Better to be safe than sorry-- make a plan and prepare for paper-writing season.

Yes, it is indeed that time of year again. Here is my research paper survival kit for all of you to use in good health:

First, it is useful to plan how you will manage writing your papers using an assignment calculator.
Second, you will want to review how to begin researching a topic (Part One and Part Two)
Third, you will want to check out some basic research tutorials from your university library. Simon Fraser University students look here and Kwantlen Polytechnic University Students look here.
Fourth, you need to make sure that you know how to create a strong thesis statement
Fifth, plan an outline for your essay
Sixth, make sure you learn the art of paraphrasing
Finally, give yourself time before handing in your paper and review the "Top 10 Mistakes" students make when completing a research paper (Part One and Part Two).

For an even more detailed approach to writing a research paper (especially if you are new to university and/or have not written a research paper before), see my previous post "Research Paper Season: Are You Prepared?" that breaks down the steps above to an even greater degree. Good luck and remember that the best research papers are ones that set out a clearly established argument (thesis) and make direct references to your sources. We don't necessarily expect original research from undergraduates, but we do expect to see a framework for how you arrived at your final conclusions.