Ten simple answers to how to write a good MLA research paper question
There are many different factors involved in writing a good research paper, especially in MLA format. If you’ve never done this kind of paper before, you might be overwhelmed with all the specific requirements it has. It’s important to follow all the instructions from your teacher very carefully in order to get a good grade. You can find some of these things here, but always make sure to double check what your teacher wants before handing it in.
How to Write a Great MLA Research PaperHere are ten things that a lot of students mess up on and how you can do them properly. Read each one and look to your own paper. If you haven’t written anything yet, then keep these in mind for when you do start working, although it’s easier to correct after you have a first draft done.
- Outlining: the first thing you should always do is outline. Write a brief summary of what you want to have in your paper and how it should look when it’s done.
- Research: next, it’s time to bury yourself in the topic. Look in libraries, on the internet, talk to professionals, and read magazines to find quotes and sources.
- Writing: your first draft won’t be very good, and that’s okay. Most students don’t write well the first time around, but that’s what editing is for. Just get out the first draft to have it finished.
- Editing: this is extremely important. You need to be able to edit well. A good editor can transform any poorly written rough draft into a diamond.
- Citing Sources: the proper way to do this is in line citation format, meaning you put the citation right after the quote in the body of the research paper.
- Paraphrasing: if you don’t want to use a direct quote, you can summarize another person’s words. Don’t use quotations around this, because it’s your own words, but do put an in line citation to the work you’re paraphrasing.
- Using direct quotes: this is when you exactly copy someone else’s words into your paper. Make sure you use quotations and give them credit for the work.
- Bibliography page: your teacher will likely require a master list of all citations at the end of the paper.
- Proofreading: this step is to make sure you have no spelling or grammar mistakes.
- Getting feedback: you can get your friends or family to read your MLA paper and make sure it sounds good before you hand it in.