:

1. Brainstorm Quickly

Use the prompt
Outline possible options
Perform a simple Google search and find what has the most information
Choose your topic
Create an outline

2. Research

Find research to support each point in your outline

3. Write Quickly

Put it all on paper as you think of it
Take time to edit, condense, and rewrite

Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash

Find a good writing environment.

Before sitting down to get started on your last-minute task, make sure you set up an environment that is conducive to getting your work done. Things you want to consider:

1. Distraction-free:

Choose somewhere quiet and distraction-free. You will have to stay focused for a few hours, so you’ll want to choose a comfortable setting.

2. Good lighting:

Along with comfort, make sure you have adequate lighting to read and write.

3. Go somewhere studious:

Perhaps, if time permits, you can choose to work in somewhere like a library or a study lounge.

4. Bring just your supplies needed:

Even if you work at home, make sure you set up a table with only the supplies you need, as to limit distractions. This could include: a computer, tablet, pen, paper, highlighter, books, and sticky notes. Plus, don’t forget water!

Tips to Avoid Procrastination

Writing a last-minute paper, especially that involves research, is stressful and less than optimal . Instead of finding yourself in this position, you can follow this advice to avoid such a situation.

1. Start early:

Once you’re given the prompt, start thinking about what you want to write about. You can write down ideas on paper and look into the research that supports each point.

2. Outline first and take breaks:

Begin outlining your paper so that when you sit to write, you already have the bulk of it prepared. If you start early, you will have the advantage and ability to take breaks. This helps to revisit your argument with a clear head and potentially see things that you may have otherwise missed.

3. Ask for help if you need it:

Starting early means that you are not crunched for time. So, you have the added benefit of asking for help. You can solicit advice from friends, peers, family, your professors, teacher assistants, the online community, and more. Plus, when you finish writing your paper, you have time to ask for help from someone other than you to read it over and edit it.

The Bottom Line

While knowing how to write a paper fast is useful and at times necessary, it is not the optimal way to approach assignments. However, sometimes being in a bind is out of your control. Therefore, the best way to write a research paper fast is to follow the aforementioned steps and remember to stay calm.

While a research paper involves a lot of work, from creating a strong thesis to finding supporting research, it can be made into an enjoyable activity when you choose to write about something you are interested in. It gives you a chance to digest other people’s findings and make your own inferences about what they mean.

By following the typical structure of a research paper, creating an outline and finding good sources, you can get your research paper done in a night. Good luck!

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How to write a whole research paper in a week

Writing up a full research article in a single week? Maybe you think that’s impossible. Yet I have done it repeatedly, and so have students in my courses. This is an exceptionally joyful (even if demanding) experience: being so productive just feels great! You are not wasting any time, and a paper produced in one go is typically coherent and nice to read. Even if you are a slow writer, you can write a whole paper in a single week — if you follow my strategy. Read below about what you need to prepare and how to approach this project.

I wrote my first scientific research article in 7 days. It started as a desperate effort to stop my procrastination and “just do it”. But I was surprised what a positive experience it was: focused and efficient, I was making daily progress, feeling motivated and content. Finally, the fruits of my hard work were gaining shape — and they did it so quickly!

I realized it was highly effective to write up a paper like this: writing for the whole day, every day until the first draft was finished. My writing project was firmly present in my mind — I didn’t lose time catching up with what I have written in the last session. Since I was not doing anything else, my wandering mind settled in very fast, and I was getting into a routine. The daily progress was clearly visible and motivated me to continue. And the result was a coherent paper that was easy to revise.

Meanwhile, this paper-a-week approach is my favorite. That’s how I write my papers, and that’s what I teach to students. In on-site courses young scientists draft a whole paper in 5 days, writing one major section per day. At the beginning of the week, many participants have doubts. But at the end of the week, they are all excited to see how much they managed to write in just a single week.

If you would also like to try out this approach, then read on about the necessary preparations, the optimal setting, and a productive writing strategy.

If you would like to get support during the preparation, drafting and revising of your research article, check out my online course Write Up Your Paper .

Prepare well

First, think about your audience and pick a suitable journal . This is an important step because the audience and journal determine the content & style of your paper. As a reference, pick two recent papers on a similar topic published in your target journal.
Create a storyline for your paper. What is the main message you want to convey, and how are you going to present your results?
Put together all the results that you need to present your story convincingly: collect the necessary data, finish analyses, and create figures and tables.
Select and read the relevant background literature as well as studies you want to compare your work with. As you read, note down any point that comes to your mind as something to be mentioned in the Introduction or Discussion section.
Draft a preliminary Abstract : it will help you keep the direction and not get distracted by secondary ideas as you write the individual sections.

Depending on how complete your results already are, you might need 2-4 weeks to finish all these preparations. To help you keep an overview, I created a checklist with detailed steps that you need to take before you attempt to write up your paper in a week. Subscribe to our Newsletter and get your copy of the checklist.

Reserve a whole week for writing

Now, writing a paper in a single week is a serious business. You can’t do it if you don’t focus solely on the writing and create good writing conditions. Therefore, I recommend the following settings:

Find a place where you can write without distractions. I have written my first paper over the Easter holidays when there was nobody in the office. You might choose to write at home or in a library. Though if possible, the best is to go for a retreat: removing yourself from your everyday settings immensely helps focus on the writing.
Cancel (all) social obligations for the week. While it’s crucial to relax in the evening, you want to avoid disturbances associated with social events. Anything that makes your thoughts drift away from your work because it requires planning, exchanging of messages with others, or simply because it’s too exciting is better left for some other week. On the other hand, a quiet meeting with a good friend over a glass of wine or beer might be just the perfect way to unwind and rest after a productive, yet exhausting day of writing.
Get support from the partner, family or friends — if possible. It’s best when you don’t need to run errands, cook and clean during this week. If you live alone, you can probably easily arrange yourself for undisturbed work. If you live with other people, ask them for consideration and support.

What I described above are the *ideal* conditions for undisturbed writing. But don’t give up if you can’t create such conditions for yourself. Work with what is possible — maybe it will take you 7-8 instead of 5-6 days but that’s still a great result, right?

Do you need to revise & polish your manuscript or thesis but don’t know where to begin?

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Maybe you think that you can never ever draft a research article in a single week. Because you write so slowly, producing only few paragraphs per day. Well — I agree that if you don’t optimize your writing strategy, it would be hard to impossible to write up a whole paper in a week.

Separate the processes of writing and revising. That’s the most important principle. Resist the urge to revise as you write the first draft. Moreover, don’t interrupt your writing to look up missing information. Work with placeholders instead. This allows you to get into the state of flow and proceed much faster than you can imagine.
Start your writing day with 10 minutes of freewriting . Write without stopping about anything that comes to your mind. This helps you to warm up for writing, clear your head of any unrelated thoughts, and get into the mood of writing without editing.
Take regular power breaks. I recommend to follow the Pomodoro technique : write for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. After 3-4 such sessions take a longer break of 0.5-1 hour. During the breaks get up, walk a bit, stretch, look around, and breathe deeply. These breaks help you sustain high focus and productivity throughout the whole day.
Eat and sleep well. What you are doing is similar to a professional athlete. So take care of your brain and body, and they will serve you well.
Reward yourself. Every day celebrate the progress you have made. You have full right to be proud of you!

Write the individual sections in a reasonable order

If you have written a research paper before, you have probably realized that starting with the Introduction and finishing with the Discussion is not the ideal order in which to tackle the individual sections. Instead, I recommend the following procedure:

Start with the Methods section. This is the easiest section to write, so it’s great as a warm-up, to get into writing without the need to think (and procrastinate ;)) too much. Look at your figures and tables: what methods did you use to create them? Then describe your methods, one after another.
Results section: Writing the Methods section refreshes your memory about the research you have done. So writing the Results section next should not be too hard: Take one display object (figure or table) after another, and describe the results they contain. While you do so, you will come across points that need to be discussed in the Discussion section. Note them down so you don’t forget them.
Introduction : When your results are fresh in your mind, you are in a great position to write the Introduction — because the Introduction should contain selected information that gives the reader context for your research project and allows them to understand your results and their implications.
Discussion : When you have taken notes while writing the Results section, the Discussion section should be quite easy to draft. Don’t worry too early about the order in which you want to discuss the individual points. Write one paragraph for each point , and then see how you can logically arrange them.
Abstract and title : On the last day, revise the preliminary Abstract or write a new one. You could also take a break of a few days before tackling the Abstract, to gain clarity and distance. Generate multiple titles (I recommend 6-10), so that you and your co-authors can choose the most appropriate one.

Just do it!

Once you have written the whole draft, let it sit for a week or two, and then revise it. Follow my tips for efficient revising and get your revision checklist that will guide you step-by-step through the whole process.

Now I am curious about your experience: Have you ever written up an academic article quickly? How did you do it? Please, share with us your tips & strategies!

Do you need to revise & polish your manuscript or thesis but don’t know where to begin? Is your text a mess and you don't know how to improve it?

Click here for an efficient step-by-step revision of your scientific texts. You will be guided through each step with concrete tips for execution.

7 thoughts on “ How to write a whole research paper in a week ”

Thank for your guide and suggestion. It gives to me very precious ways how to write a article. Now I am writing a article related to Buddhist studies. Thank you so much.

You are welcome!

excellent! it helped me a lot! wish you all best

Hi Parham, I’m happy to hear that!

I have never written any paper before. As I am from very old school.

But my writing skill is actually very good. Your help is definitely going to help me as this has inspired me alot. Will let you know, once done. I really like the outline that you have given. Basically you have made it so easy for me .

Hope fully will be in touch with you soon.

Thanks and ki d Regards, Shehla

Dear Shehla, that sounds great! I’m looking forward to hearing about your paper!

Comments are closed.

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Research paper

How to Write a Research Paper | A Beginner's Guide

A research paper is a piece of academic writing that provides analysis, interpretation, and argument based on in-depth independent research.

Research papers are similar to academic essays , but they are usually longer and more detailed assignments, designed to assess not only your writing skills but also your skills in scholarly research. Writing a research paper requires you to demonstrate a strong knowledge of your topic, engage with a variety of sources, and make an original contribution to the debate.

This step-by-step guide takes you through the entire writing process, from understanding your assignment to proofreading your final draft.

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Understand the assignment, choose a research paper topic, conduct preliminary research, develop a thesis statement, create a research paper outline, write a first draft of the research paper, write the introduction, write a compelling body of text, write the conclusion, the second draft, the revision process, research paper checklist, free lecture slides.

Completing a research paper successfully means accomplishing the specific tasks set out for you. Before you start, make sure you thoroughly understanding the assignment task sheet:

Read it carefully, looking for anything confusing you might need to clarify with your professor.
Identify the assignment goal, deadline, length specifications, formatting, and submission method.
Make a bulleted list of the key points, then go back and cross completed items off as you’re writing.

Carefully consider your timeframe and word limit: be realistic, and plan enough time to research, write, and edit.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

There are many ways to generate an idea for a research paper, from brainstorming with pen and paper to talking it through with a fellow student or professor.

You can try free writing, which involves taking a broad topic and writing continuously for two or three minutes to identify absolutely anything relevant that could be interesting.

You can also gain inspiration from other research. The discussion or recommendations sections of research papers often include ideas for other specific topics that require further examination.

Once you have a broad subject area, narrow it down to choose a topic that interests you, m eets the criteria of your assignment, and i s possible to research. Aim for ideas that are both original and specific:

A paper following the chronology of World War II would not be original or specific enough.
A paper on the experience of Danish citizens living close to the German border during World War II would be specific and could be original enough.

Note any discussions that seem important to the topic, and try to find an issue that you can focus your paper around. Use a variety of sources , including journals, books, and reliable websites, to ensure you do not miss anything glaring.

Do not only verify the ideas you have in mind, but look for sources that contradict your point of view.

Is there anything people seem to overlook in the sources you research?
Are there any heated debates you can address?
Do you have a unique take on your topic?
Have there been some recent developments that build on the extant research?

In this stage, you might find it helpful to formulate some research questions to help guide you. To write research questions, try to finish the following sentence: “I want to know how/what/why…”

A thesis statement is a statement of your central argument — it establishes the purpose and position of your paper. If you started with a research question, the thesis statement should answer it. It should also show what evidence and reasoning you’ll use to support that answer.

The thesis statement should be concise, contentious, and coherent. That means it should briefly summarize your argument in a sentence or two, make a claim that requires further evidence or analysis, and make a coherent point that relates to every part of the paper.

You will probably revise and refine the thesis statement as you do more research, but it can serve as a guide throughout the writing process. Every paragraph should aim to support and develop this central claim.

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A research paper outline is essentially a list of the key topics, arguments, and evidence you want to include, divided into sections with headings so that you know roughly what the paper will look like before you start writing.

A structure outline can help make the writing process much more efficient, so it’s worth dedicating some time to create one.

Your first draft won’t be perfect — you can polish later on. Your priorities at this stage are as follows:

Maintaining forward momentum — write now, perfect later.
Paying attention to clear organization and logical ordering of paragraphs and sentences, which will help when you come to the second draft.
Expressing your ideas as clearly as possible, so you know what you were trying to say when you come back to the text.

You do not need to start by writing the introduction. Begin where it feels most natural for you — some prefer to finish the most difficult sections first, while others choose to start with the easiest part. If you created an outline, use it as a map while you work.

Do not delete large sections of text. If you begin to dislike something you have written or find it doesn’t quite fit, move it to a different document, but don’t lose it completely — you never know if it might come in useful later.

Paragraph structure

Paragraphs are the basic building blocks of research papers. Each one should focus on a single claim or idea that helps to establish the overall argument or purpose of the paper.

Example paragraph

George Orwell’s 1946 essay “Politics and the English Language” has had an enduring impact on thought about the relationship between politics and language. This impact is particularly obvious in light of the various critical review articles that have recently referenced the essay. For example, consider Mark Falcoff’s 2009 article in The National Review Online, “The Perversion of Language; or, Orwell Revisited,” in which he analyzes several common words (“activist,” “civil-rights leader,” “diversity,” and more). Falcoff’s close analysis of the ambiguity built into political language intentionally mirrors Orwell’s own point-by-point analysis of the political language of his day. Even 63 years after its publication, Orwell’s essay is emulated by contemporary thinkers.

Citing sources

It’s also important to keep track of citations at this stage to avoid accidental plagiarism . Each time you use a source, make sure to take note of where the information came from.

You can use our free citation generators to automatically create citations and save your reference list as you go.

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The research paper introduction should address three questions: What, why, and how? After finishing the introduction, the reader should know what the paper is about, why it is worth reading, and how you’ll build your arguments.

What? Be specific about the topic of the paper, introduce the background, and define key terms or concepts.

Why? This is the most important, but also the most difficult, part of the introduction. Try to provide brief answers to the following questions: What new material or insight are you offering? What important issues does your essay help define or answer?

How? To let the reader know what to expect from the rest of the paper, the introduction should include a “map” of what will be discussed, briefly presenting the key elements of the paper in chronological order.

The major struggle faced by most writers is how to organize the information presented in the paper, which is one reason an outline is so useful. However, remember that the outline is only a guide and, when writing, you can be flexible with the order in which the information and arguments are presented.

One way to stay on track is to use your thesis statement and topic sentences . Check:

topic sentences against the thesis statement;
topic sentences against each other, for similarities and logical ordering;
and each sentence against the topic sentence of that paragraph.

Be aware of paragraphs that seem to cover the same things. If two paragraphs discuss something similar, they must approach that topic in different ways. Aim to create smooth transitions between sentences, paragraphs, and sections.

The research paper conclusion is designed to help your reader out of the paper’s argument, giving them a sense of finality.

Trace the course of the paper, emphasizing how it all comes together to prove your thesis statement. Give the paper a sense of finality by making sure the reader understands how you’ve settled the issues raised in the introduction.

You might also discuss the more general consequences of the argument, outline what the paper offers to future students of the topic, and suggest any questions the paper’s argument raises but cannot or does not try to answer.

You should not :

Offer new arguments or essential information
Take up any more space than necessary
Begin with stock phrases that signal you are ending the paper (e.g. “In conclusion”)

There are four main considerations when it comes to the second draft.

