Research Papers For Dummies

Conduct grade–A research in the library or on the Internet

Your complete toolbox to plan, structure, and write a quality paper

Writing research papers doesn′t have to be intimidating. Whether you′re a student, a homeschooling parent, or a businessperson, this friendly, step–by–step guide gives you the easiest, fastest methods for completing a paper, from selecting a topic to organizing findings to citing sources.

The Dummies Way
∗ Explanations in plain English
∗ "Get in, get out" information
∗ Icons and other navigational aids
∗ Tear–out cheat sheet
∗ Top ten lists
∗ A dash of humor and fun

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Introduction.

Part I: Figuring Out What You Are Writing and How to Write It.

Chapter 1: Running a Marathon in Sandals, or Writing a Research Paper.

Chapter 2: Getting on the Right Track: Tips for Saving Time and Effort.

Chapter 3: What Am I Writing About?

Part II: Finding Everything about Anything: Research.

Chapter 4: Casting a Wide Net: Choosing Sources for Your Paper.

Chapter 5: Surfing Safari: Researching Online.

Chapter 6: Working from Traditional Sources.

Chapter 7: Real Live People: Interviewing Techniques.

Part III: Collecting Pearls of Wisdom: How to Take Notes.

Chapter 8: One Size Does Not Fit All: Note–Taking Methods.

Chapter 9: Note Taking: What to Write, What to Skip.

Chapter 10: Staying on the Right Side of the Law.

Part IV: More Than Sharpening Pencils: Preparing to Write.

Chapter 11: Forming a Thesis Statement.

Chapter 12: Choosing a Structure for Your Paper.

Chapter 13: Organizing the Information: Subtopics.

Chapter 14: The Battle Plan: Constructing an Outline.

Part V: Turn on the Computer, Fill the Fountain Pen: It′s Time to Write.

Chapter 15: Allow Me to Introduce Myself: Writing an Effective Introduction.

Chapter 16: The Body of Evidence.

Chapter 17: And in Conclusion.

Chapter 18: The Picky Stuff: Citing Sources.

Chapter 19: It′s a Breeze: The Final Draft.

Chapter 20: Solving Special Problems.

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 21: The Ten Best Ways to Start Electronic Research.

Chapter 22: The Ten Best Ways to Start Traditional Research.

Appendix.

Index.

Geraldine Woods is the author of more than 40 books, including the popular English Grammar For Dummies. She has taught high school and middle school English for over 25 years.