Writing a research paper can be a daunting task, especially when the stakes are high. For one of our students, the challenge was crafting a research paper on AI diagnostics for a competitive program. She not only submitted her first draft but also impressed her feedback coach, who called it an “excellent start.”
So, how did she achieve such a strong opening? Let’s break it down and share some tips for writing an outstanding research paper.
From Topic to Thesis
One of the first roadblocks students face when writing a paper is understanding the difference between a topic and a thesis. Choosing a topic is just the starting point—it’s the foundation. But turning that topic into a thesis is where many students struggle.
For example, let’s say the topic is AI diagnostics (as it was for our student). This is a general subject and not yet a thesis. A thesis, on the other hand, is a specific, well-informed opinion or claim about the topic. It’s the argument you’ll build and support throughout your paper.
Here’s an example thesis about AI diagnostics:
“While AI diagnostics have the potential to improve healthcare outcomes by increasing accuracy, reducing costs, and enhancing accessibility, their widespread adoption depends on addressing key challenges, such as patient trust, data privacy, and the integration of AI with existing medical practices.”
(Note: This wasn’t the student’s thesis. She took a completely different approach.)
Breaking this down, the core opinion of the thesis is:
“Even though AI has a lot of potential to improve the healthcare system, its success depends on overcoming challenges like patient trust, data privacy, and integration into the healthcare system.”
This core opinion guides everything else in the paper. From here, the student would research and write with the goal of supporting this argument while addressing counterpoints.
The Research Process
Once the thesis is established, it’s time to dive into research. This step is critical but also one of the most challenging for students. Why? Because credible research requires more than a quick Google search or a skim through 2-minute articles.
For this paper, the student needed to find credible sources, such as academic journals and peer-reviewed studies, rather than relying heavily on internet articles or news outlets. While news articles can provide useful background information, they often reference studies that you’ll need to track down.
How to Find Credible Sources:
- Look for academic journals and studies that have undergone rigorous peer review.
- Use keywords to locate original studies, e.g., “2015 study on AI in diagnostics from [University Name].”
- Check if news articles link directly to the studies they reference (many do, thanks to SEO).
By citing credible sources, the student’s paper gained substantial legitimacy and demonstrated thorough research, which is a key factor in impressing evaluators.
The Writing Process
One of the most helpful strategies I share with students is to talk their paper out before writing it. This technique helps them organize their thoughts and identify areas where they need more clarity or research.
Here’s how it works:
- Use a transcription tool like Otter.ai or another app to record your thoughts.
- Talk through your ideas, explaining your thesis and supporting points as if you’re teaching someone else.
- Ask yourself questions along the way: Does this argument make sense? What evidence supports this? What might someone argue against this point?
This process slows your mind down and forces you to articulate your ideas clearly. If there’s a part you struggle to explain, that’s a sign you need to dig deeper into your research. Once you’ve talked through your paper, you’ll already have a rough draft of ideas and arguments to work with—making the writing process much easier.
Pro Tip: Don’t aim for perfection in your first draft. The best writing happens during editing, so give yourself permission to start messy and refine later.
The Editing Process
Editing is where good writing becomes great. Here’s a step-by-step approach I use with students:
- Read the paper out loud.
If a sentence feels clunky or awkward, the student will stumble over it. This is a clear sign the sentence needs revision. - Focus on flow and transitions.
Ensure that ideas transition smoothly and logically from one to the next. - Take a break.
After completing the initial edits, have the student step away from the paper for a day or two. Coming back with fresh eyes will make it easier to spot areas for improvement. - Final review.
Before submission, read through the paper one last time to catch any remaining issues and ensure it aligns with the thesis.
The Result
With these steps, our student crafted a paper that wowed her coach. While the competition is still undecided, her hard work and dedication are already paying off. By starting with a strong thesis, conducting thorough research, and refining her writing through editing, she’s set herself apart in a highly competitive program.
Takeaway for Students
Writing a research paper doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking it down into manageable steps—choosing a topic, developing a thesis, conducting research, and refining your work—you can create a paper that stands out.
If you or your child need support with research papers, essays, or advanced projects, we’re here to help. Let’s work together to turn challenges into triumphs!
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