Now you are ready to write your paper or create your project. If you are creating a project, follow the instructions your instructor has given you, otherwise continue on.

First, we need to discuss what the American Psychological Association (APA)  Format is and how to write your paper using it. The APA Format is used to write a formal research paper or a paper/book being published. For additional help, go through the APA Basics Tutorial.

Click on the link below, to open a Microsoft (MS) template that you can use while writing your paper. It explains how to write a paper using the APA Format. Download the template first, (you might want to print a copy before deleting), then delete the information. Follow your outline and notes as you write your paper using the template.  APA MS Word Template

If your teacher wants you to use the Modern Language Association (MLA) Format, this is how to write your paper. This format is less formal than the APA Format.   MLA Basics

Click on the link below, to open a Microsoft (MS) Word template that you can use while writing your paper. It explains how to write a paper using the MLA Format. Download the template first, then delete the information in it (you may want to print a copy first). Follow your outline and notes as you write your paper using this template. MLA MS Word Template

Pay special attention to "in text citations." Look at this document to see examples of how to use them: In Text Citations

For information on how to do in text citations in the MLA Format, look at this tutorial:  In Text Citation Tutorial

Refer to your Reference Page/Bibliography Form when you are writing your final Reference Page/Bibliography.  Reference Page

For the MLA Format look at:  Reference Page

Now you have written your rough draft. Compare it to the checklist below to ensure that you have left nothing out.

Checklist

Once the rough draft is written, you will need to read it and check your grammar, puncuation and spelling. Read it outloud to make sure your writing is flowing right and making sense.

After you have edited it, have someone you trust read it and tell you if he/she found any mistakes. Correct any mistakes that were found.

Congratulations, Your research paper/project is done!

When your paper is returned by your teacher proceed to the last step. 

Evaluate the Finished Project

Organize the Information

Record the information to be used and Create a Source List

Locate and Evaluate the Resources to be used

Define your topic and make a Search Plan

Explore and Determine your Topic