Check how your vision of the paper lines up with the first draft and, more importantly, that your paper still answers the assignment.
Identify any assumptions that might require (more substantial) justification, keeping your reader’s perspective foremost in mind. Remove these points if you cannot substantiate them further.
Be open to rearranging your ideas. Check whether any sections feel out of place and whether your ideas could be better organized.
If you find that old ideas do not fit as well as you anticipated, you should cut them out or condense them. You might also find that new and well-suited ideas occurred to you during the writing of the first draft — now is the time to make them part of the paper.

The goal during the revision and proofreading process is to ensure you have completed all the necessary tasks and that the paper is as well-articulated as possible. You can speed up the proofreading process by using the AI proofreader .

Global concerns

Confirm that your paper completes every task specified in your assignment sheet.
Check for logical organization and flow of paragraphs.
Check paragraphs against the introduction and thesis statement.

Fine-grained details

Check the content of each paragraph, making sure that:

each sentence helps support the topic sentence.
no unnecessary or irrelevant information is present.
all technical terms your audience might not know are identified.

Next, think about sentence structure , grammatical errors, and formatting . Check that you have correctly used transition words and phrases to show the connections between your ideas. Look for typos, cut unnecessary words, and check for consistency in aspects such as heading formatting and spellings .

Finally, you need to make sure your paper is correctly formatted according to the rules of the citation style you are using. For example, you might need to include an MLA heading or create an APA title page .

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Checklist: Research paper

I have followed all instructions in the assignment sheet.

My introduction presents my topic in an engaging way and provides necessary background information.

My introduction presents a clear, focused research problem and/or thesis statement .

My paper is logically organized using paragraphs and (if relevant) section headings .

Each paragraph is clearly focused on one central idea, expressed in a clear topic sentence .

Each paragraph is relevant to my research problem or thesis statement.

I have used appropriate transitions to clarify the connections between sections, paragraphs, and sentences.

My conclusion provides a concise answer to the research question or emphasizes how the thesis has been supported.

My conclusion shows how my research has contributed to knowledge or understanding of my topic.

My conclusion does not present any new points or information essential to my argument.

I have provided an in-text citation every time I refer to ideas or information from a source.

I have included a reference list at the end of my paper, consistently formatted according to a specific citation style .

I have thoroughly revised my paper and addressed any feedback from my professor or supervisor.

I have followed all formatting guidelines (page numbers, headers, spacing, etc.).

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Research Paper

29 Practical Tips On How To Write A Research Paper Fast (Without Sacrificing Quality)

Master the art of quick research paper writing! Learn efficient strategies on how to write a research paper fast. Achieve top-notch results now.

Feb 21, 2024

Delving into the realm of academia can be a whirlwind of deadlines and data, but mastering the art of how to write a research paper fast is within reach. From organizing your thoughts to fine-tuning your research paper structure , this guide will equip you with the tools to navigate the labyrinth of citations and analysis efficiently. So, buckle up and prepare to unravel the secrets of crafting a stellar research paper in record time.

How to rapidly plan your research paper to help you write your research paper fast, supercharge your researching ability with otio — try otio for free today.

student completing her research paper - How To Write A Research Paper Fast

When it comes to writing a research paper fast, the key lies in efficient planning. Start by selecting a focused topic that you are passionate about and have access to sufficient resources. Create a detailed outline with main points and subpoints, ensuring a logical flow of information. This will serve as a roadmap for your writing process, saving you time by preventing unnecessary tangents. Gather all your reference materials beforehand and organize them based on your outline . This will streamline the research phase and prevent interruptions while writing. Set specific goals and deadlines for each section of your paper to keep yourself on track and motivated throughout the process.

How To Write Your Research Paper Fast

Once your research and outline are in place, it's time to dive into writing your research paper. Start with the sections you feel most confident about to build momentum. Write freely without worrying too much about perfection on the first draft. The goal is to get your ideas on paper quickly. Use tools like Otio to help you easily organize and reference your sources as you write. Leverage features like AI-generated notes and AI-assisted writing to speed up the process and enhance the quality of your paper. Finally, take breaks to recharge your mind and avoid burnout, but stay disciplined in following your outlined schedule to ensure timely completion.

Otio's All-in-One AI-Native Workspace

Knowledge workers, researchers, and students often struggle with content overload and fragmented tools in their research workflows. Otio offers a solution with its all-in-one AI-native workspace designed to streamline the research process. From collecting diverse data sources to creating draft outputs, Otio simplifies the research journey. Embrace Otio as your AI research and writing partner to experience efficient research paper writing — try Otio for free today!

1. Choose a Manageable Topic

Opt for a topic that is focused and manageable within your time constraints.

2. Create a Detailed Outline

Organize your thoughts and research materials before diving into writing.

3. Set Clear Goals and Deadlines

Establish specific writing goals and deadlines to keep yourself on track.

4. Utilize Reliable Sources

Save time by using reputable sources for your research.

5. Use Online Tools for Research

Make use of databases, academic search engines, and reference managers to speed up your research process.

6. Limit Distractions

Find a quiet workspace and eliminate distractions to boost productivity.

7. Write in Blocks of Time

Break down your writing into smaller blocks of time to maintain focus and prevent burnout .

8. Utilize Templates

Save time on formatting by using research paper templates.

9. Write the Body First

Start with the main body of your paper as it often contains the most critical information.

10. Focus on One Section at a Time

Divide your paper into sections and focus on completing one at a time.

11. Write a Strong Thesis Statement

A clear and concise thesis statement will guide your research and writing process.

12. Use In-text Citations as You Write

Avoid going back to add citations by incorporating them as you write.

13. Proofread as You Go

Correct errors and polish your writing as you progress through the paper.

14. Seek Feedback Early

Share your work with peers or professors early on to catch any issues and make improvements.

15. Utilize Writing Apps

Use writing apps that offer features like grammar checking and word suggestions to enhance your writing process.

16. Take Breaks

Allow yourself short breaks to rest and recharge, improving overall productivity.

17. Stay Organized

Keep your research materials, notes, and drafts organized to save time searching for information.

18. Edit and Revise

Allocate time for thorough editing and revision to refine your paper.

19. Set Aside Time for Final Proofreading

Ensure your paper is error-free by dedicating time specifically for a final proofreading session.

A Complete Guide on How to Write a Research Paper Fast (Without Sacrificing Quality), Step-by-Step

Step 1: topic selection.

Choose a focused and manageable topic that aligns with your interests and assignment guidelines.

Step 2: Research

Conduct thorough research using reliable sources and take detailed notes.

Step 3: Outline

Create a comprehensive outline with main points and supporting evidence for each section of your paper.

Step 4: Writing

Start writing the body of your paper based on your outline, focusing on one section at a time.

Step 5: Introduction and Thesis

Craft a strong introduction with a clear thesis statement that sets the tone for your paper.

Step 6: Citations

Incorporate in-text citations as you write to avoid backtracking later.

Step 7: Proofreading

Proofread and edit your paper as you progress, correcting errors and refining your writing.

Step 8: Feedback

Seek feedback from peers or professors early on to make necessary revisions.

Step 9: Revision

Allocate time for thorough editing and revision to enhance the quality of your paper.

Step 10: Final Proofreading

Set aside time for a final proofreading session to ensure your paper is polished and error-free. Let Otio be your AI research and writing partner — try Otio for free today!

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One of the most time-consuming aspects of research is extracting key insights from the vast amount of information collected. Otio simplifies this process by providing AI-generated notes on all bookmarks, including various types of content such as YouTube videos, PDFs, and articles. These notes offer a concise summary of the main points, enabling researchers to quickly grasp the key takeaways from their sources. Otio's source-grounded Q&A chat feature allows users to delve deeper into their research by asking specific questions and receiving detailed answers based on the content they have collected. This interactive feature not only facilitates a deeper understanding of the material but also enhances the research process by encouraging critical thinking and exploration.

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Once researchers have collected and synthesized their data, the next step is to transform their findings into a coherent research paper or essay. Otio simplifies this process by offering AI-assisted writing capabilities that help users create draft outputs using the sources they have collected. By leveraging AI technology, Otio can assist researchers in structuring their ideas, improving the flow of their writing, and even suggesting relevant content to enhance their arguments. This not only accelerates the writing process but also ensures that the final output is well-organized, coherent, and backed by robust evidence.

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Otio is not just a tool; it is a research companion that empowers knowledge workers, researchers, and students to navigate the complexities of information overload with ease. By providing a unified workspace for collecting, extracting, and creating content, Otio revolutionizes the way research is conducted, making the process more efficient, insightful, and enjoyable. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or a student embarking on your first research project, let Otio be your AI research and writing partner — try Otio for free today and experience the future of research firsthand.

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How to Write a Research Paper Fast in 9 Steps

So you have a blank document opened and you don’t know how to write a research paper from scratch. Well, academic writing is indeed challenging and much different than other types of writing. If you haven’t written a research paper and it is your first time, it could turn out to be an overwhelming task.

It gets more challenging if you have to write your research paper fast. It really gets tough. And if you don’t learn how to write a good research paper fast that is more than a well-written paper, you’ll find yourself in deep trouble.

However, if you know what steps to follow and how to do a research paper, it will get a whole lot easier. All you have to do is follow a systematic approach. Follow a step-by-step guide and it will become a piece of cake. That’s why I created this guide below.

It shows you what steps you have to take in order to write a research paper and how to get it finished and submitted on time. It covers everything including topic selection, research, write-up, editing and proofreading, and much more.

This guide is all you need to write a killer research paper fast. Let’s get started.

What is a Research Paper?

A research paper is an extended form of essay that represents original research work of the author. It is an academic piece on a topic that is based on original research, arguments, interpretation, and analysis. Examples of a research paper include term papers, doctoral dissertations, and scientific research articles.

So who needs to write a research paper?

Anyone can write a research paper but generally, graduate students, PhDs, and academicians write research papers and have them get published in journals. The idea is to share your research and findings with the world.

Here is a research paper example from the Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal :

Here is another research paper example from the Journal of Academic Librarianship :

Yes, research paper involves a lot of research and this is one reason why a lot of people struggle. If you get to know how to write a good research paper and you know the exact steps, you can manage it easily.

How to Write a Research Paper: Step-by-Step Guide

Here are the steps that you can follow to write a good research paper fast:

Set objectives
Choose a topic
Review literature
Organize your research
Create a thesis
Create an outline
Start writing
Edit and revise

These steps are covered in detail below.

Step #1: Set Objectives

To learn everything on how to write a research paper quickly, the first thing you need to do is set clear objectives. Why do you need to write a research paper in the first place?

There are several reasons why you should end up writing a research paper:

It could be a requirement from your university or supervisor to get your degree
It could be to share your original research work with the right people
To move ahead in your career as an academician or a professional
You’re writing a research paper just to let others know of your experience and you don’t intend to get anything in exchange

If you’re writing a research paper as a degree requirement, you’ll approach it differently as compared to if you’re writing one as a professor. Setting the right objectives and goals for your research paper helps you stay focused and organized.

Ask yourself following questions to set objectives for your assignment:

Why do you need to write a research paper?

What is its deadline?

What is the research paper format?

Is there a specific word count requirement?

Do you have a topic in mind?

Where do you wish to publish your research paper?

Set realistic yet challenging objectives and goals for your assignment based on your answers. If you have to write a research paper as a requirement for your graduate degree, you will get clear objectives from your university. It will make your job easier. You just have to stick to them.

However, if you’re writing a research paper to get it published in a journal to strengthen your resume and to get a better job, you’ll have different objectives that will be more geared towards the journal’s requirements.

Step #2: Plan

After you have identified objectives for your research paper, you need to create a plan to achieve your objectives. If you’re serious about how to do a research paper, you should plan it. The best way to plan your research article is to create a Gantt chart.

A Gantt chart helps you manage your research paper and set schedule for different activities (discussed later in this guide). You’ll be able to complete important tasks on time so that you don’t end up missing deadlines.

If, for instance, you have to submit a research paper to a journal’s call for paper request, you’ll have to get it ready well before the deadline. This is where the Gantt charts are very helpful. You can set a schedule based on the priority of the tasks.

You can’t write your complete research paper in a single go even if it has to be 3K words or less. You need to collect data and you have to analyze your data using a statistical tool. And this is where things get complicated because data collection and analysis can take months. It isn’t necessary that you personally collect data so if someone else is collecting data, you have to manage things at your end smartly. You can’t do it without planning and proper scheduling.

Planning is essential because you have to rely on different resources for data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, data reporting, editing, etc. When there are multiple individuals and tools involved, you need to set your priorities and you need a proper plan that will show you what needs to be done, who will do it, when it should start, and when a task should be completed.

At the same time, there are certain resources that you’d need special access to from your university such as statistical tools. If you’re analyzing data in SmartPLS , you’d need a key from your university which remains active for 30 days. Not only that you have to request a key on time after you have collected the data, but you’ll also have to make sure that data is analyzed in 30 days else you’ll have to request for key renewal which takes a few days.

In the absence of planning, you might not get access to several critical university resources and this will significantly delay your research article.

A proper plan will let you put requests for resources well before the time that will be entertained as compared to putting requests at the last moment (that are normally rejected due to resource unavailability or overload).

Step #3: Choose a Topic

Your research topic is of central importance in the research article. You should give special attention to topic selection as everything else will be derived from the topic. A wrong topic selected and you won’t be able to get back on track very soon.

There are two ways to choose a topic for your research paper:

If you’re writing a research paper for a degree requirement, you’ll receive guidelines from your supervisor/university. Follow the guidelines. You’ll have to choose a topic of your interest.
If you’re writing a research paper for publication in a journal, you’ll have to identify a journal, read its scope, read author guidelines, and then choose a topic that is most likely to be accepted by the journal for publication.

Even if you’re writing a paper as an assignment, you’ll still have to get it published in a relevant journal so you have to choose an appropriate journal first. That’s the right approach to choosing a topic.

So your research topic should meet these two criteria:

You should have an interest in the topic.
You have identified an appropriate journal that’s likely to accept and publish your research article.

Choosing a topic of your interest will make it easier for you to write about it. Your passion will motivate you and you’ll rarely feel bored. Aligning your topic to a specific journal will make publication easier. Journals are very choosy and publish articles that meet their scope and won’t publish anything that doesn’t meet their scope.

Here is an example of the scope of the Alternative Law Journal:

If you submit an article to this journal, it will be accepted if and only if it meets the aims and scope. And this holds true for all the journals out there. So you have to choose a topic and then you have to find a relevant journal that will accept your research paper.

Here are a few actionable tips on how to choose a topic for your research paper:

The topic should meet the assignment requirements.
Use brainstorming to identify a decent research topic.
Start from a broad topic such as human resource management and then narrow it down. Ensure that the topic isn’t too broad.
Narrow down the focus. The more focused your topic is, the better. Broader topics don’t tend to do well. For instance, you can narrow down your human resource management topic to organizational citizenship behavior in the banking sector.
Don’t narrow your topic too much as it will limit your options for data collection. There has to be a balance between too broad and too narrow.
Ask industry experts as they might be able to help you identify a hot topic based on their experience and the challenges they’re facing in the industry. This will make your research practically applicable and useful for practitioners.
The topic needs to be of interest for practitioners or a certain group (e.g. researchers). If it only interests you and is considered invaluable by others, you’ll struggle to get your research paper published in a high impact journal.

Once you have finalized your topic, you then need to identify a journal to get your article published. This is the stage where you’ll be able to further refine your topic, tweak it, and make it compatible with the journal’s requirement.

Here are some tips to identify the right journal based on your research topic and how to make your topic compatible with your preferred journal:

Visit leading publishers such as Elsevier , Sage , Wiley , etc. and search for journals based on your topic.
Use Google Scholar to identify recent articles published on your topic.
Read the aims and scope of the journals to screen them and identify the ones that are most likely to publish your article.
Read the recently published article in these journals. This will give you an idea of what type of articles they publish. Tweak your research topic if needed to make it compatible with a journal’s policies.
Read author guidelines and any special instructions that will help you craft a better research paper.
Target one journal and stick with its requirements. This will help you focus on one journal’s requirements which makes acceptance easier as you’ll write specifically for it.

