research proposal and research paper (topic: nonprofit)
tukxchaos
TipsforWritingResearchPapers.docxTips for Writing Research Papers
· The topic you chose should appear in some form in your opening paragraph. For example,
Trust in the nonprofit sector is declining, according to several surveys. Contributing to the problem is a lack of government regulation. Neither the federal government nor most state governments provide adequate oversight. Therefore, Congress should establish a federal regulatory agency to monitor nonprofit organizations, investigate malfeasance, and issue fines. A federal agency need not impose an undue burden on the sector and will help to restore trust.
· Opening paragraphs are very important. They tell the reader what is coming, they set the stage. A well written opening paragraph also helps the writer stay within the boundaries of the topic. The paragraph above is a powerful opening paragraph.
· Streamline your writing. Even great writers use more words than are necessary to express what they want to say (that’s why they have editors!). The more unnecessary words you can strip away, the stronger your sentences will be. Example:
Too long: Even great writers use more words than are necessary to express what they want to say.
Better: Even great writers use more words than necessary.
· Don’t lose focus. Be sure that every paragraph is related to your topic. Avoid the common tendency to drift off into unrelated ideas or facts. Re-visit your opening paragraph throughout the writing process to make sure you stay within its boundaries.
· Read your work out loud. Reading your work out loud will identify sentences and paragraphs that don’t make sense. If you have to read a sentence or paragraph twice to understand it, then you need to rewrite it. If possible, have someone else read your work out loud while you listen.
· Simplify. Choose words that are easily understood. For example, instead of saying “We hope to achieve scale”, just say “We hope to grow.”
