Library Guides: Student Services and Resources: Start your research

Getting started with academic research

Academic writing can be a daunting task. Don't worry; even the most experienced writer had to learn how to write. Start early to give yourself time to research and put your essay together.

Each subject requires its own types of essays. The best instructions for how to start on a paper are found within your course outline or assignment instructions. Talk to your instructor if you are unsure.

If you would like some one-on-one help with your writing, you can make an appointment with a writing tutor.

Visit the guide below for a step-by-step walkthrough of the research and writing process.

The Research Process
by Amanda Suiters Last Updated Dec 20, 2024 2687 views this year

Research & citation assistance

Research assignments can be difficult to begin, especially if you are not sure how to get started. The resources below are intended to help you with the research and writing process, but there is more help available.

Book a session with a TSTC librarian to get one-on-one assistance.

Visit our FAQ and tutorials for after hours assistance.

Writing Guides

Citation Guides

Book a session with a TSTC librarian to get one-on-one assistance.

Visit our FAQ and tutorials for after hours assistance.

Pre-Writing

Making a Research Plan
Step by step instructions on how to write a research paper from pre-planning to submission.
Evaluating Sources
Use this list to help you better evaluate your sources as you research.
Concept Maps
An example of a concept map. Concept maps can be a good way to get started by getting thoughts on paper quickly.
Listing
Listing is best used when you need to narrow your topic. Includes examples of listing topic ideas.
Journalists' Questions
The tried and true method of the 5w's and an h. Delve deep into an idea to pill interesting topic ideas.
Freewriting
Not sure where to begin? Freewriting will allow your mind to wander so you can figure out what you know most/love best about the topic.

Writing

Steps for Writing a Research Paper
Academic writing can be a daunting task. This step-by-step tutorial can help you get started. Remember, the best instructions for how to start on a paper are found within your course outline or assignment instructions!
Revision Process Checklist
Don't turn in your paper only half finished! Use this checklist to make sure that you are turning in your best work.

Citation

APA 7th Edition Quick Sheet
Citation basics for APA 7th edition. Find sample papers and extended guides at https://tstc.libguides.com/citation.
Chicago/CMOS Quick Sheet
Citation basics for Chicago/CMOS style. Find sample papers and extended guides at https://tstc.libguides.com/citation.
MLA 8th Edition Quick Sheet
Citation basics for MLA 8th edition.

Are You Making a Meal Out of Research? : A Recipe for Research Success by Steve Reay
Call Number: eBook
ISBN: 9781000865981
Publication Date: 2023
This workbook has been designed to help you better understand what research is, how to do it (with activities to help you think about this in the context of your own research) and where you might start looking in the vast ocean of resources out there.
College Research Papers for Dummies by Joe Giampalmi
Call Number: eBook
ISBN: 9781394191123
Publication Date: 2023-07-12
Take advantage of all the resources available to you as you write your first research paper, from your university’s library databases to your local college center’s support services Develop common research paper writing techniques, including argumentation, research questions, and thesis statements
How to Write a Scientific Paper by Saramaki, Jari
Call Number: eBook
ISBN: 9781386140917
Publication Date: October 29, 2018
You'll learn how to outline your paper from top to down, how to develop your story, and how to think about what to write before you write it. You'll also learn how to deal with many issues that writers of science commonly face, from the fear of the blank page to dealing with critical reviews.
How to Write Essays for Standardized Tests: Advice and Examples for Ap Act and Other Common High School Exam Essays by Not Available (NA)
Call Number: eBook
ISBN: 9780525571919
Publication Date: November 22, 2021
This essential guide expertly analyzes what graders are looking for across each of these standardized high school tests and then helps you swiftly and effectively meet their requirements.
Level up Your Essays by Firth Mewburn
Call Number: eBook
ISBN: 9781742245126
Publication Date: 2021-04-01
Written by the people who mark your essays, it will show you step-by-step how to write high-quality essays that will get you top marks.
The Only Academic Phrasebook You'll Ever Need by Barros, Luiz Otávio
Call Number: eBook
ISBN: 9781386037156
Publication Date: February 28, 2019
A short, no-nonsense, reader-friendly bank of academic sentence templates. It was written for both graduate and undergraduate students who already know the basics of academic writing but may still struggle to express their ideas using the right words.
The Undergraduate Research Handbook by Gina Wisker
Call Number: eBook
ISBN: 9781137341495
Publication Date: 2018
This is a comprehensive guide to planning and producing high-quality dissertations, written assignments and project reports at undergraduate level. It supports students of all disciplines through each stage of the research process, from drafting questions and reviewing the literature through to collecting data and presenting their work. It provides practical guidance on common problems, including writer's block and managing deadlines, and contextualises this with examples of real students'experience of research.