Once your topic is finalized, you’re ready to proceed with an in-depth literature review to create your thesis and outline.

Step #4: Literature Review

Reviewing literature is an essential step of how to write a research paper. You can’t do research without reviewing literature.

The literature review is a comprehensive summary of previous research on your selected topic. It involves reviewing existing research papers, books, scholarly articles, and any other authentic and reliable data source that is related to your topic.

The purpose of the literature review is to describe, summarize, and evaluate previous research on your topic to find what has already been done and where you want to move from here. Existing literature helps you identify theories on your topic, history of the topic, current issues, and future research directions that help you refine your research topic and build a thesis.

The literature review is essential as it lets you understand the topic and previous research. You don’t want to end up researching an issue that’s already covered by someone else. How’d you find what work other researchers have done on the subject? By reviewing literature. Besides, you get to learn methodologies, theories, models, and other critical information about your topic during the literature review process.

Since writing a research paper is much different than writing a novel where you can write a novel even if you haven’t read any novel in your life. In case of writing a research article, you can’t write a research paper (on any topic) without reading existing literature. You need a base and a theory to support your arguments. It’s a scholarly article that can’t exist in isolation.

Here is what in-depth literature review will help you with:

It will clarify your topic and will help you refine it
It helps you find theories and models
It helps you narrow the focus of your research
You get to learn everything about your research topic
You get resources that you can cite in your research paper
It helps you create a thesis for your research paper
You give an overview of the past research to the readers which helps them better understand your research and how it is relevant to the existing research

how to review literature for your research paper

Follow these steps to review the literature for your research paper.

Step #1: Select Literature to Review

Identify keywords that are relevant to your research topic and start searching for the existing literature. Google Scholar and your university’s library should be your starting point.

Besides, you can access databases like JSTOR , Medline , EBSCO , and others to search for articles, books, and other relevant material. You’ll be able to access databases and journals that your university has an agreement with so it’d be best to use your university’s resources.

Step #2: Take Notes

The literature review is a part of your research paper so it will be best to start writing it as you review and analyze literature. You need to interpret and synthesize published work with your critique.

If you want, you can create an Excel sheet where you can add article titles with their key findings and your comments. This type of sheet helps you keep a record of all the literature reviewed.

Step #3: Write

Don’t just write a summary of the literature rather add your arguments, critique, and analysis. Create a structure for your literature review as it makes writing easier. Here is a structure that you should follow:

Introduction: Tell readers the purpose of the introduction.
Body: Organize literature in one of the forms: Systematic, chronological, theoretically, thematic, or methodological.
Conclusion: Highlight key findings and summarize your literature review.

By the time you’ll be done with the literature review, you’ll have a thorough understanding of your research topic.

Step #5: Organize Your Research

If you’re writing a research paper for the first time and don’t know anything about how to write a good research paper or how to do a research paper, you’ll get lost easily.

Because writing a research article is not the same as how to write a novel. It’s much different. You have to read a lot of literature, you have to take notes, and you have to keep everything organized.

Organizing your research, literature, notes, PDFs, data files, and other resources are essential. Your research paper isn’t just the paper you write but it is based on and is linked to several other elements.

Organizing your research paper and research work is essential.

It also helps you write a research paper fast. I mean if you’re short of time, you don’t want to spend half of your day finding missing files, literature, and theories that you have already reviewed. This is why using tools is essential.

First off, if you’re interested in writing your research paper fast, you need a writing software like Squibler .

Why Squibler specifically?

Because it helps you organize your content, paper, literature, and everything else. Authors use it to organize their manuscripts and to get their books published fast (in as low as 30 days). This shows how powerful this tool can be for your research paper’s organization.

Squibler alone will reduce your writing time to a great extent. If you’re in a hurry, don’t miss it.

But Squibler isn’t all you need, it helps you manage and organize your files, manuscript, and content, you still need other tools to manage other stuff. Here is a list of tools that you must use to organize your research:

NVivo for reviewing the literature and for qualitative analysis
EndNote for managing references and citations
Grammarly for writing, editing, plagiarism, and proofreading
Evernote for taking notes and managing your research
Scrivener for writing and managing your research paper

You should also check with your university for tools and apps. You might get access to tools for free that have partnered with your university. In any case, don’t go without tools as they can save you a lot of time at the end of the day.

Step #6: Create a Thesis Statement

Now that you have reviewed a lot of literature, refined your research topic, and have organized your research work (so far) appropriately, it is time to create your thesis statement.

A thesis statement is a one-sentence that defines your research and topic. It tells the readers what your research paper will discuss. Here is an example of a thesis statement:

The thesis statement is derived from the literature. You can’t (and in fact shouldn’t) write a thesis statement without extensive review of the literature.

Here is what a thesis statement does:

It tells readers what big problem you’re addressing
It sets the expectations of the readers
It shows how you’ll interpretation of the question your research paper will address
It makes a claim

In simple words, your thesis statement is a sentence that represents your point of view (or argument) about the topic that you’ll defend in the rest of the research paper.

Here is an example of a good and a bad thesis statement:

Your thesis statement should be:

Unambiguous
Shows your position or point of view

A great technique to create a thesis statement is to convert your research paper topic into a question and then answer the question is a sentence or two. The answer to the question will be your thesis statement.

For instance, your topic is to discuss the benefits of cinnamon for weight loss .

Convert it into a question as: What are the benefits of using cinnamon for weight loss?

Answer it as: The benefits of using cinnamon for weight loss are …

This answer is your thesis statement. Make it a bit scholarly as: Using cinnamon will reduce weight by …

That’s how simple it is.

Step #7: Create an Outline

Once you’re done with the thesis statement, you need to create an outline for research paper. You can skip this step if you want but it isn’t recommended. If you plan to write a decent research article and if you want to know how to write a good research paper, you should know the ins and outs of creating an outline.

An outline for research paper helps you structure your paper. It tells you what you’re supposed to do and how to do it. And it helps you write your research paper fast.

Here is how an outline for research paper looks like :

The outline can be as detailed as you want or as short as you want it to be. You should, however, keep outline fairly detailed by listing all the headings and subheadings. List what you’ll cover in each subheading. The following outline for research paper is a perfect example that lists all the major portions of the article:

If you’re writing a research paper as a degree requirement, you’ll get an outline template from your university. Follow the template and stick with it.

If your university doesn’t provide you with a template, you can find a free template from the internet. There are tons of free templates available out there for research papers that help you with research paper format and outline.

For journal submissions, you’ll have to create an outline using the journal’s author guidelines. Journals have specific requirements in terms of word count, headings, subheadings, number of tables, number of figures, etc. They provide you with in-depth details so in this case, creating an outline becomes a whole lot easier.

Follow these tips to create a perfect outline for your research paper:

Start by listing the major headlines including abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, bibliography, and appendices.
Add subheadings by looking at previous research papers.
Since you have already reviewed literature, you’ll be in a better position to identify subheadings and sections for your research paper.
Keep outline flexible.
Don’t hesitate to tweak your outline. You should update it as you start writing your paper.

Step #8: Start Writing

Finally, it’s the stage in your how to write a research paper guide where you can start writing it. I have to admit that writing is the most difficult part. The good news is that you have already done most of the hard work by preparing an outline, thesis statement, and literature review.

You now need to write the remaining sections as per outline which normally includes:

Introduction

Methodology.

The introduction is derived from the thesis statement and literature review. You have to write the background, research purpose, research questions and objectives, the significance of your research paper, and the structure of the research paper.

It isn’t a very detailed section rather it lays the foundation of your paper. The introduction needs to be interesting so readers don’t lose interest and continue reading.

This section comes right after the literature review where you mention the methodology you’ll follow to conduct your research. This is an important section of your research paper that needs to be written clearly.

Methodology includes:

Research methods
Research philosophy
Population and sampling techniques
Data collection and data analysis techniques
Instruments and scale used
Pilot study details

You need to justify your selection of research methods and techniques with strong arguments. For instance, if you’re doing qualitative research, you need to present arguments as to why you selected qualitative research as opposed to quantitative.

This section covers the results of your research paper. It happens to be a crucial part of your research paper as it highlights the findings of your research which is your contribution.

Write your results scientifically in this section and relate them to your thesis statement and research questions. Add tables, figures, and other details from the statistical tool that you used in your study.

Explain your results in detail in the discussion section. Link results to theory and literature. You need to explain results in an easy-to-understand language not just scientifically. Provide arguments for your results that weren’t supported by theory or weren’t as expected.

The discussion section includes:

Discussion on results
Limitations of the research paper
Implications
Future research directions

Finally, write a conclusion that summarizes your research paper’s findings and contribution. The conclusion should give a concise overview of your research paper that should be meaningful in isolation.

Step #9: Edit and Revise

This is the last step in how to write a research paper process. You have written the first draft and it’s time to edit and revise it.

You need to complete the first draft of your manuscript well before the submission date so you get time to edit and tweak it. This is where the Gantt chart becomes so handy. In the absence of planning, you’ll finish your first draft right on the last day leaving no room for edits.

Editing your research paper is essential. You need to go through it once and fix errors and typos. Then use editing software like Grammarly to fix grammatical errors, typos, sentence structure errors, and to check plagiarism. It is an extremely handy tool. You can use its Word extension to fix errors as you type.

As you find and fix errors in your draft, revise it by fixing sentence structure and flow. Academic writing is different than other types of writing (fiction, non-fiction, etc.) so you have to make sure your research paper’s language is academic. You might have to revise sentences and even paragraphs to make them robust.

It is a good idea to have someone preferably a colleague review your research paper. This is a great way to find and fix errors that might go unnoticed otherwise.

Start Writing Your Research Paper

A research paper is way different than novel writing and other types of writing. If you know how to write a novel or how to write a book , it doesn’t mean you’ll know how to write a research paper. If you think you can write a research paper just because you have written a novel, you’re mistaken.

Research paper writing is something different. You need to learn it. You need to at least learn the basics. The 9-step to writing a research paper fast discussed in this guide is more than enough to help you get started right away. You’re all set to write an amazing paper.

Get cracking.

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How to Write a Research Paper: Student’s Practical Guide

Table of contents

1 What is a Research Paper?
2.1 Understanding the Assignment
2.2 Types of Research Papers
2.3.1 Tips for Choosing the Right Topic
2.4 Conducting Preliminary Research
2.5 Formulate a Thesis Statement
2.6 Create a Research Paper Outline
2.7 Writing a First Draft
2.8 Proofreading for Grammar, Syntax, and Structure Errors
2.9 Citing Sources
2.10 Creating a Bibliography or Works Cited Page
3 Tips on How to Write a Research Paper Fast
4 Final Thoughts on Your Journey to Research Paper Success
5.1 How long should a research paper be?
5.2 Why is it important to use citations within your research paper?
5.3 How many sources should a research paper have?
5.4 What steps can I take to make the process of writing a research paper less daunting?

Have you been wandering in the confusing maze of academic research, wondering where to turn for guidance on what should a research paper look like and how to set up a research paper? If so, you have landed in just the right spot. This article will discuss the intricate process of writing a top-notch academic research paper, providing step-by-step directions.

Our primary mission is to make the research paper writing journey accessible and stress-free for all the students. Here is a quick roadmap of what is ahead:

After reading the article, you will understand how to compose an outstanding research paper.
The article provides a step-by-step guide to structuring a research paper.
Clearly defining your research topic helps keep your paper focused.
When writing your first draft, don’t forget to think about your audience.
Citing sources as a crucial role in avoiding plagiarism.

Consider this article your trusted companion, offering practical research paper guidelines to make your research paper writing journey a breeze. Scroll down to learn everything you need to know about crafting a professional research paper without getting help from quick essay writers !

What is a Research Paper?

Unfortunately, many students begin their research paper writing journey without clearly understanding what a research paper is. Are you wondering, too? Well, think of it as a document where you dive deep into a topic, like becoming a detective for a while. You spend much time gathering information, evidence, and facts from various sources to understand and explain something.

Now, one question might pop into your mind – How does a research paper stand apart from others? The big difference is how you use all the gathered sources and facts. In a research paper, you use all your research to support your ideas, arguments, or theories. You are not just giving your opinion but backing it up with solid evidence from other experts.

Other papers, like essays, might focus more on your thoughts or feelings. They are often based on something different than your perspective and might not require you to conduct research. Research papers are like information-packed investigations, while other papers are more about expressing your thoughts.

Research Paper Writing Steps

Research paper writing can be an exciting journey, much like any adventure. Just like any trip, it is essential to have a roadmap to guide you through the process. Without the roadmap, you will sail aimlessly in a vast sea of information without a caption. Here are the steps you must follow to write research papers that impress your readers!

Understanding the Assignment

Imagine you are planning a road trip. Before you hit the road, you will want to know where you are headed, right? Similarly, when you start the research paper writing process, it is crucial to understand the scope of your journey.

Most research papers without a well-defined scope face the risk of rejection by academic journals or publishers. Identifying the scope of your journey is just like setting your GPS destination. It will help you stay on track, avoid getting lost, and reach your destination efficiently and timely. Here is why it matters a lot:

Keeps you focused: Imagine you are writing about climate change. If your paper’s scope is broad, like “Climate Change and its effects,” you might end up all over the place, discussing everything from carbon emissions to melting ice caps. However, with a clearly defined scope like “Impact of Climate Change on Polar Bear Habitats,” you will be more likely to stay focused.
Saves Much Time: With a well-defined scope, you will know where to look for information. It will further prevent you from gathering unnecessary information and save you much time during the research process.
Clarifies Your Purpose: Understanding the scope will help you determine the purpose of your paper. You will know whether your paper aims to inform, persuade, analyze, or compare.

Types of Research Papers

Once you are clear about the scope of your research paper, you will know what type of paper you want to write. Here are the most popular types of research papers :

Argumentative Research Paper: An argumentative research paper for college requires you to take a stance on an issue and support it with solid evidence. Think of this like a courtroom. You are presenting a case and arguing for a particular viewpoint. For example, if your topic is “Should Vaccinations be Mandatory for School Children?” your thesis statement might be “Mandatory vaccinations are essential to prevent the spread of various diseases in school-going children.” Here, you are taking a stance and providing evidence to support your argument.
Analytical Research Paper: Analytical research papers are focused on breaking the topic into its critical components to understand a target audience better. In an analytical paper, you are not required to take sides. Instead, you just have to break down the topic and examine all its parts. Let us say your topic is “The Industrial Revolution’s Impact on Society.” Your paper can explore the causes, effects, and societal changes without taking a stance on a specific viewpoint. It is like dissecting a complex machine to understand the workings of each part.

So, by clearly defining your scope, you ensure a focused and purposeful paper and determine whether it will be an argumentative journey or an analytical exploration.

Importance of a Relevant Topic and Tips for Choosing it

Think of your research paper topic as the starting point of your paper, like the first and main ingredient in a recipe. Choosing the right one will be like finding the perfect puzzle piece – it must fit just right. A relevant topic will keep your research and writing focused. Without it, you will end up writing a paper that is all over the place. Also, when you are interested in the topic chosen, the research and writing process becomes more enjoyable. Otherwise, it will just feel like a significant burden on your shoulders.

Moreover, a well-chosen topic will help your readers know exactly what to expect from your paper. It is like putting the correct label on the jar to tell people what is stored inside.

Tips for Choosing the Right Topic

Are you uncertain about what to write a research paper on? Here is how you can pick a good topic for a research paper:

Consider Your Interests : To write a good research paper, choosing a topic that genuinely interests you is important. If you are passionate about music, writing about “The Influence of Jazz on Modern Music” will be more engaging than a topic you have no interest in.
Start Broad, Narrow Down Later: Imagine you are writing about the “Impact of Technology on our Lives.” That is pretty broad, right? You could narrow it down to “Impact of Smartphones on Teenagers’ Social Lives’. By doing so, you are making your topic more specific and manageable.
Identify Research Potential: Before finalizing your topic, ensure enough information is available for research. If you cannot find any sources or data on the chosen topic, you must look for another.

Conducting Preliminary Research

Once you have your research topic in hand, it is time to gather the building blocks for your paper. The first rule of research is to find reliable sources. Think of it like baking a cake- you want the best ingredients. Credible sources are like high-quality ingredients that make your paper rich and flavorful.

