For PhD students, writing your first research paper can be daunting. However, breaking it down into structured steps can simplify the process. Here is step by step guide to assist you in commencing your research paper. 1️⃣ Understand the Project & Plan 📅 Clarify the page count, citation style, and required sources. Check deadlines (e.g., outline, first draft, final submission). Create a schedule—work week by week to avoid last-minute stress! 2️⃣ Choose a Topic & Research Question 🔍 Pick a topic that interests both you and your audience. Example: Topic: Pay equality in the workforce Question: Do women still get paid less than men for the same work? Thesis: Women earn less than men in certain jobs. 3️⃣ Conduct Thorough Research 📚 Use a mix of sources (books, journals, interviews, credible websites). Keep detailed notes of bibliographic details to avoid citation issues later. Paraphrase while taking notes to minimize plagiarism risks. 4️⃣ Create an Outline 📝 Structure your paper clearly: I. Introduction (Thesis Statement) II. Main Point 1 → Supporting details III. Main Point 2 → Supporting details IV. Main Point 3 → Supporting details V. Conclusion 5️⃣ Write the First Draft ✍️ Use your voice! Don’t just copy researched content—add your own insights. Cite sources properly (even in a draft). Get feedback from peers or a writing center. 6️⃣ Revise & Finalize 📑 Check the final version for: ✅ A cover page with title, course info, and your name. ✅ Proper formatting (citations, footnotes, etc.). ✅ A well-organized Works Cited section. Proofread carefully—small errors can hurt credibility! 🔹 Enjoyed this post? 🔹 ✅ Follow me for more insights!