Research Paper Tips: Revisions and Proofreading

Like we mentioned in our previous article it is extremely important to proofread and revise your research paper assignments before you hand them in. This is why it is a good idea for student writers to work in several drafting stages. You can begin your research paper by composing an outline and filling out your research using full sentences. Then, once you have laid out your outline you can begin to piece your paper together into a cohesive first draft. Finally, once you have completed the first draft you may wish to step away from your paper for a few days and reflect upon its content. After a brief break from the writing process you can come back and revise and proofread your first draft by fixing any grammatical or spelling errors that you may have made as well as removing any research details that do not add to your main supporting argument.

Once you have done this you may wish to go back and write a second draft of the entire paper. Writing a second draft may sound like a lot of extra work BUT it is actually the best way to refine and revise your paper so that it is more complete. When you rewrite your paper a second time you are more likely to edit your ideas as well as explain yourself in a more precise fashion. Chances are that you'll notice the second draft is a lot easier to read and flows a bit better.

Proofreading and Revising Your Own Work

Sometimes working in drafts just isn't enough. Proofreading and revising your own work is difficult because people often have a hard time being critical of their own written work. If you have written two or more drafts of the same research paper assignment and still are not 100% satisfied, it is a good idea to get someone else to have a look at your paper and help you with the refining process. A second set of eyes on the paper can help you decipher what is working, and where you need to improve. If your goal is to get an "A" evaluation on your assignment then you really should get someone else to help you with the revisions and proofreading. This way you won't make any careless mistakes AND you'll know that your paper makes sense.

The most important thing that student writers need to remember when finishing off their research paper assignment is that the instructor is that the instructor will be looking for certain structural elements. Often times students focus more on their own and not the structure or overall "correctness" of the paper itself. Instead of getting caught up in the writing process pay attention to the important elements that you have included. Make sure that all the pieces are there including an introduction, thesis, body paragraphs, strong supporting evidence, and a clear conclusion. As you proofread and edit keep a mental tally of these points and make sure that everything included within the final draft this is the secret to getting a fantastic grade on your research paper writing assignment.