Look for books, academic journals, articles from reputable websites, and research papers related to your topic. Libraries, online databases such as RefSeek, and university websites are great places to start your own research. However, avoid random websites, as most do not provide accurate or trustworthy information.

As you find valuable information, take notes of key facts, statistics, quotes, and source details. Also, take notes of where you found each piece of information. It will save you a lot of time and energy to cite sources later.

Once you have collected your information and notes, it is time to organize them. Think of this step as sorting your treasure into neat piles. Create categories or sections that match the structure of your paper.

Conducting preliminary research is like setting the stage for your research paper. Finding reliable sources ensures your paper is built on a strong foundation, taking notes helps you remember the valuable information you have discovered, and organizing your findings makes writing a research paper a breeze.

Formulate a Thesis Statement

Now that you have done your research and are starting to gather your thoughts, it is time to create the heart of your paper – the thesis statement. You might be wondering what exactly thesis statements are. They are like the main points or core ideas of your research papers. A sentence that tells your readers what your paper is about and your stance.

While formulating a thesis statement for your paper, keep it specific, arguable, concise, and connected to your research. Also, remembering that your thesis is not set in stone is worth remembering. As you continue to research and write, you can refine it to understand your topic better.

Create a Research Paper Outline

Imagine you are building a house. Before you start the construction work, it is important to have a blueprint, right? Well, think of creating a research paper outline as a blueprint for your paper. It will help you organize your thoughts and ensure your paper flows thoroughly. An outline will give your paper a better structure and provide clarity to readers.

Now, let us briefly discuss the parts of a research paper outline:

Title & Abstract: Start a research paper with the title page. It is the first page of the paper shows the title of the research paper and the author’s name. It also shows affiliations, acknowledgments, and other specific information relevant to the paper. Next comes the abstract – a concise summary of the paper that includes the main problem, the research paper question , the study’s goal, the methods implemented, the findings, and the study’s contributions.
Introduction: The introduction section is the first main section of your paper and sets the stage for what follows next. It offers readers the necessary background and context for your study. Also, the introductory paragraph provides an overview of the main points or technical arguments your paper will explore. The best research paper introduction section offers a concise presentation of your central topic while summarizing the existing state of research within the current scientific literature and community.
Literature Review: In this part, we look at past research and previous studies to find gaps. We also discover new possibilities in the topic. A good literature review in a paper gives a wider view of the study and its language. It also helps the reader understand other related works better.
Methodology: The methods section explains how the study was done, including the plan, who was involved, what materials were used, the steps taken, and how the data was analyzed. In a research paper, this section should contain all the steps and specifics used to find the research results. It must have detailed information enough so other researchers can repeat the study if needed.
Results: The results section shares the study’s main findings through visuals like figures and tables. It should stick to facts and avoid interpretation or discussion.
Discussion: The discussion section interprets the study’s results, explains how they relate to the research question and prior studies, mentions study limitations, and suggests implications or recommendations for future research or practice.
Conclusion: The effective research paper conclusion sums up the main points, restates the research questions, and highlights key contributions without introducing new information or unnecessary repetition.
References: The annotated bibliography summarizes all used materials, while the references section lists only cited sources in a specific citation style (like APA or MLA), excluding sources only read or consulted.
Appendices : Appendices should include supplementary materials such as charts, statistics, and efficient mathematical solutions and formulas that enhance understanding.

Remember, the outline will be your roadmap for the research paper. It does not need to be too detailed, just a skeleton of your paper’s structure. It will help you stay organized and ensure your paper is well-structured, making it easier for you to write and for your readers to navigate. So, before you start building the walls of your paper, focus on creating a solid outline.

Writing a First Draft

Once you have gathered your research and created an outline, it is time to dive into the exciting process of writing your first draft. It might not be perfect, but it is the starting point for something great. Now, one thing you must remember while writing your paper’s first draft is the target audience.

Take a little time to understand your paper’s target audience. Who are you writing for? Is it experts in your field, classmates, or a general audience? Knowing your target audience before writing your first draft will help you choose the right tone and language for your message. Just like you would not use complicated jargon when talking to the senior members of your family about technology, you will have to tailor your writing to your target audience’s level of understanding.

Also, when writing the first draft of your research paper, do not worry too much about perfection. It is more like building the framework of your paper. You can refine and polish it in later drafts. Just let your ideas flow and consider your target audience’s preferences!

Proofreading for Grammar, Syntax, and Structure Errors

Proofreading your research paper will help you catch spelling mistakes, fix awkward topic sentences, and tidy up your paper’s overall structure. While proofreading, take enough time and read aloud to help yourself spot errors that you might miss when reading silently.

Moreover, you can use spell-check and grammar-check tools to catch common mistakes. However, do not rely on them entirely, as they often miss context-specific errors. When proofreading your final draft, concentrate on one type of error at a time. For example, look for grammar errors first, then syntax and structure errors. It will make the proofreading process more manageable and efficient.

Remember, proofreading is like giving your paper the last layer of polish. Therefore, take your time, be patient, and give your paper the finishing touch it deserves. Your readers will be thankful for it!

Citing Sources

Using information or ideas from other sources is like borrowing pieces from someone else’s puzzle to complete yours. Citing sources is crucial as it shows you have done your homework and gives credit to the original creators of the ideas or information you are using. Also, it makes your paper look more authentic and credible.

Now, different citation styles are like different languages for your citations. Each style has its formatting style, but they all serve the same purpose – making your sources clear and accessible.

Here are a few citation styles for research papers:

APA (American Psychological Association) : is often used in social sciences and psychology. APA Style typically includes the author’s name and publication year in parentheses, like (Smith, 2023).
MLA (Modern Language Association) : is commonly used in the humanities. In a Modern language association, you usually include the author’s name and page number, (Smith 45).
Chicago Style: is used in history and other fields. It has two main styles: notes and bibliography (used for citations within the text) and author-date (used in the sciences).
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers): is often used in engineering and computer science. It uses numbers in square brackets, like [1].

Each style has its unique rules and formatting guidelines. Therefore, choose the style that fits your field and adheres to your professor’s or institute’s guidelines. However, if you still struggle to cite the sources, you can use PapersOwl’s helping tools. These free citation generators will help you generate a citation in any style you want.

Therefore, there is no need to spend your precious time memorizing all the rules and formatting guidelines for each style. Also, be sure not to overlook the inclusion of page numbers. Page numbers are essential for proper citation and referencing in research papers.

Creating a Bibliography or Works Cited Page

Creating a bibliography or references list for your research paper is like giving credit where it is due. It is essential to list all the sources you have used, like books or websites, following a specific citation style (APA, MLA, etc.). Organize the research paper’s citations alphabetically by the author’s last name and use hanging indents. This clear and organized reference list adds credibility to your paper and helps readers explore your sources faster.

Tips on How to Write a Research Paper Fast

Do you wonder how to write a research paper fast without sacrificing quality? Here are a few tips on how to write a research paper fast:

Write in Sprints and Set Realistic Goals: Break your writing process into manageable chunks. Set aside specific blocks of time, like 30 minutes to an hour, and commit to focused writing during those periods. Also, you must set realistic goals for each sprint, like completing an outline or writing a specific section. By doing so, you will make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.
Eliminate Distractions: For working on a research paper, you should find a quiet and comfortable space to work in. Turn off notifications on your phone or computer, and let your family or roommates know you need uninterrupted time. Distractions can interrupt your writing flow, so create a distraction-free zone.
Prioritize Sections of a Research Paper: When writing a research paper, start with the most interesting or comfortable sections. It will help build your momentum. Also, do not get bogged down if stuck on a particular part. Move to another section and come back to it later.
Revise and Edit Later: Do not obsess over perfection during your initial draft. Focus on getting your ideas down on paper. You can fine-tune and polish your writing while reviewing and editing your paper . Trying to write perfectly from the start can slow you down.
Use Academic Writing Tools: Take advantage of writing tools and software to help you stay organized and improve your writing. Tools like grammar and spell checkers, citation generators, and writing apps can save you time and reduce the chances of errors.

Final Thoughts on Your Journey to Research Paper Success

This step-by-step research paper guide on the steps to write a research paper has shown you the way to create a successful paper that meets research paper requirements and makes a good research paper. We’ve covered understanding your scope, picking interesting topics, doing research, making strong thesis statements, and organizing your ideas according to the format for research paper. We’ve also talked about writing with your readers in mind, checking for mistakes, and giving credit to your sources. With these tips, you’re ready to start your research paper journey. Remember, it’s not just about finishing; it’s about what you learn and share as you go. Happy writing!

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8 sequential steps to write a first rough draft of a research paper from start to finish (relatively quick and easy)

I promised a few weeks ago that I would blog about how I write a paper from start to finish . I was hoping to have screenshots of every stage of my paper writing, but obviously doing my own research, fieldwork and travelling to academic conferences to present papers (and writing those papers in haste!) didn’t allow me to do this in a much more planned manner. So here are 8 tips I use to write a research paper from start to finish.

1. Create an outline This tip would be kind of obvious, but I am far from being the first one to suggest that writing an outline allows you to put complex ideas on paper in a sequential, articulate, cohererent form . If you’ve already started writing the paper, then Professor Rachael Cayley’s approach is the best – e.g. create a reverse outline . At any rate, you should have a skeleton of what your paper is going to look like. One way in which I do this is I break down my abstract into the sections that I need to fill out and/or the questions I need to answer to have my paper actually show my full argument. So, the outline comes directly from the paper abstract. What I have found is that often times, my outline doesn’t show the same thing that the paper does at the end of it. That’s fine. At least you answered the questions and/or filled the sections you needed to and refined your abstract and paper on the basis of these responses.

The one sure way in which I know I am going to make progress on a paper is writing the abstract and the introduction. Normally what I do is I expand the abstract and write the introduction from the abstract. I also make sure that I develop the structure of the paper as I write the introduction. Often times, this will change and I will have to come back and redraft this section, but at least I have a basic structure for the paper.

2. Break down the paper into separate documents. I am someone who doesn’t react well to word counts. In fact, I loved a recent blog post by Tseen Khoo entitled “ Your Word Count Means Nothing to Me “. I am disciplined about writing every day for two hours , but I don’t really like the idea of “I write 3,500 words every 1.5 hours”. Some days I write a lot, some days I write much less. And some days, I just simply can’t write ( though I summarize papers and reflect on them during my #AcWri period those days to keep generating text that I might use at some point, particularly research and reading memoranda ).

So what I do instead is, I break the paper down into sections for which I then create separate documents. For example, for my recent paper on environmental mobilizations against Nestlé in British Columbia and in California, I created a separate document for the story around Nestlé in British Columbia and another one for the story on Nestlé in California. To avoid getting frustrated, I just focus on writing on one of the sections at a time.

As I was trying to finish my MPSA 2016 remunicipalizations paper (with a comparative table of 6 cases – Paris, Grenoble, Berlin, Atlanta, Hamilton and Buenos Aires), I got frustrated that I had assembled the paper too early for my liking and therefore I was not sure if I had completely told all the stories. For me, a story is fully told when there is at least 4-6 paragraphs that outline the overall issue and provide some analysis. That’s why at least 4-6 paragraphs would be necessary (history, the issue at hand, why is this issue relevant, what does my theoretical framework say about this particular issue) to fully outline and sketch the story. So, while I recognize that I had assembled the paper early, I used a summary table to ensure that I had already completely told all the stories. This table also helped me finish the paper because I could use the insights gained from this exercise for the analysis section and the conclusions section (see tip 4).

7. Don’t write beyond your physical limits Recently, I finished a book chapter by inserting 3,500 words that I wrote in the first 1.5 hours of the day into a draft that had 3,400 words. So I finished an 8,000 word paper in about 2 or 3 days. Obviously this only works if you’ve already simmered and thought about the paper for a very long time. I had been spinning my wheels for the past few days when I knew that I had made no progress on this paper in the past 4.75 months. This week, I just decided that I needed sleep and I stopped trying to write (yes, I too try to push my limits and do some “spree-writing”) so I went to sleep early. I woke up on Wednesday at 5 am, and by 6:30pm, I had finished the book chapter.

FIVE MONTHS. I was stuck with this stupid chapter for 4.75 of those. This week, my brain woke up and BAM, 3,454 words #GetYourManuscriptOut — Dr Raul Pacheco-Vega (@raulpacheco) April 14, 2016

The reality is that academia has this toxic culture of overworking as though it were a badge of honor. But I can’t do that anymore. I used to work 24 hours in a row, sometimes even 36. Right now I can’t push my physical limits and I will not endorse overwork. So I know for a fact that I improved my writing since I started sleeping at a decent hour and at least 6 hours a day. And that’s exactly why I never write beyond my physical limits even if I am not done with the paper and I have a deadline. I prefer to ask for an extension or simply say “No, I can’t write your book chapter/paper/article” because I will no longer push myself beyond my physical limits.

“Being tired isn’t a badge of honor” by @jasonfried – applies to academics and everyone https://t.co/Ld8JcHmps3 pic.twitter.com/RYJ7EIen8n — Dr Raul Pacheco-Vega (@raulpacheco) April 14, 2016

8. Assemble the paper 80%-90% into the process When I assemble a paper too early into the process, I end up seeing all the gaps in the paper and this demoralizes me. So now what I do, is I assemble the paper about 80-90% into the process. I assemble the introduction, conclusion, body of the paper and I collect my handwritten notes of what needs to be improved and corrected. And then I go over the paper and figure out if I am missing something. That way, whenever I sit down and work on this paper again, I feel that I am about to be done.

Applying this process helped me complete 3 draft papers (2 for MPSA, 1 book chapter, and two I’m working on) in about 5 weeks, all the while travelling every week and teaching one class every week. This is not to brag, but it’s just to show that if I follow a systematic process, I can move forward even under conditions of relative duress (e.g. when I am travelling). So, every single day I was able to work on research and write for a few hours because I was working every day on a different, single component of my paper and research project. As I have often said, I follow Aunty Acid’s advice: I take life one panic attack at a time .

This is my approach to academic life, my dear friends #AuntieAcid pic.twitter.com/p32UcYehGK — Dr Raul Pacheco-Vega (@raulpacheco) March 6, 2016

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Tagged with academic writing , AcWri , research paper , writing .

By Raul Pacheco-Vega – April 16, 2016

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Thank you for sharing!! Really insightful look into your process – and inspiring to boot. Love point #4 and just learning about #7 the hard way this year….

Continuing the Discussion

[…] that I am transcribing in this blog post. My advice is very similar to what I suggested when I described my process to generate a full first draft of a paper or article in 8 steps. Basically, I write in bits and pieces (memorandums) and then I assemble the entire manuscript once […]

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Dissertating Like a Distance Runner: Ten Tips for Finishing Your PhD

The above photo is of Sir Mo Farah running past Buckingham Palace into the home stretch of the London Marathon. I took the photo two days after my viva, in which I defended my PhD dissertation. Farah become a British hero when he and his training partner, Galen Rupp, won the gold and silver medals in the 10k at the London Olympic Games.

I had the honor of racing against Rupp at Nike’s Boarder Clash meet between the fastest high school distance runners in my home state of Washington and Rupp’s home state of Oregon. I’m happy to provide a link to the results and photos of our teenage selves since I beat Galen and Washington won the meet. (Note: In the results, ‘Owen’ is misspelled with the commonly added s , which I, as a fan of Jesse Owens, feel is an honor.) By the time we were running in college—Rupp for the University of Oregon and myself for the University of Washington—he was on an entirely different level. I never achieved anything close to the kind of running success Rupp has had. Yet, for most of us mortals, the real value in athletics is the character traits and principles that sports instill in us, and how those principles carry over to other aspects of life. Here I want to share ten principles that the sport of distance running teaches, which I found to be quite transferrable to writing my doctoral dissertation.

