Updated Content 04/24/2025
Writing research papers is a common component of the curriculum for students pursuing higher education. However, they can still seem intimidating for some students. Luckily, West Virginia Junior College (WVJC) offers resources to help you understand how to write a strong research paper that meets your assignment requirements and enables you to learn and retain information.
Continue reading this blog to discover what exactly a research paper is, how to structure one, the steps to write one, and discover helpful tools to help you through the process. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to tackle any research paper of your own!
What is a research paper?
A research paper is a tool that institutions use to convey critical information for a particular field of study. These academic papers typically follow a standard, structured format.
Research papers are a standard requirement at various levels of education, including high school, college, and beyond, so it is essential to have the skills and knowledge to write a strong paper.
How to Start a Research Paper?
You may be wondering how to start a research paper. To begin, you must first pick a topic and then conduct your detailed research. To have the ability to write a strong paper on a subject, you’ll need to have a thorough understanding of it. Your research will also allow you to build a strong, credible sources list. You’ll need to cite these sources throughout your writing to make your paper credible.
Once you have conducted your research and gathered sources, you are prepared to begin writing your paper. The next helpful step is to create an outline for the topics you plan to cover. This can range from a basic bulleted list to a more in-depth first draft. The outline is used solely for the writer’s benefit, so use the method that works best for you. Once you have the plan for your paper, it’s time to start writing!
How to Write a Research Paper
The typical structure of a research paper is separated into four sections: the introduction, the body, the conclusion, and the works cited or references list. This structure is standard across disciplines, making it a good point of reference for writing your research paper.
Now, let’s break down the components of each section and what you can expect to write in each.
The Introduction
This section is where you will explain to the reader the topic you will be covering in your paper and provide a brief outline of the points they can expect to read about. The introduction section is typically one paragraph explaining your chosen topic’s importance to the reader.
The Body
Consider the body paragraphs of your research paper as the core of your work. This section is where you delve into the main points, present your arguments, discuss relevant facts, and provide essential information related to your topic. According to Grammarly, research papers typically range from 4,000 to 6,000 words, with some assignments exceeding 10,000 words. Consequently, the majority of your paper will be dedicated to the body section.
The Conclusion
The conclusion of your paper is a summary of the topics you covered in your paper and why they are important to your topic. The conclusion reinforces your point to the reader. It should summarize your paper’s topic in an easily understandable way.
The Works Cited or References List
When writing a research paper, citing your sources is imperative to avoid plagiarism. Your resources will be presented in different ways depending on the style in which your paper is written. Many institutions employ two common research paper formatting styles: the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Modern Language Association (MLA).
After you feel comfortable with your paper’s length, topics, and structure, it is time to proofread and edit your work before submitting it. This step is extremely important because, as the writer, you want to be clear and concise in your work to convey your point in a way that is easy for the reader to understand.
What Tools Can You Use to Write a Research Paper?
WVJC students have access to various resources that assist them in writing research papers, which helps them learn throughout their program duration. Housed within the WVJC online resource center, students will find links to Canvas. Once in Canvas, you can find your specific login information for EBSCOHost, which is an online library where you can search for scholarly articles and more. Your Canvas also links to research paper information, including the Purdue Online Writing Lab, tips for note-taking, and more. This helpful website also features assistance for MLA and APA formatting, as well as other valuable resources.
Apply Your New Skill at WVJC!
Research papers are a great tool that institutions use to ensure students are learning in their designated fields. Conducting research by reading peer-reviewed articles and applying the information to their educational experience can help students retain and effectively utilize the knowledge. For example, students in the Nursing program at WVJC could be asked to write research papers on topics that directly apply to their degree, such as nursing practices.
WVJC offers a range of training programs, including nursing, practical nursing, dental assisting, medical assisting, medical office administration, medical coding, pharmacy technician, healthcare administration, cybersecurity, and business administration.
Are you interested in continuing your education? Get started today! Contact an admissions team member by requesting information now!