LibGuides: How to Write a Research/Term Paper: Getting Started

Welcome

Welcome to the How to Write a Research/Term Paper Research Guide. In this guide, you will find library and online resources to help you with your research and writing. Click on the side navigation tabs on the left to see more in-depth information and comprehensive resources.

First - Read Your Assignment Carefully

Check for the due date.
Does the assignment have multiple due dates? These can also be called benchmarks or check ins.
Check for the length of the assignment. How many pages, words, or minutes does the assignment require?
Review the citation and formatting information, such as font size, spacing, and citation style. Do you need to cite your sources in MLA, APA, Chicago or another style?
Note how many sources are required. What types of sources are required? Scholarly articles and books?
Check for specific information that the instructor wants you to address in your assignment.
Highlight or underline the elements that are key to understanding your assignment.
Summarize the assignment. If you cannot describe your assignment to someone else, re-read the assignment or ask your instructor for clarification.

University of Northern Iowa

Helpful Tools

Research Paper Assignment Calculator | University of Minnesota
The Assignment Calculator breaks down research and writing projects into manageable steps based on your due dates. Each step includes hints and "how-to" links. Graduate students can get additional help using the Dissertation Calculator.
Stay on TRAC (The Research Assignment Calculator) | University of Maryland
The Research Assignment Calculator (TRAC) helps you break down the research process into manageable steps, create a schedule, and meet your assignment deadline.

Grammarly This link opens in a new window
Proofreads text and corrects problems with grammar, punctuation, spelling, style, and other errors in writing. Also looks for potential plagiarism. Works with both Microsoft Word and Outlook.
Texas Wesleyan email address is required when registering for a new account.
Grammarly - Create an Account This link opens in a new window
Page to sign up for the pro / education version of Grammarly.
- For more information visit our Research Tools page.

LibKey Nomad This link opens in a new window
LibKey Nomad is a browser extension that provides one-click access to the library's full-text resources and open-access journals while searching the web.

Library Catalog
Search the library catalog for books and periodicals in the library.
Publication Finder
Use Publication Finder to find journals and books available at the West Library in the print collection as well as through our databases.
Search Everything | All Library Resources
Use the search bar on this page to search all resources available from the library including databases.

Zotero This link opens in a new window
Zotero is a free citation management tool to help you to collect, organize and share citations.

Learn More About Zotero
Page that provides information about what zotero is, how to create an account, how to install zotero, and how to use zotero.

AMA Manual of Style This link opens in a new window
Online version of AMA Manual of Style, 11th edition.
APA's Academic Writer This link opens in a new window
Academic Writer, formerly APA Style CENTRAL® is a web-based application providing interactive tools to help students and faculty learn and apply APA Style®. It features point-of-need quick guides and video tutorials. All of the content from the APA Publication Manual is included in Academic Writer . The platform includes sample materials (references, papers, tables, and figures), self-quizzes, and tests that can assist in the teaching of APA Style®.
Chicago Manual of Style Online This link opens in a new window
Find it. Write it. Cite it. The Chicago Manual of Style Online is the venerable, time-tested guide to style, usage, and grammar in an accessible online format.
CSE Manual Online This link opens in a new window
Now in its eighth edition, the indispensable reference for authors, editors, publishers, students, and translators in all areas of science and related fields has been fully revised by the Council of Science Editors to reflect today’s best practices in scientific publishing. This fully searchable online edition makes it easy to find the answers you need quickly.
MLA Handbook Plus This link opens in a new window
Online version of the MLA Citation Style Guide includes access to the full contents of the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook, our MLA Guides Digital Literacy and Undergraduate Research, and a video course that teaches the principles of MLA documentation style through a series of short videos paired with quizzes, plus a final assessment.