To provide some personal context, I began as a doctoral researcher at the University of Birmingham in 2014. At that time my grandparents, who helped my single father raise my sister and me, continued their ongoing struggle with my Grandfather’s Alzheimer’s. It was becoming increasingly apparent that they would benefit from having my wife and I nearby. So, in 2015 we moved to my hometown of Yakima, Washington. That fall I began a 2/2 teaching load at a small university on the Yakama Nation Reservation as I continued to write my dissertation. Since finishing my PhD four years ago, in 2018, I have published one book , five research articles , and two edited volume chapters related in various ways to my dissertation. As someone living in rural Eastern Washington, who is a first-gen college grad, I had to find ways to stay self-motivated and to keep chipping away at my academic work. I found the following principles that I learned through distance running very helpful.

(1) Establish community . There are various explanations, some of which border on superstitious, for why Kenyan distance runners have been so dominant. Yet one factor is certainly the running community great Kenyan distance runners benefit from at their elite training camps, as discussed in Train Hard, Win Easy: The Kenyan Way . Having a community that values distance running can compel each member of the community to pursue athletic excellence over a long period of time. The same can be said for academic work. Many doctoral researchers have built-in community in their university departments, but for various reasons this is not true for everyone. Thankfully, alternative ways to establish community have never been easier, predominantly due to technology.

Since my dissertation applied Aristotelian causation and neo-Thomistic hylomorphism to mental causation and neural correlates of consciousness, I found it immensely helpful to meet consistently with neuroscientist, Christof Koch, and philosopher of mind, Mihretu Guta. Mihretu does work on the philosophy of consciousness and Christof propelled the dawn of the neurobiology of consciousness with Francis Crick . Though Mihretu lives in Southern California, we met monthly through Skype, and I would drive over the Cascade Mountains once a month to meet with Christof in Seattle. As my dissertation examiner, Anna Marmodoro, once reminded me: the world is small—it’s easier than ever before to connect with other researchers.

It can also be helpful to keep in mind that your community can be large or small. As some athletes train in large camps consisting of many runners, others have small training groups, such as the three Ingebrigtsen brothers . Likewise, your community could be a whole philosophy department or several close friends. You can also mix it up. As an introvert, I enjoyed my relatively small consistent community, but I also benefitted from attending annual regional philosophy conferences where I could see the same folks each year. And I especially enjoyed developing relationships with other international researchers interested in Aristotelian philosophy of mind at a summer school hosted by the University of Oxford in Naples, which Marmodoro directed. For a brief period, we all stayed in a small villa and talked about hylomorphism all day, each day, while enjoying delicious Italian food.

Whatever your community looks like, whatever shape it takes, what matters is that you’re encouraged toward accomplishing your academic goal.

(2) Know your goal. Like writing a dissertation, becoming a good distance runner requires a lot of tedious and monotonous work. If you don’t have a clear goal of what you want to achieve, you won’t get up early, lace up your running shoes, and enter the frosty morning air as you take the first of many steps in your morning run. There are, after all, more enticing and perhaps even more pressing things to do. Similarly, if you don’t have a clear goal of when you want to finish your dissertation, it is easy to put off your daily writing for another day, which can easily become more distant into the future.

(3) Be realistic about your goal . While it is important to have a clear goal as a distance runner and as a doctoral researcher, it is important for your goal to be realistic. This means your goal should take into account the fact that you are human and therefore have both particular strengths and limitations. Everyone enters the sport of distance running with different strengths and weaknesses. When Diddy ran the city it would have been unrealistic for him to try to break the two-hour barrier in the marathon, as Eliud Kipchoge did . If Diddy made that his goal, he probably would have lost all hope in the first mile of the marathon and never finished. Because he set a more realistic goal of breaking four hours, not two hours, he paced himself accordingly and actually finished.

The parent of two young children who is teaching part-time can certainly finish a dissertation. But the parent will have a greater likelihood of doing so with a reasonable goal that fits that individual’s strengths and limitations. If the parent expects to finish on the same timescale as someone who is single with no children nor teaching responsibilities, this will likely lead to disappointment and less motivation in the middle of the process. Motivation will remain higher, and correspondingly so will productivity that is fueled by motivation, if one’s goal is realistic and achievable.

Another element of having a realistic goal is being willing to adapt the goal as your circumstances change. Sometimes a runner might enter a race expecting to place in the top five and midway through the race realize that she has a great chance of winning (consider, for example, Des Linden’s victory at the Boston Marathon ). At that point, it would be wise to revise one’s goal to be ‘win the race’ rather than simply placing in the top five. At other times, a runner might expect to win the race or be on the podium and midway realize that is no longer possible. Yet, if she is nevertheless within striking distance of placing in the top five, then she can make that her new goal, which is realistic given her current situation and will therefore sustain her motivation to the finish line. Sara Hall, who could have and wanted to crack the top three, held on for fifth at the World Championships marathon because she adjusted her goal midrace.

The PhD candidate who initially plans to finish her dissertation in three years but then finds herself in the midst of a pandemic or dealing with a medical issue or a family crisis may not need to give up on her goal of finishing her dissertation. Perhaps, she only needs to revise her goal so that it allows more time, so she finishes in five years rather than three. A PhD finished in five years is certainly more valuable than no PhD.

(4) Know why you want to achieve your goal . My high school cross-country coach, Mr. Steiner, once gave me a book about distance running entitled “Motivation is the Name of the Game.” It is one of those books you don’t really need to read because the main takeaway is in the title. Distance running requires much-delayed gratification—you must do many things that are not intrinsically enjoyable (such as running itself, ice baths, going to bed early, etc.) in order to achieve success. If you don’t have a solid reason for why you want to achieve your running goal, you won’t do the numerous things you do not want to do but must do to achieve your goal. The same is true for finishing a PhD. Therefore, it is important to know the reason(s) why you want to finish your dissertation and why you want a PhD.

As a side note, it can also be immensely helpful to choose a dissertation topic that you are personally very interested in, rather than a topic that will simply make you more employable. Of course, being employable is something many of us must consider. Yet, if you pick a topic that is so boring to you that you have significant difficulty finding the motivation to finish your dissertation, then picking an “employable dissertation topic” will be anything but employable.

(5) Prioritize your goal . “Be selfish” were the words of exhortation my college cross-country team heard from our coaches before we returned home for Christmas break. As someone who teaches ethics courses, I feel compelled to clarify that “be selfish” is not typically good advice. However, to be fair to my coaches, the realistic point they were trying to convey was that at home we would be surrounded by family and friends who may not fully understand our running goals and what it takes to accomplish them. For example, during my first Christmas break home from college, I was trying to run eighty miles per week. Because I was trying to fit these miles into my social schedule without much compromise, many of these miles were run in freezing temps, in the dark, on concrete sidewalks with streetlights, rather than dirt trails. After returning to campus following the holidays, I raced my first indoor track race with a terribly sore groin, which an MRI scan soon revealed was due to a stress fracture in my femur. I learned the hard way that I have limits to what I can do, which entails I must say “no thanks” to some invitations, even though that may appear selfish to some.

A PhD researcher writing a dissertation has a substantial goal before her. Yet, many people writing a dissertation have additional responsibilities, such as teaching, being a loving spouse, a faithful friend, or a present parent. As I was teaching while writing my dissertation, I often heard the mantra “put students first.” Yet, I knew if I prioritized my current students over and above finishing my dissertation, I would, like many, never finish my dissertation. However, I knew it would be best for my future students to be taught by an expert who has earned a PhD. So, I put my future students first by prioritizing finishing my PhD . This meant that I had to limit the teaching responsibilities I took on. Now, my current students are benefitting from my decision, as they are taught by an expert in my field.

While prioritizing your dissertation can mean putting it above some things in life, it also means putting it below other things. A friend once told me he would fail in a lot of areas in life before he fails as a father, which is often what it means to practically prioritize one goal above another. Prioritizing family and close friendships need not mean that you say ‘yes’ to every request, but that you intentionally build consistent time into your schedule to foster relationships with the people closest to you. For me, this practically meant not working past 6:00pm on weekdays and taking weekends off to hang out with family and friends. This relieved pressure, because I knew that if something went eschew with my plan to finish my PhD, I would still have the people in my life who I care most about. I could then work toward my goal without undue anxiety about the possibility of failing and the loss that would entail. I was positively motivated by the likely prospect that I would, in time, finish my PhD, and be able to celebrate it with others who supported me along the way.

(6) Just start writing . Yesterday morning, it was five degrees below freezing when I did my morning run. I wanted to skip my run and go straight to my heated office. So, I employed a veteran distance running trick to successfully finish my run. I went out the door and just started running. That is the hardest part, and once I do it, 99.9% of the time I finish my run.

You may not know what exactly you think about a specific topic in the chapter you need to write, nor what you are going to write each day. But perhaps the most simple and helpful dissertation advice I ever received was from David Horner, who earned his doctorate in philosophy from the University of Oxford. He told me: “just start writing.” Sometimes PhD researchers think they must have all their ideas solidified in their mind before they start writing their dissertation. In fact, writing your dissertation can actually help clarify what you think. So “just start writing” is not only simple but also sage advice.

(7) Never write a dissertation . No great marathoner focuses on running 26.2 miles. Great distance runners are masters of breaking up major goals into smaller goals and then focusing on accomplishing one small goal at a time, until they have achieved the major goal. Philosophers can understand this easily, as we take small, calculated steps through minor premises that support major premises to arrive at an overall conclusion in an argument.

Contained within each chapter of a dissertation is a premise(s) in an overall argument and individual sections can contain sub-premises supporting the major premise of each chapter. When you first start out as a doctoral researcher working on your dissertation, you have to construct an outline of your dissertation that maps out the various chapters and how they will relate to your overall conclusion. Once you have that outline in place, keep it in the back of your mind. But do not focus on writing the whole, which would be overwhelming and discouraging. Rather, focus on writing whichever chapter you are working on. The fastest American marathoner, Ryan Hall, wrote a book that sums up the only way to run long distances in the title Run the Mile You’re In . And Galen Rupp discusses in this interview how he mentally breaks up a marathon into segments and focuses on just finishing one segment at a time. Whatever chapter you’re writing, make it your goal to write that chapter. Once you’ve accomplished that goal, set a new goal: write the next chapter. Repeat that process several times and you will be halfway through your dissertation. Repeat the process a few more times, and you will be done.

By the time you have finished a master’s degree, you have written many chapter-length papers. To finish a dissertation, you essentially write about eight interconnected papers, one at a time, just as you have done many times before. If you just write the chapter (which you could call a “paper” if that feels like a lighter load) you’re writing, before you know it, you will have written a dissertation.

(8) Harness the power of habits . Becoming a great distance runner requires running an inordinate number of miles, which no one has the willpower to do. The best marathoners in the world regularly run well over one hundred miles a week, in addition to stretching, lifting weights, taking ice baths, and eating healthy. Not even the most tough-minded distance runner has the gumption to make all the individual decisions that would be required in order to get out the door for every run and climb into every ice bath apart from the development of habits. The most reliable way around each distance runner’s weakness of will, or akrasia , is developing and employing habits. The same can be true for writing.

If you simply try to write a little bit each weekday around the same time, you will develop a habit of writing at that time each day. Once you have that habit, the decision to write each weekday at that time will require less and less willpower over time. Eventually, it will take some willpower to not write at that time. I have found it helpful to develop the routine of freewriting for a few minutes just before starting my daily writing session of thirty minutes during which I write new content, before working on editing or revising existing content for about thirty minutes. My routine helped me develop the daily habit of writing, which removes the daily decision to write, as I “just do it” (to use Nike’s famous line) each day.

I have also found it helpful to divide my days up according to routines. As a morning person, I do well writing and researching in the morning, doing teaching prep and teaching during the middle of the day, and then doing mundane tasks such as email at the end of the day.

(9) Write for today and for tomorrow . Successful distance runners train for two reasons. One reason—to win upcoming races—is obvious. However, in addition to training for upcoming races, the successful distance runner trains today for the training that they want to be capable of months and years ahead. You cannot simply jump into running eighty, ninety, or one-hundred-mile weeks. It takes time to condition your body to sustain the stress of running high mileage weeks. A runner must have a long-term perspective and plan ahead as she works toward her immediate goals on the way to achieving her long-term goals. Similarly, for the PhD researcher, writing a dissertation lays the groundwork for future success.

For one, if the PhD candidate develops healthy, sustainable, productive habits while writing a dissertation, these habits can be continued once they land an academic job. It is no secret that the initial years on the job market, or in a new academic position, can be just as (or more) challenging than finishing a PhD. Effective habits developed while writing a dissertation can be invaluable during such seasons, allowing one to continue researching and writing even with more responsibilities and less time.

It is also worth noting that there is a sense in which research writing becomes easier, as one becomes accustomed to the work. A distance runner who has been running for decades, logging thousands of miles throughout their career, can run relatively fast without much effort. For example, my college roommate, Travis Boyd, decided to set the world record for running a half marathon pushing a baby stroller nearly a decade after we ran for the University of Washington. His training was no longer what it once was during our collegiate days. Nevertheless, his past training made it much easier for him to set the record, even though his focus had shifted to his full-time business career and being a present husband and father of two. I once asked my doctoral supervisors, Nikk Effingham and Jussi Suikkanen, how they were able to publish so much. They basically said it gets easier, as the work you have done in the past contributes to your future publications. Granted, not everyone is going to finish their PhD and then become a research super human like Liz Jackson , who finished her PhD in 2019, and published four articles that same year, three the next, and six the following year. Nevertheless, writing and publishing does become easier as you gain years of experience.

(10) Go running . As Cal Newport discusses in Deep Work , having solid boundaries around the time we work is conducive for highly effective academic work. And there is nothing more refreshing while dissertating than an athletic hobby with cognitive benefits . So, perhaps the best way to dissertate like a distance runner is to stop writing and go for a run.

Acknowledgments : Thanks are due to Aryn Owen and Jaden Anderson for their constructive feedback on a prior draft of this post.

Matthew Owen

Matthew Owen (PhD, University of Birmingham) is a faculty member in the philosophy department at Yakima Valley College in Washington State. He is also an affiliate faculty member at the Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan. Matthew’s latest book is Measuring the Immeasurable Mind: Where Contemporary Neuroscience Meets the Aristotelian Tradition .

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How to Write a Research Paper Fast: Advice From Those Who Finish Several Papers a Week

We always recommend college students complete their research papers fast and on time, steering clear of the last-minute rush. Yet, there are instances where several school activities can take precedence, leading to a delayed start in the writing process.

So, what's the game plan when faced with just a few hours to complete and submit an entire paper? The pressure can indeed become overwhelming.

Remember, you're not alone – we've all been in similar situations. Instead of dwelling on self-criticism, let's focus on moving forward fast.

In situations where you are caught up in the whirlwind of last-minute paper writing, this article aims to equip you with valuable tips on how to write a research paper fast and wrap it up without losing your sanity.

How to Write a Research Paper Fast: Easy Tips

Understand the Research Question Thoroughly

To write a paper quickly, it is crucial to review the question and grasp the study's objectives carefully. Take a few moments to analyze the question, ensuring full comprehension of all its components. This preliminary step sets the stage for fast research, aiding in the collection of pertinent resources and the organized structuring of information for the impending paper.

Swiftly Select a Topic Through Brainstorming

Once the assignment is comprehended, if a specific research paper topic is not provided, promptly choose one. Engage in a brief brainstorming session to identify a familiar subject. To save time, opt for a topic within your realm of familiarity and perform a fast online search to assess the availability of reference materials. If ample references exist, formulate a question and thesis statement derived from the chosen topic, facilitating an expeditious paper writing process.

Accelerate Research Using Keywords

Having established a research question, expedite the information-gathering process by entering the precise query into a search engine. Write a research paper fast by identifying relevant articles, journals, essays, or college papers from the search results. Alternatively, compile a list of keywords derived from the main question and employ them in targeted searches on scholarly databases such as Google Scholar and JSTOR. Ensure the credibility of references, as these databases typically house reputable publications. Bookmark the located references for easy retrieval during the writing phase.

Produce a Concise and Focused Thesis Statement

Following a comprehensive literature review, refinement of the topic, and proper organization of materials, create a clear and succinct thesis statement. This one-sentence statement serves as the hook for research paper , articulating the major problem addressed, setting reader expectations, outlining the approach to addressing the question, and making a specific claim. The thesis statement should be unambiguous, specific, and reflect the writer's stance on the topic.

