Humanities › English Research Paper Writing Checklist Print PeopleImages / Getty Images English Writing Writing Research Papers Writing Essays Journalism English Grammar By Grace Fleming Grace Fleming Education Expert M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia B.A., History, Armstrong State University Grace Fleming, M.Ed., is a senior academic advisor at Georgia Southern University, where she helps students improve their academic performance and develop good study skills. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on January 31, 2019 A research paper checklist is an essential tool because the task of putting together a quality paper involves many steps. Nobody writes a perfect report in one sitting! Before you get started on your project, you should review the checklist on research ethics. Later, once you have finished the final draft of your research paper, you can use this checklist to make sure that you have remembered all the details. Research Paper Checklist First Paragraph and Introduction Yes Needs Work Introductory sentence is interesting The thesis sentence is specific The thesis statement makes a clear declaration that I back up with examples Body Paragraphs Yes Needs Work Does each paragraph begin with a good topic sentence? Do I provide clear evidence to support my thesis? Have I used examples with citations evenly throughout the work? Do my paragraphs flow in a logical manner? Have I used clear transition sentences? Paper Format Yes Needs Work Title page meets assignment requirements Page numbers are in the right location on the page Page numbers start and stop on the right pages Each citation has a bibliography entry In-text citations checked for proper formatting Proofreading Yes Needs Work I've checked for confusing word errors I've checked for logical flow My summary restates my thesis in different words Meeting the Assignment Yes Needs Work I mention previous research or positions on this topic My paper is the right length I've used enough sources I've included the required variety of source types Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Fleming, Grace. "Research Paper Writing Checklist." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/research-paper-checklist-1857263. Fleming, Grace. (2023, April 5). Research Paper Writing Checklist. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/research-paper-checklist-1857263 Fleming, Grace. "Research Paper Writing Checklist." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/research-paper-checklist-1857263 (accessed March 29, 2024). copy citation By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies