Choice Publishing Book Store

 

Handy Guide to

Writing Research Papers

 

(especially for the social sciences and humanities)

 

By  DR MJ Fox

 

Price:  € 9.95

 

 

 

About the Book:

 

Don’t let the small size of this booklet deceive you! Each and every page is filled with a range of insights, information, tips and advice on writing a research paper, no matter how brief or lengthy.

 

Regardless if you are working on your very first effort or a PhD thesis, the most common problems researchers encounter and the ways these problems can be addressed are essentially the same. Moreover, the underlying principles of sound writing and ensuring your views are well understood and well executed are vital.

 

From selecting a topic and how to narrow it down, to research tips and a review of punctuation and sentencing, and even a check list to apply just before you submit your work, this booklet will be handy to keep at home next to your computer or to carry with you into the library as you work.

 

Specifically designed to be used in conjunction with and as support for your assignment instructions, and definitely not to clash with them, the advice and suggestions offered in this handy guide will increase your chances of handing in a well thought-through, clearly articulated and well presented work.

 

Below you will find a listing of the chapters and a summary of what you will find in each one:

 

Ch. 1 - Getting Started :  how to begin your work with some practical expectations and a different perspective on the project and how it should proceed

 

Ch. 2 - Selecting Your Topic and Preliminary Research : the difference between open-ended and specific topics; selecting your topic and how and when to narrow or expand it; and some research tips to get your work well underway

 

Ch. 3 - Make an Outline!...and write! :  the importance of developing an outline and the purposes it serves; what a preliminary outline might consist of and what is entailed in each section of it; expanding your outline

 

Ch. 4 - Start Writing NOW…. and build your outline! : how your outline changes and still guides you as you continue to write; why you still need to maintain an outline

 

Ch. 5 - Research Tips : different reference sources and their strengths and weaknesses; how different types of sources are better for different types of information 

 

Ch. 6 - The Boring Mechanics of Writing : common punctuation problems; quoting and quotation marks; the British/American language dilemma; the problem with spellcheck

 

Ch. 7 - Making Your Paper More Readable : words to avoid; a list of DOs and DON’Ts; creating flow in your work

 

Ch. 8 - Brief Review of Referencing or Footnoting : the two primary types of referencing and common problems with each; bibliographic software; plagiarizing

 

Ch. 9 - Finalising Your Work : a practical checklist before you submit your work

 

 

Here’s what some students and scholars have had to say:

 

              Writing, though difficult at times, is no longer the dreaded task it once was in my mind.  I owe a lot to this booklet and would recommend it to all scholars who seek guidance and encouragement.

 

 

              Overall this little book turns out to be a big asset and the principles outlined should be seen as core building blocks to any piece of writing.

 

 

              Throughout this book, there are key pieces of encouraging advice and real-life anecdotes which pushed me forward at otherwise extremely stressful times.

 

 

All in all, an informative and valuable booklet which can be used and reused for writing projects in years to come.

 

 

About the Author:

 

Dr. MJ Fox has been involved in academic writing, research, editing, reviewing, supervising and coaching for individuals at all levels for almost twenty years. She also offers workshops based on this booklet, and those interested may contact her through drmjfox@gmail.com