Paper Planner

You were just given a research paper assignment and want to create a Research Paper Writing Schedule in order to complete and turn in a perfect paper on time. That’s where I come in!

I developed an equation with steps to creating a well-crafted paper. The sponsors of this site, PERRLA, graciously lent their coding skills to make it happen. If you want to calculate how to make your 20, 30, 40 or more day writing schedule, click here (note: you will be going to an outside site, but no worry, you’ll be able to come back here when you’re finished).

But, if your paper is less than 20 days, here’s a sample schedule you could use:

For a 12 Day Paper

Day 1

1. Get Organized! Gather writing materials, update writing and reference software

2. Be completely sure you understand the assignment. Make sure you understand exactly what you are being asked to create by reading the project description carefully. If you have any concerns or questions about the assignment, ask your instructor before you begin researching.

Day 2

3. Research the general topic. If the topic or subject has been assigned to you, begin researching that subject or topic. If you need to choose your own topic, you will want to begin researching sources dealing with a broad, general subject in order to narrow down to a specific topic. The library or the internet can be helpful with this.

4. Choose subject matter that is suitable to the type and length of the assignment. If you are being asked to choose your own topic, make sure that the topic you decide on is suitable for the length of the paper.

5. Classify and investigate materials for research. Explore your topic, using your library or the internet, and put together a relevant listing of sources. Evaluate your sources to make certain you are consulting experts in your subject field.

6. Create a thesis statement, and start researching and reading. The thesis statement should cover only what you want to discuss within your paper. You may need to revise the statement as you become immersed in your topic.

By Day 6

7. Research stage completed! By this date you will have read through your source list, compiled research notes, and recorded bibliographic information for every book, article, or internet source you read.

8. Create an outline – develop the overall structure of your paper. Developing an outline before you write your paper will make organizing your project easier. Summarize the major points of your topic and include specific details supporting those key ideas.

9. Review and organize all your notes. Categorize your notes according to the sections and sub sections within your outline.

By Day 8

10. First Version completed! Your first draft written using your outline as your guide. Revise thesis statement and create working title. Make certain to identify citations

11. Proofread and edit your draft. Make editing changes as you read through your paper. Add more information if certain areas of your paper require more discussion. Before creating the final paper, read it out loud and have a friend read it.

By Day 10

12. Create your final paper – run grammar and spell check. Make sure to follow your instructor’s guidelines when creating your final paper.

13. Craft a list of references using your sources used within the paper. Every source cited within your paper should be cited. Make certain to use the proper referencing format.

Day 11

14. Turn in completed paper!