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Develop a Brief Yet Detailed Outline of Key Ideas

After formulating the thesis statement, construct an outline for your last minute research paper. While this step is optional, it is highly recommended for efficient and well-structured writing. The outline serves as a guide, delineating the tasks to be undertaken and their sequence. It can be as detailed or concise as desired, encompassing major headings and subheadings. Maintain flexibility in the synopsis, allowing adjustments as the writing unfolds.

If you are completing a research paper as part of a degree requirement, your university may provide a template. In such cases, adhere to the given template. In the absence of a university-provided template, you can easily find free templates online. Numerous templates are available, assisting with the format and structure of college papers.

For journal submissions, the creation of an abstract should align with the author guidelines provided by the journal. Journals typically have specific requirements regarding word count, headings, subheadings, and the inclusion of tables and figures. These guidelines offer detailed insights, simplifying the outline creation.

Follow these tips to develop an effective abstract for your research paper, and don’t forget to explore the ins and outs of qualitative research to expedite the process:

List major headlines, including abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, bibliography, and appendices.
Incorporate subheadings by referencing previous research papers.
Leverage your literature review to identify appropriate subheadings and sections for your research paper.
Keep the outline flexible, allowing for adjustments as you begin writing fast. Regularly update it to align with the evolving content of your paper.

Establish a Conducive, Distraction-Free Writing Environment

To write your research paper fast, locate an environment free from distractions to facilitate focused concentration for an extended period. Steer clear of common distractions like noise, social media, email notifications, and phone calls. Ensure the chosen space is comfortable and well-lit to prevent strain. A distraction-free setting enhances concentration, promoting fast and efficient writing.

Initiate Writing with Speed

Finally, initiate the writing phase, recognizing it as the most challenging aspect of the process. Having already completed essential preparatory steps such as outlining, creating a thesis statement, and conducting a literature review, focus on writing the remaining sections according to the outlined structure. These typically include the introduction, methodology, results, and discussion. Each section serves a distinct purpose, contributing to the overall coherence and effectiveness of the research paper. To produce your research paper fast, utilize the outlined structure to guide the writing and maintain a consistent flow of ideas:

Introduction

The introduction serves as the foundational segment of your paper, derived from the thesis statement and literature review. Here, you must craft the background, articulate the research purpose, specify research questions and objectives, underscore the significance of your research paper, and delineate the overall structure of the paper. While not overly detailed, the introduction should captivate readers' interest, ensuring they remain engaged throughout.

Methodology

Following the literature review, the methodology section elucidates the approach you will employ to conduct your research. This integral part of your paper demands clarity in expression. Key components of the methodology include research methods, research philosophy, population and sampling techniques, data collection and analysis methods, instruments and scales utilized, and details of any pilot studies. It is imperative to substantiate your choice of research methods and techniques with robust arguments. For instance, in the case of qualitative research, provide compelling reasons for selecting it over quantitative methodologies.

This pivotal section encapsulates the outcomes of your research, showcasing your unique contribution. Scientifically present your results, establishing connections with your thesis statement and research questions. Utilize tables, figures, and other details from the statistical tools employed in your study to enhance clarity.

Elaborate on your results comprehensively in the discussion section, establishing connections with existing theory and literature. Present your findings in a manner accessible to a broader audience, not solely adhering to scientific language. Provide arguments for results that deviate from established theory or expectations. The discussion segment should cover aspects such as:

Discussion on results.
Limitations of the research paper.
Implications.
Future research directions.

Apply the PEER System for Effective Discussion Writing

During the discussion section, employ the Point - Evidence - Explain - Repeat (PEER) system to systematically present information. Begin each paragraph with a clear point, support it with relevant evidence from the research, explain the significance of the evidence, and seamlessly transition to the next paragraph by repeating the process. Consistently applying the PEER system enhances the coherence and readability of the discussion section, ensuring a well-structured and compelling presentation of findings.

How to Finish a Research Paper Fast?

Upon completing the initial draft, engage in prompt editing and revising to enhance both the content and structure. Additionally, ensure to proofread your work thoroughly.

Utilize Online Tools for Revision and Editing

After completing your writing, it's essential to proofread and edit your research paper to eliminate errors before submission. Expedite this process and save time with the help of online tools, including:

Grammarly: Identify and correct errors related to spelling, grammar, punctuation , and word choice.
Hemingway Editor: Enhance the readability of your paper by eliminating unnecessary words and phrases, ensuring clarity and conciseness.
Turnitin: Detect plagiarism, a critical concern when crafting a research paper.

Ensure Adherence to Guidelines by Double-Checking Structure and Content

Before submitting your research paper, take a moment to review the entire document. Verify that the structure and content align with the assignment prompts and guidelines. This precautionary step is crucial to avoid potential rejection by the professor. If any elements are missing, incorporate them before submission, saving you the time and frustration of revisiting your paper in case of rejection.

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Preventing the Last-Minute Rush

The process of writing a research paper encompasses several stages, including researching, writing, editing, proofreading, and revising. Performing these tasks at the eleventh hour can be stressful. Now that you have insights on expediting the research paper writing process, here are some hints on how to do a research paper fast without the chaotic last-minute rush:

1. Start early. Begin your research paper well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Starting early allows for thorough planning, research, and ample time to revise and refine your work.

2. Create a schedule. Develop a realistic timeline for each stage of the research paper, including research, outlining, drafting, and editing. Having a schedule helps distribute the workload evenly, preventing a last-minute rush.

3. Break it down. Break the research paper into smaller, manageable tasks. Tackling smaller portions regularly is more manageable than facing the entire project simultaneously. This approach minimizes the likelihood of procrastination.

4. Utilize research tools efficiently. Leverage online databases, libraries, and research tools effectively from the outset. This ensures you have access to the necessary resources without scrambling at the last minute to find relevant information.

5. Outline early. Create an outline early in the process. An organized structure guides your writing and prevents major restructuring later on. This proactive step helps maintain a logical flow throughout your paper.

6. Regular check-ins. Schedule periodic check-ins with your progress. Regularly reviewing your work allows you to identify any challenges early on and gives you the opportunity to make adjustments before the deadline.

7. Proofread along the way. Proofread and edit your work fast as you progress rather than waiting until the end. This minimizes the chances of overlooking errors and ensures a polished final product. Consistent proofreading also aids in maintaining a coherent writing style throughout the paper. If you’re already in a great hurry, we suggest you pay for research paper now and save the remaining time spending it on more important assignments.

Start Early

If you want to deliver an excellent paper, you should start your work as soon as possible. Do not let procrastination influence your results.

Edit Carefully

Even if you're an experienced writer, we recommend to proofread everything you write before submitting. You just can't be too careful.

How to Research Paper Fast – 10 Easy Tricks!

It’s easy to procrastinate on a research paper, especially if you don’t enjoy the topic. Other times, you might be too busy to get a head start. Regardless, when you are racing to get your writing assignment done, check out these guidelines on how to write a research paper fast and easy. By following this advice, you can learn a skill that will benefit you the rest of your school career!

Tips for Writing a Research Paper Fast

Have a direction. You cannot write an organized paper unless you know where you want to go. As with planning any paper, start with a thesis.
Choose a topic that interests you. The research and writing go faster when you are interested in what you are writing.
Pick something you are knowledgeable of. This will make it easier to write. Since you will need to do less research, you will also finish the paper faster.
Plan the topic well. If you have a topic that is too narrow or too broad for the assignment, it is going to be difficult to get the word count right.
Get organized. Planning your thoughts is key as you consider how to write a good research paper fast. Writing an outline also makes the drafting stage go significantly quicker.
Practice. The more that you write, the less time it will take you to research and express your ideas. You will also find that you can organize easier and make less mistakes while writing.
Outsource part of the process. Many writing services will do the research, help with drafting or outlining, or even just proofread your work. This is a good option if you fall behind before the deadline or when you need a little extra help.
Use the computer-but print to proofread. If you type the first draft on a computer, you can easily submit it after making corrections. However, you should still print it out to proofread. This is easier and more effective than staring at it on a computer screen.
Keep sources together. You do not want to lose your source notes in the confusion and end up having to do extra work at the end. Making your reference page as you go can also help.
Always proofread. Even when you are rushed, it is important to look over your work. You may even find more than your usual number of mistakes because you hurried.

Why Do I Need to Write Quickly?

Writing quickly has many benefits. It gives you the opportunity to jot down your ideas without being restricted. It is also useful when you are pinched for time. Students do not always have the time they need to get everything done. By knowing how to write a research paper fast, you ensure you can get good grades even when you are in a hurry.

Can I Get a Good a Good Grade and Write Fast?

When you take the time to do your assignments, you get better grades. However, this isn’t always practical with the number of assignments most students work. As you consider the best way to write a research paper fast, remember that you’ll get better with practice. As you follow these guidelines, you’ll become a writing expert.

It might be best to start your papers early, but that does not always happen. When life gets in the way, it is good to know you can still produce a quality assignment quickly. Hopefully, this article has given you more tips on how to write a research paper really fast.

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Writing Tips

How to Write a Research Paper Fast?

By: Tasha Kolesnikova

Procrastination is not a new concept to the students. Now that you have left the APA research paper for the last minute, it is crucial to understand how to get done with the academic paper quickly. Most people cannot work well under pressure and tend to compromise the content's quality to complete it in time.

Distraction-free Spot

Good lighting, bring your supplies needed, planning your time, how to select a new topic, conduct in-depth research while taking quick notes, writing process, the abstract, thesis statement, the body paragraphs, making a logical conclusion, cite sources, revise and edit, check for plagiarism.

But what if you can still do well even if it is a last-minute essay and write a good research paper ? You can follow specific tips for writing term papers on short deadlines. Of course, there are no specific rules to these; feel free to incorporate what works best for you in this plan. It is just a necessary groundwork to help you get started.

Find a Good Writing Environment

An environment plays a significant role in determining the length of time you will require to finish your assignment. Thus, you have to find the most suitable spot to facilitate the thinking and writing process and get you in the mood to start. Things you should consider for this are:

Has it ever happened to you that you have wanted to concentrate on studying, but the surrounding noise does not allow you to do so? Everybody has been there. But this time, you do not have a lot of time on your hands. Eliminate all of these distractions and get to work.

Find a location you can work in without getting disturbed. For some people, listening to music helps them to concentrate. If you know what helps you to focus, that is perfect. It would help if you had a couple of hours to work in a comfortable setting. Find a place that will allow you to do so. This can be a library or a park. Depending on what you prefer.

Adequate lighting is very crucial for not only writing but also to improve your thinking process. If the spot you choose is near a window, utilize the sun for the lighting source. If not, ensure you have enough light to lit up the room you are working in. This also prevents you from getting tired as quickly.

Even if you have not headed out and are working at home, you do require supplies. This can include a computer, paper, pen, books, highlighter, or anything that aids your writing process. Do not forget about your water bottle. Keep them right beside you so that when you need them later, you do not have to leave time and time again. Doing so will speed up the entire process and prevent you from tiring yourself from unnecessary activity.

Pre-Writing Tips

First of all, go through the assigned work and grasp the key concepts required. The guidelines are essential to understand before starting. This includes getting a decent idea about the word limit, formatting, and citation style. The two most frequently used are APA and MLA. After this, schedule the time you can manage to squeeze out from your routine to devote to this college paper.

How much time do you have to get this research paper ready? This will help you assign the time to each section of your work. Suppose you have half an hour. Utilize 10 minutes to outline and create a structure, 15 minutes for writing, and the last 5 to revise and edit. If you have more time, redistribute the division accordingly. The rule is to spend at least 1/5th of the remaining time creating an outline, 1/2nd of it on shaping and writing the main body.

Pick a Topic You Have Already Worked With

Sometimes, you might get assigned research paper topics by your instructor. Other times, you will be more fortunate and obtain the freedom of doing so yourself. If it's the latter case, plan strategically so that you can save a significant amount of time altogether. If you decide to experiment this time, it might turn out fine, but the chances of finishing it in time will be slim. Instead, be smart and pick a topic you have already worked with and have done previous research. This will help you save a lot of time, and you will have a decent idea about the direction to take. If you have any notes or links saved on your computer, it is time you take them out.

If you lack experience in this department, you might lose an edge but can still catch up. Brainstorm ideas. Think about a topic that genuinely interests you. This way, you will stay motivated throughout the research paper. It will also take less time to wrap your mind around this idea.

You can also use the internet to find samples of ideal topics that are thought-provoking and can help you score high grades. Ensure that whatever you choose to go in with is neither too broad nor too specific. Your work might end up being haphazard with no direction in sight by not having a clear focus. By being too focused, there might not be enough research present to work with. Take the middle ground.

If you do not have previous notes, do not worry. Take out your laptop, and start searching. A vital tip to utilize here is not to rely on just one source. Find as much content on the topic as possible. This will help you support your thesis statement later on. You can use a few good sources: Wikipedia, Google Scholar, government reports, encyclopedias, and online databases.

Make sure to keep taking notes while you are skimming through all important files. This way, you will not miss out on anything important. You can also use mind maps and web diagrams to jot down key ideas systematically. Do not forget to note down these sources; you will need them in your references section at the end of the research paper. You should always paraphrase this information to avoid plagiarism in the final submission.

Create an Outline in Advance

Do you know why so many students fail at crafting an impressive research paper? This is because they do not spend any time on planning and outlining. Writing time is important, but so is this step. In the ideation phase, you would have done a lot of brainstorming. These ideas should be structured and put into order.

Creating a template in advance will help you save time and speed up the writing process. Try making sense of your unorganized thoughts. Once you have created a well-structured outline, you can invest the rest of your time in nailing the thesis statement. Hence, ensure that your outline and the key points support it instead of contradicting it at any point.

Now that you are done with all the steps necessary for pre-writing, it is time you get on with the report. However, the shortage of time does not at all mean you skip this step. You will always need to go through your composed work again at the end. Consider this your first draft. This is where you will be including all the vital information in a systematic sequence. Make sure to include in-text citations wherever you feel are essential.

After including everything in this paper, you will have a raw compilation of all the important arguments and evidence. You will have to refine this to make it presentable and worthy of submission.

An abstract is the first passage the reader will see. It should comprise all the highlights of your paper along with the purpose. This has to be brief and only a short passage to get the audience ready for what is yet to come. It usually consists of 300 words or less. The sequence should include the study's intent, the design followed by the major findings, and finally, a summary of your conclusions and interpretations.

A rule of thumb to perfect this part is to imagine being in the shoes of another researcher. Then, go through this part. Question yourself, if you wanted to go forward after reading this abstract if you were in their place. If you are satisfied and think you have included enough information to encourage others to read on, go ahead.

Introduction

Always start with the topic and why is it interesting. Effectively establish your research problem. Follow it by providing some background information on the subject you chose. Then, briefly explain the significance of the work and why you selected it. Also, describe the work that has already been done by researchers in the field. You should also state the approach you have taken to tackle the issue. Finally, end the introductory paragraph with a clear and precise thesis statement.

This is the last sentence of this paragraph. You might execute the entire research paper properly, but you can never score high without a strong thesis statement. The whole foundation of the academic paper is based on this line. It has to be quite specific; a two-sentence condensation of the analysis or argument to come later. As you keep on writing, the topic might change. You would have to revise this statement at the end. Be careful when you are at this stage. You can probably check with your instructor before moving forward.

This is the time when you should be utilizing your outline. Go through all the points you highlighted in the research phase. You will soon understand the significance of doing so in terms of saving time and maintaining the structure. Always keep going back to your thesis statement to ensure every point you make relay backs to this.

Begin every new paragraph with a topic sentence. You have to analyze how this statement is true and provide supporting evidence. Using quotes is also an effective way to relate to your points. Do not forget to ensure that you are doing so from credible sources. Treat every paragraph like a mini-essay. Conclude every point you make before ending it. Nonetheless, all these should be cohesive and in line with the thesis statement.

After completing the analysis, you have to conclude. You can do so by restating the thesis. Summarize your paper and avoid repetition here. Do not state any facts and figures in this section. You can also determine how you believe the points you said to support the thesis statement. Suggesting exciting ideas to help future research is also a great way to end this conclusion.

