Writing an academic paper is a big job. You need to take your time and follow a process that will help you get from start to finish without getting stuck—and without losing interest in the project. I used this process map myself when I was in college, and my professors required us to write term papers on subjects we were unfamiliar with. If it worked for me then, it can help you now!
However, students have much more to do than just study and complete assignments. Writing can be challenging because of all these factors. An essay writer service is an excellent option for students who need external assistance with their assignments.
Figure out your audience.
You may be tempted to write for your teachers or classmates, but doing so will only make it harder for you to communicate with your primary audience: the person who will read and respond to your paper.
Think about the background of this professor or colleague. What specific knowledge might they have that’s relevant to your research? What are their interests, and how can they be applied?
The last thing you want is them not to understand what you’re trying to say because it doesn’t match their expectations. If you’re writing about a topic that relates strongly to one of your readers’ fields of study, then consider referencing those ideas or studies directly to show how your work contributes new perspectives or builds on existing theories.
Do some research, if necessary.
- Do some research, if necessary.
It’s a good idea to research the topic of the paper you want to write before you start writing. This can help you organize your thoughts and ensure that facts support your ideas. You should also find out what others have written about your topic to avoid repeating their work or saying something wrong (like dinosaurs were nocturnal).
- Set up an outline.
The next step is to set up an outline for your paper. Start by making a list of points that need addressing, then arrange them in a logical order—for example, introduction, main points supporting claim A (refute opponents), main points supporting claim B (challenge assumptions), and conclusion—and adjust as necessary based on what comes naturally when writing each section.
Write a thesis statement.
The first step in writing an excellent academic paper is to create a thesis statement. A thesis statement is the main idea of your paper. It tells the reader what you’re going to discuss and helps guide your argument. Here are two ways to write a good one:
- Start with an overview: Think of your thesis as an outline for your entire paper. Begin by stating what you’ll talk about, then go deeper into each point until you’ve covered all the major topics (or most important details). If necessary, break down each point into subpoints so that everything is clearly outlined and easy for readers unfamiliar with this topic (or bored by it).
- Use language like “this essay will explore…” or “in this paper, I will discuss….” This shows readers immediately what they can expect from reading this work—and ensures no one else has already written about these issues!
Flesh those sentences out into paragraphs.
Now that you have a process map, it’s time to flesh out your thoughts. One way to write an academic paper is to:
- Use the process map as an outline. Write down each step in the process on a separate line and fill in the details. You can include any relevant information, such as sources (if relevant), research questions, hypotheses, and conclusions.
- Write a thesis statement for each section of the paper based on what you’ve written in your process map. The first sentence should describe what happens in that section; then, you can use the rest of the paragraph(s) to explain how this action relates to your overall argument or theme and why it matters to your reader.
Write an introduction and conclusion.
It’s time to introduce and conclude your paper. This is where you will draw the reader in with a hook, then summarise everything that’s been said in the body of your paper. The introduction should include:
- A hook that grabs the reader’s attention
- A thesis statement
- An overview of what has been written so far, including why it was written, who it was written for, and why they should care about it (your argument)
Use the process map to create a framework for your paper so it’s easier to write.
The process map is a visual representation of your paper that helps you see the big picture. It can help you see the links between different parts of your paper, making it easier to write.
The first step when using a process map is to create one for each chapter or section of your paper. Then, use these individual maps as guides when writing each section. An excellent way to do this is by placing sticky notes at essential points on each map and then moving them around until they’re in order on the page (see video below). This will help you ensure that each section flows smoothly into the next and that all your ideas are properly connected!
Conclusion
If you want to write a better academic paper, try mapping your thoughts and types of research. This process can help you get your ideas organised and make writing easier. You don’t have to follow this process every time, but it can be helpful when you’re stuck or struggling with something new.