You have to write this so that the readers understand how and why your research matters to them. It is more than just a summary, rather a synthesis of the essential points. You have to convey the broader implications of the study made. In most cases, one small paragraph will suffice, although more might be required. Check beforehand.

A major difference between any other academic paper and a research paper is the need for citation. At the end of this paper, you will have to include the list of sources you utilized throughout the document or bibliography. Depending on your teacher's preference and instructions, follow the APA format, MLA, or Chicago. This makes up an imperative step in your research paper. Every claim you have made until now has to be backed up by these. Give credit where it is due.

Finishing a Research Paper Fast

Before submitting your research paper, editing and revising are two key steps you need to take care of. This is crucial for helping you improve the structure and the content. Besides, proofreading is just as important.

Reread your work to ensure it is on point. Being short on time does not mean submitting the first draft. Make sure you get rid of all the grammatical and spelling mistakes. An excellent tool to use here for saving time is Grammarly. It is software that automatically corrects many errors you have made as you go. The rest are identified and highlighted.

Checking the flow and logic are also essential for improving the quality of your paper. The transitions between each paragraph have to be smooth and coherent. While you are in this process, remove any repetitive phrases and any filler words. You want your paper to be concise and to-the-point. Reading this paper aloud is an excellent way to catch any syntax errors.

Before submitting your work, this should be your last step. Even if subconsciously, you might have lifted text from a source. This will show in your report upon submission. It is a practice that is considered highly unethical and can affect your grade adversely. It is better to be safe than sorry. Run your work through a plagiarism detection tool like Turnitin. If it clears the test, it is good to go.

Now you know the fastest and easiest ways to cope with any time of research paper. Of course, you should divide the time better next time, but if you fail to do so for whatever reason, there is no reason to be overwhelmed. The steps mentioned above will prepare you for tackling such a situation. Good luck!

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How to Write High-Quality Papers and Essays More Quickly

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I’m not gonna lie: writing papers can suck. Even as someone who basically writes papers for a living these days (like this article), I still viewed every college paper with a tinge of dread.

After all, writing a paper isn’t like working math problems or reading a chapter of a book. As frustrating as those activities can be, they always seemed more finite than the monumental task of “writing a paper.” You can’t just open the book and start working : you have to brainstorm, research, outline, draft, edit, and add those pesky citations.

As I moved through college, however, I developed a system for cranking out papers in record time. This let me spend more time on things that I enjoyed, such as writing for this blog and taking long walks through the woods. Today, I’m going to share this process so that you too can write papers more quickly (without a decrease in the quality of your writing).

Sound impossible? Read on to see how it works.

1. Understand the Assignment

The ultimate waste of time when writing a paper is to write something that doesn’t even answer the question the professor is asking. Don’t be afraid to ask the professor to explain any part of the assignment that’s unclear.

If the assignment seems vague, it’s not because the professor is trying to trip you up. Often, it’s that they know their field so well that it’s easy for them to think some things are “obvious”…even when they aren’t to us non-experts.

Remember: asking for clarification because you don’t understand the assignment doesn’t make you stupid; what’s stupid is to complete the assignment without understanding it.

Yet, when I was an English TA in college, I saw this problem all the time. Students would spend hours researching and writing a paper on a completely different topic than what the professor assigned. It doesn’t matter how good a paper is–if it doesn’t answer the question, it’s going to receive a bad grade.

Best case scenario, the professor is nice and lets you rewrite it, but why do all that extra work? Furthermore, asking the professor for clarification shows initiative –that you care about the assignment. Demonstrating this level of engagement with your assignments can only boost your grade.

2. Research with Ruthless Efficiency

Once you understand the assignment, you need to start researching. But beware! If you’re not careful, research can be one of the best ways to procrastinate. “One more source” can easily turn into hours that you could have been writing.

To overcome the temptation to procrastinate on research, I employ my favorite approach for beating all forms of procrastination: setting a time limit. As I explained in my guide to research , you shouldn’t spend more than 30 minutes per page of the final paper researching. That is, if the paper is supposed to be 5 pages, don’t spend more than 2.5 hours on research (maximum).

Spending any more time than this puts you at a point of diminishing returns. Don’t worry about not having enough information. If you find that you need more info after you start writing, you can always do more research . The goal of your initial research session is to give you just enough material to start writing. Get into the library or database, find your sources, take your notes , and then get to writing.

3. Create a Flat Outline

“It’s impossible to figure out every detail of your argument before you sit down, look at your sources, and actually try to write. Most students abandon their hierarchical outline soon after their fingers hit the keyboard.” – Cal Newport, “How to Use a Flat Outline to Write Outstanding Papers, Fast”

Ever since I learned the traditional method of outlining papers in 8th grade, I felt the system was broken. I never created an outline with bullets and numbers and letters before writing the paper. I always just made one up afterwards because I was required to turn one in with the final paper.

Starting in college, I developed my own outlining technique that was much more effective. As it turns out, my technique wasn’t so original after all. As Cal Newport explains, it’s called a flat outline . In Cal’s words, the flat outline works as follows:

Don’t build a hierarchical outline. Instead, list the topics you want to tackle in the order you want to tackle. Revisit the library to find sources for the topics that still need support. Dump all relevant quotes from your sources under the topics. Transform your topic-level outline into your paper. Don’t start from a blank screen.

Isn’t this so much better? The flat outline works because it mirrors the writing process . No one sits down to write with a perfect idea of what they’re going to say. You discover what you’re going to say through the process of writing . The flat outline gives you just enough structure to overcome the dreaded “blank canvas” while still leaving room for discovery.

Struggling to write your draft? Here’s how to overcome writer’s block .

4. Create the Perfect Writing Environment

Okay, so you have a rock solid understanding of the topic, you’ve done your research, and your flat outline is ready. Now, you need to sit down and write the sucker. But not so fast: where you write makes a difference.

Because after procrastination, the greatest obstacle to writing a paper quickly is distraction. If you don’t have an environment where you can focus, you’ll waste hours jumping back and forth between the paper and whatever distractions come your way.

To make sure you have the focus of a zen master, you must create a writing environment that enables zen-like focus . For a full guide to creating a distraction-free study space, check out our article on the topic . In the meantime, here’s a summary of the best practices:

Go to a studious place. This could be a quiet part of the library, an off-campus coffee shop, or even your dorm room. Wherever you know that people won’t distract or interrupt you, that’s the place you must go.
Make it comfortable. You won’t be able to focus on writing if your chair feels like a bed of nails or the table wobbles. Take care of your base physical comfort before writing anything else. Caveat: don’t write while in bed . Your bed is only for sleeping and…you know, that other s-word.
Block digital distractions. Depending on how bad your internet/phone addiction is, this could be as simple as closing unrelated programs and putting your phone in airplane mode or as drastic as installing an app such as Cold Turkey Writer that blocks everything on your computer until you write a certain number of words. If you need the internet to write (maybe you’re writing in Google Docs, for example), then you can install an app such as Freedom or SelfControl to block distracting sites.
Assemble your supplies. Sitting down to write and realizing you left one of your sources back in your dorm is a definite productivity killer. Be sure you have your computer charged, sources assembled, and coffee/tea at the ready before your write a word.
Put on your pump up playlist. If you don’t find it distracting, then I recommend using music that will get you in the zone to write. I have a few albums on rotation that get me into a mode of writing flow. For example, when writing this article I put on Muse’s The 2nd Law . You better believe I felt ready to conquer the world with that in the background. If you’re looking for a killer pre-made collection of study music, have a look at Thomas’s Ultimate Study Music Playlist .

5. Follow a Standard Structure

Each paper you write should not feel like reinventing the wheel. Your goal when writing a paper for a college class is to fulfill the assignment requirements in a way that goes just above and beyond enough to impress the professor. You’re not trying to break new ground in your discipline or redefine the way we use the English language (if you are, then you don’t need to read this article).

The way to make sure that you don’t get caught up in the structure is just to pick a standard structure for your discipline and follow it. Save the originality for your arguments. So how do you find these elusive standards? Ask your professor. They can point you to some relevant guides or examples.

Also, pay attention to the readings your professor assigns for the class. This should give you some idea of the academic conventions you should follow in your papers. It’s easy to go through an article and focus so much on the information that you ignore the structure (which is a good thing–the structure shouldn’t distract you). But if you spend a couple reading sessions paying attention to structure, you’ll get a feel for how it should go.

If that seems too advanced or too much work, then another option is to Google “SUBJECT NAME paper template”. Just be careful about the source–a template from a university is fine; one on some random student’s Blogger page, not so much.

6. Focus On Quality Over Quantity

If the paper is supposed to have a final page count of 5-7, you may be tempted to write a paper that’s 7 or even 8 pages. After all, more is better, right?

Wrong. Every professor I had in college told me that they would always prefer a good 5-page paper over an okay 7-page paper. Frankly, some topics don’t need 7 pages–5 is plenty. If you try to stretch it out, you may end up diluting your argument.

If you’re not convinced, consider this: I rarely wrote more than the minimum page count, and I consistently received A’s on papers in English, History, Religious Studies, and Education classes.

Knowing this, why would you ever write more than you need to? It’s not just a waste of time or effort; it may even be counterproductive .

Of course, your paper has to be good for this to work. For advice on improving the quality of your papers, check out my post on 6 Writing Tips to Make Your Papers 300% Better .

7. Draft and Edit Separately

Editing and drafting at the same time is, like all forms of multitasking , inefficient and ultimately impossible. Don’t do it. Write with your full attention and effort, and then edit.

Similarly, never stop to look stuff up when you are writing. If you don’t know something, just make a note of it and come back to it later. At best, looking something up takes you away from writing, but even more likely it will pull you into an internet rabbit hole that will really derail the entire writing process.

The goal of writing this way is to keep you in the flow state as long as possible. Because if you can just get to a place of flow, your momentum will be unstoppable.

8. Write the Conclusion and Introduction Last

One of the greatest barriers to starting a paper is coming up with an introduction. If you think about it, this difficulty makes sense: how are you supposed to introduce something you haven’t even created?

This is why you shouldn’t write the introduction until you’ve finished the main body of the paper. I know it seems like a counterintuitive approach, but I challenge you to try it. This method avoids what has happened to me more times than I can count: writing the paper and then realizing that my intro doesn’t even fit with the final paper.

The same goes for the conclusion. Write it last. After all, how can you conclude when you haven’t even finished writing? If you want more advice on the specifics of writing solid conclusions, check out my post on how to write a paper .

9. Don’t Edit Alone

When you’re writing the draft, you need privacy and focus. But when you’re editing, having someone else to look over your work can speed things up. Why? Because you’re inherently blind to the mistakes in your writing . You’ve been looking at the draft so long that mistakes won’t jump out at you the way they will to a fresh set of eyes.

When it comes to finding someone to help you edit, you have a few options:

Get a trusted friend to read the paper. Just make sure they don’t end up distracting you.
Take the paper to your college’s writing center. Don’t expect them to be your copy editor, however. More than likely, the writing center staff will have you read the paper aloud to them. This lets you catch the errors yourself while still having the accountability of another person in the room.
Ask your professor for feedback. This won’t always be possible, but sometimes your professor will be willing to give you feedback before you turn the paper in, especially if it’s a term paper or capstone project. Professors often build this feedback into the assignment by setting separate due dates for a proposal, a draft, and a final version. But even if they don’t, it never hurts to ask for feedback . The worst they can say is no.

10. Use a Citation Generator

Adding citations is the worst, especially when you just spent hours writing a paper and are so over it. If you don’t want to spend further hours paging through some arcane style manual, do yourself a favor and use a citation management/generation tool.

My favorite is Zotero , which allows you to keep track of research sources and even has a browser extension that will pull the citation info from a library catalog web page. But I also have friends who prefer EasyBib . It doesn’t matter which one you use–just pick one and watch your citation worries evaporate.

That being said, it doesn’t hurt to glance at your citations before submitting, as these tools aren’t perfect (especially when it comes to digital sources).

Bonus Tip: Take a Writing Intensive Class

This tip isn’t strictly part of the paper writing process, but it can make a big difference in your writing speed and quality. At my college, the definition of “writing intensive” varied from professor to professor, but it always meant a class with lots of writing, often one (short) essay per week in addition to a 20+ page final paper.

Each of these classes was intense, but at the end I always found myself a better writer. This went beyond just getting faster, although that was a major benefit. I also found that the quality of my arguments and analyses increased, along with massive improvements in my research skills.

If your college offers classes specifically geared to improve your writing, do yourself a favor and take a least one. Strong writing skills are always a benefit, both in college and beyond.

At the end of the day, writing a paper is still a lot of work. But if you follow the process in this article, you’ll be able to do it more quickly without a loss of quality.

What tactics do you use to speed up the paper writing process? Share them in the comments below, or discuss them in the College Info Geek Community .

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How To Write A Research Paper Fast?

The research paper writing process could be tough, time taking and of course, requires a lot of study. That’s why it is suggested to be done gradually by taking a suitable amount of time. But sometimes students delay the entire process and are left with no sufficient time to complete the entire paper. That’s where they start thinking about how to write a research paper fast?

Students ask this question a lot, leading to why students need to write a paper in an emergency. It is all because of taking the writing process lightly. You are not supposed to think that research can be done within a few hours and write a paper about it. If you are a Ph.D. student, you need to write 70,000 to 80,000 words which seems impossible to be done in a few hours or a day, so you need Ph.D. research paper help .

But as many things are not impossible and can be done at the last minute, research writing is also one of them. If you are left with a short time period, we can teach you how to write a paper fast without dropping the quality of your research.

Table of Contents

What is a Research Paper?

A research paper is a detailed and well-explained essay that contains either a qualitative or quantitative research method to justify the thesis statement of the author. A paper is often used as a source of providing an in-depth analysis of a topic by conducting research that involves people, data, and its interpretation.

Why Students Search for Hacks to Write a Research Paper Fast

This question has attracted a lot of attention and we are here to answer it for you. We understand that you want to know why so many students delay the entire process and wait for the last minute to start their research. It can be due to several reasons which we are going to discuss below.

1. They Procrastinate

The biggest reason students take a lot of time and still couldn’t complete their tasks is that they procrastinate. Procrastination is an act of delaying the tasks and not completing them on time, thinking that it’s just a piece of cake and won’t take a lot of time.

This mindset is the basic reason behind the particular nature of the students. They avoid completing their job due to laziness and then end up worrying about it the whole time. That’s why they seem to be searching on the internet about meeting deadlines in any way.

If you do the same, then what you can do is just stop procrastinating and start working on yourself. In this way, you will get rid of this bad habit and finally get back to a healthy habit of completing all the tasks within the given time.

2. They Couldn’t Understand the Guidelines

It is also one of those things that students do and end up missing the deadline. Like every problem this issue also has a solution which is researching itself. Many students do not understand the guidelines provided by their teacher and thus they stay puzzled yet do not ask for help.

We mentioned in one of our previous blogs that if you are not able to understand the instructions of an essay then try to do enough research on it. You have the biggest and most free source in the world which is Google. You can learn more about research and paper writing by following the examples and checking others’ work present on the internet.

It is not difficult to understand the instructions for your project. It only takes brains and free research tactics to get what you need. Therefore you must complete your research on time and understand the requirements to write an excellent quality paper.

3. Due to Overconfidence

We never had to mention this fact actually because everybody knows it. If you are a student who is overconfident and believes you can do anything within a few hours, then you are making the worst mistake of your life. You cannot be acting like this to end up with great trouble at last.

This is the reason why people say that overconfidence kills. You must believe in yourself but that’s not mean you start taking things lightly just because you are sure you can do it in a short time as compared to others. There is a significant criterion for everything which you should follow otherwise you can lose a lot of things.

It is suggested by any wiser person to stop being overconfident and get back to reality. Doing this will help you a lot in getting things done within time. You will have a better way to start your tasks and complete them without any worries.

4. Taking Way Too Much Time

This is something most people do not talk about and that doesn’t mean it’s not important. It is the reality that students take way too much time on writing every single heading of the research. It is a sample like spending the entire day on just an introduction and leaving the rest for tomorrow. Students should learn how to balance things as it is one of the keys to success.

If you don’t know how to give specific time to every task, how are you going to deal with urgent tasks within a certain time period? That’s why it is suggested to learn how to balance your time and energy and complete the task without spending too much time on it. It takes a few hours sometimes to complete research if you know how to do it right.

How to Write a Research Paper Fast?

You are finally going to learn our best tips on writing research fast. This frequently asked question has too much content on the internet which helps students get an idea about this topic. We have some master techniques saved which will teach you how to write research fast, without missing the deadline.

1. Select a Simpler Topic

When you know you don’t have proper time to write a research paper, it is suggested to select a topic that is easier and well-known to you already. Selecting a simple topic will help a lot and in this way, you can write your paper fast. It is a proven technique that most people follow to never miss a deadline.

The simpler your topic is, the more chances you have to finish the paper within just an hour or so. Just identify the length of your paper and start your work so you can complete it on time. It is said that some brilliant students are experts at writing and completing the research project within 2 hours when given their favorite topic.

2. Design a Thesis Statement

How about creating a thesis statement in advance to avoid the hassle later? You need a thesis to start your research because this statement will be the actual basis of conducting the research. That’s why it is better to create it in advance before moving to the next step.

You can take time in thinking about your statement in peace, and then use it to complete the research and make an outline. It will automatically fasten your writing process and you will end up writing more in just a little time.

A lot of students take thesis statements lightly and think it’s just a single statement that is worthless. That’s not true! This statement is everything your research is based on. Ignoring it can lead you to a horrible ending in which you might have missed your deadline and written nothing to submit as your project.

3. Complete Research Beforehand

The best method of writing a research paper fast is to complete its research quickly, as soon as possible. You should focus on writing later but first, the research paper is more important than everything. Your entire paper depends upon the research so it is better to do it first.

By doing your research in advance, you save yourself from some troubles. The easiest part of research writing is the writing process. If you do the research first and then write, there are 100% chances of completing your paper quickly. If you lack in topic research then you can get professional paper writing service for the paper perk writers. We have expert paper writers for all academic subjects. All you must know is what’s the procedure, how have you collected the information, and in what way it’ll be written on the paper.

4. Make an Outline

In all of our previous blogs, we have discussed too much about the significance of making an essay outline. It is one of those things which shouldn’t be taken for granted because they can save you in the most stuck situations. Don’t believe us? Let’s have a look at the given example and educate yourself.

Suppose you are going to miss a deadline for your research within 4 or 5 hours max. It is research and it surely needs an ample amount of effort to write this paper. What you have done is completed the research and created an outline that you will be following. Now tell us how much you’d need to follow the outline and write the entire paper?

Let us answer it for you, you may need only 3 and a half, or a maximum of 4 hours to write a paper. You still have one hour left in which you can either proofread the content or edit it, format it, and just submit it right away to chill for the entire day. This is the effect of creating an outline of any essay or paper you are assigned at college.

It is the benefit you seek when you have done more than half of the work in advance. You don’t have to worry about the things, but just write your paper and hand it over to your teacher. And, your grades will also be safe when you write the research in this way.

5. Write the Introduction

You can start writing in the introduction section. This part is the first one in the research and it also contains many subheadings such as the objective, background, research questions, research significance, etc. You can divide your introduction into these parts and complete it.

This is the first yet main part of the research so writing it initially will help in moving to the next parts fast. You can write the entire paper in this way and your teacher will be more than happy to receive good quality research from you.

6. Write Body and Arguments

It’s time you finally write the body and the main arguments of your research. This is the middle part of the research and it won’t take a lot of time if you have created the outline and done the research in advance. You just need to view those points and start writing them fast.

One by one, you can reach the points and just finish the task. You can start by providing the arguments, and their examples side by side. Try to keep the discussion to the point to finish your work within the desired time limit. Following this will make your job much easier than you have ever thought.

7. Finish with Conclusion

The conclusion is the shortest part of the entire research which is summed up in 100 or 150 words maximum. So you already know you don’t need to spend a lot of time on the conclusion of the research paper . You can take just 10 to 15 minutes to write a good conclusion if you know the summary of your research.

8. Cite the Paper

It is the time you cite your paper and complete the whole thing. Research is invalid without the references to the sources you have used. That’s why do not forget to write the citations in your paper and do it quickly before the submission.

Point to Ponder: Remember that we are only suggesting this writing method for those who are in a hurry to finish their paper. Research writing is a time taking process because nobody wants to compromise on the quality of work. If you have sufficient time to complete your paper, then you are suggested to read our other blogs that contain an approach for conducting and writing research peacefully with complete attention.

How to Write an 8-Page Paper in 3 Hours?

It is what you want to know since we have seen many of you searching for the answers on the internet. It is a challenging task but let’s just say nothing is impossible once you make up your mind to do it. The same goes for research writing. You can of course write an 8-page paper within 3 hours by following the below-given method.

1. Choose an Easier Topic

Choosing an easier topic will help you and you can complete your paper fast as compared to writing one that includes a complicated topic. Always remember that if you don’t have enough time for writing a paper, just shift to an easier topic and complete your work before the deadline.

2. Stay to the Point

There is no use explaining every single point in your research and diving into the deadline when you have only 3 hours to write the entire paper. Your priority must be completing the work as soon as possible so you need to explain only those points which are necessary. It is never useful to write more when you have less time.

3. Do Not Lose Focus

Having less time could be a lot frustrating but you still need to have complete focus on the task. It is never healthier to procrastinate when you have only 3 hours to complete a big task. It is really important to put your entire focus into one thing since it helps in getting the work done within no time.

Having only 3 hours to complete 8-page research is quite a hectic thing. One may easily get stressed out by having a lot to do in only 3 hours. But you can use a better approach by building your focus and giving 100% attention to the task. This way you will be able to complete your work fast without further delays and you won’t lose any marks as well.

4. Be Smart

Using our brain can help you much more than anyone and anything in this world. If you have selected a topic of your choice, there are so many chances you already know a lot about it. You may have an idea of the arguments, claims, and relevant examples in your mind that can help you write your current research.

It is a fact that if you know something already you are more likely to finish things sooner. If you concentrate well and use your brain to think further, you can deduce good arguments from your mind. It is the best thing you can do when you have just 3 hours to write an 8-page paper.

Just calm down at first, think about your topic, and recall the previous knowledge you have in your mind. With the help of this information, you can create your claims and provide excellent examples with them too. Your paper will be done in only 3 hours yet it will be 100% effective having almost no shortcomings.

We hope you have learned good strategies to complete your research paper within time. We understand as a student you have so many responsibilities and it becomes harder to manage all the deadlines. These above-mentioned techniques may surely help you write a paper fast.

If you have anything on your mind to share with us, leave a comment in the box given below to reach out as soon as possible.

Can I write a research paper in one day?

Yes, you can write a research paper in one day. All you need is just complete the research, make an outline and thesis statement, and then finish the writing procedure as fast as you can. Make sure you balance the quality as well in this process.

How long does it take to write a 5-page long research paper?

It usually depends upon the requirements of your paper, but overall it takes about 4 hours to complete a research paper with an introduction, thesis statement, arguments and claims, and conclusion.

How long should it take to write a research paper?

A fair time period of writing an entire, regular 5-page research paper is 4 hours. You can do it in the given time if you have done the entire research in advance. If you are an expert, you can also carry out all the given processes within 4 hours.

How do you write a 20-page paper in a day?

A 20-page paper in a day is quite a big deal, but nothing is impossible. You can do it easily by dividing your time first, finishing the research part, making an outline, and just sitting down to start the writing part. Once you finish the writing in one sitting, you are all ready to submit your paper instantly.

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Academic Writing

How to Write an Essay in Under 30 Minutes

Last Updated: June 28, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Arash Fayz . Arash Fayz is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of LA Tutors 123, an academic consulting and private tutoring company based in Los Angeles, California. Arash has over 10 years of educational consulting experience, managing the tutoring of students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to score higher on standardized tests and gain admission to their target schools. He has a BA in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 603,847 times.

If you’re taking your SATs this year, you may be preparing to write a solid essay within the 30 minute time limit. Or you might be trying to improve your writing speed to complete essay exams faster and more efficiently. Writing a five paragraph essay in under 30 minutes can seem daunting, but with the right planning and time management, it is certainly achievable.

Sample Essays

Planning the Essay

For example, you may get a prompt in the form of quotation: “Time has a doomsday book, on whose pages he is continually recording illustrious names. But as often as a new name is written there, an old one disappears. Only a few stand in illuminated characters never to be effaced.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow [3] X Research source
You may then receive a question attached to the prompt: “Are there some heroes who will be remembered forever? Or are all heroes doomed to be forgotten one day?" Plan your response, and then write an essay to explain your views on this issue. Be sure to support your position with specific points and examples. You may use personal examples or examples from your reading, observations, or, knowledge of subjects such as history, literature, science. [4] X Research source

For example, you may brainstorm the Longfellow quote/question by thinking of personal examples of heroes who are remembered or forgotten, such as family members, friends, teachers, or peers who have acted as heroes to you or to others. Or you may focus on a historical figure who seems to be a forgotten hero or a decorated hero.
This essay question is asking for two sides of the discussion, the forgotten hero and the remembered hero. Your thesis should discuss both sides and choose one side to argue for or against.
You may choose to spotlight a historical figure who encountered opposition and challenges in her life, such as the suffragette Susan B. Anthony. Anthony worked tirelessly for decades to get the government to recognize women’s right to vote, and was often derided by the government and by individuals within her own organization. She is a good example of a hero who was not recognized as a trailblazer until late in her life, though she is now remembered as a heroine in history. Try to refer back to the quotation in the essay prompt in your thesis, if possible, to show you have read the entire question.
A possible thesis statement could be: “Though Longfellow argues that names, or heroes, may be forgotten over time, one historical figure, Susan B. Anthony, was derided in her lifetime for her beliefs but is now remembered as a heroine of her time.”

Introduction: Your beginning paragraph should contain an engaging first sentence and your thesis statement. Some writers find it easier to write create a temporary introduction and revise it once they are finished with the essay. This will ensure the introduction is cohesive with the rest of the essay.
Conclusion: This paragraph should summarize your main argument and restate your thesis. You may also want to include last thoughts around the essay question.

Writing the Essay

Step 1 Take 15 minutes to write the essay.

An interesting or surprising example: This could be a personal experience or a key moment in the life of the historical figure you are discussing in your essay. For example, you may discuss Anthony’s childhood as a Quaker and her later adoption of more casual dress and growing interest in social reform at the age of 26. [9] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source
A provocative quotation: This could be from a source you used for your essay or one that feels relevant to your topic. For example, you may use a well known quote from Anthony, such as: “Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world's estimation, and publicly and privately, in season and out, avow their sympathy with despised and persecuted ideas and their advocates, and bear the consequences.” [10] X Research source
A vivid anecdote: An anecdote is a very short story that carries moral or symbolic weight. Think of an anecdote that might be a poetic or powerful way to start your essay.
A thought provoking question: create a question that will get your reader thinking and engaged in your topic. For example: “Did you ever wonder how women received the right to vote in the United States?”

Step 3 Write your three body paragraphs.

Body paragraph 1: You may start by discussing Anthony’s early successes. Look at the establishment of the Women’s Loyal National League in 1863 by Anthony and Stanton. As the first national women’s political organization in the United States, it had a membership of 5000 and provided a platform for women to speak out on issues like slavery and women’s right to vote. [11] X Research source
Body paragraph 2: You may discuss Anthony’s mid career struggles. Look at the split in the women’s movement in May 1869, with the establishment of the National Woman’s Suffrage Association (NWSA) by Anthony and Stanton, and the rival American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA). Note how after the Civil War, Anthony devoted her time and life to the suffrage movement, assuming leadership of the NWSA in 1890 and continuing to advocate for women’s rights. Anthony also remained unmarried, which gave her an advantage under the law, as married women at the time were not permitted to sign official documents and had to defer to their husbands. [12] X Research source
Body paragraph 3: You may discuss Anthony’s later life, including her many speaking engagements throughout the United States on the need for women’s suffrage and equal rights. Though Anthony died in 1906, and did not live to see the passing of the Nineteenth Amendment of the Constitution, affording women the right to vote in the United States in 1920, her forty years of tireless work paved the way for the legal precedent and gave women a strong sense of empowerment and equality. [13] X Research source

Step 4 Summarize your thoughts in your conclusion.

For example, you may restate your thesis: “Throughout her life, Susan B. Anthony’s sacrificed her time, energy, and personal livelihood to advocate for women’s rights, proving that though many heroes may be forgotten, their actions will live on in history.”

Editing the Essay

Step 1 Use the last five minutes to proofread your essay.

For example, an essay on Susan B. Anthony could have the title: “An Unsung Heroine” or “Susan B. Anthony: An Advocate for Change”.

Community Q&A

If you're writing an essay in 15 minutes, try to spend two to three minutes on each body paragraph. Then, take three minutes on your conclusion paragraph and go back to your introduction. Spend the last three minutes revising your introduction so it matches the tone and perspective of the rest of your essay. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

If you need to write the essay in one day, focus on writing a paragraph at a time and taking small breaks in between by relaxing and browsing the internet. A 10-minute break should be enough time to relax before it's back to crunch time.
Writing the body paragraphs first can sometimes make it easier to write the introduction and conclusion later on.

↑ Arash Fayz. Test Prep Tutor. Expert Interview. 1 November 2019.
↑ https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/essay_planning/essay-planning
↑ https://resources.warburg.sas.ac.uk/pdf/emh823b2778298.pdf
↑ https://www.hunter.cuny.edu/rwc/handouts/the-writing-process-1/invention/Writing-a-Response-or-Reaction-Paper
↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/thesis-statements/
↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/test-terror.html
↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/introductions/
↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/should-i-use-i/
↑ https://www.rochester.edu/sba/
↑ https://repository.library.georgetown.edu/bitstream/handle/10822/553350/laCossJoanHarkin.pdf
↑ https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/susan-b-anthony
↑ https://www.britannica.com/biography/Susan-B-Anthony

About This Article

In order to successfully write an essay in under 30 minutes, you need to plan it out and work efficiently. Take a good 10 minutes to plan out the essay and come up with a thesis statement that will convey your argument and help guide your essay. It may seem like a large chunk of your time, but it will save you from having to rewrite or restructure your essay later on. Then, take 15 minutes to write your introductory paragraph, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Use the last 5 minutes to proofread your essay and look for spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors. Don’t worry about coming up with a title until you’re finished. It will be much easier then. For tips about how to edit an essay you write in under 30 minutes, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Research Paper Fast

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1. Understand the Assignment:

2. Choose a Topic:

3. Perform Research:

4. Write Your Thesis:

5. Outline Your Paper:

6. The Body/Intro and Conclusion:

7. Cite Sources:

9. Proofread Revise and Editing:

10. Find and Remove Plagiarism:

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1. Brainstorm Quickly

2. Research

3. Write Quickly

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1. Distraction-free:

2. Good lighting:

3. Go somewhere studious:

4. Bring just your supplies needed:

Tips to Avoid Procrastination

1. Start early:

2. Outline first and take breaks:

3. Ask for help if you need it:

The Bottom Line

How to write a whole research paper in a week

Prepare well

Reserve a whole week for writing

Get your Revision Checklist

Write the individual sections in a reasonable order

Just do it!

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How To Write Your Research Paper Fast

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1. Choose a Manageable Topic

2. Create a Detailed Outline

3. Set Clear Goals and Deadlines

4. Utilize Reliable Sources

5. Use Online Tools for Research

6. Limit Distractions

7. Write in Blocks of Time

8. Utilize Templates

9. Write the Body First

10. Focus on One Section at a Time

11. Write a Strong Thesis Statement

12. Use In-text Citations as You Write

13. Proofread as You Go

14. Seek Feedback Early

15. Utilize Writing Apps

16. Take Breaks

17. Stay Organized

18. Edit and Revise

19. Set Aside Time for Final Proofreading

A Complete Guide on How to Write a Research Paper Fast (Without Sacrificing Quality), Step-by-Step

Step 2: Research

Step 3: Outline

Step 4: Writing

Step 5: Introduction and Thesis

Step 6: Citations

Step 7: Proofreading

Step 8: Feedback

Step 9: Revision