Navigating The Writing Process: Tips for Success

For some individuals, writing a paper can be intimidating. Thus, it also depends on the topic, course, and information required. Amidst intimidation, it is important to maintain academic integrity to uphold the commitment made by the student during their academic journey. Violation of academic integrity includes plagiarism, students’ misuse of their own scholarly work, cheating, providing false information, copyright violation, misrepresentation of credentials, theft or damage of property, and alteration of university documents. One simple misuse of a word, improper citation, andor failure to completely paraphrase will question the trustworthiness of the student. In addition, another challenging issue may appear when beginning the paper and creating an outline andor draft to start. This paper presents the process on how I write, edit, and revise a well-written research paper.

Gather Information and Create an Outline

After collecting my information and data from either Walden University’s library or PubMed peer-review online source, I then use what I consider the best strategy for writing a research paper. This is simply creating an outline. I carefully read the information, highlighting important, key factors, taking note with a pen and notebook of anything that holds significant value. I handwrite an outline, structuring every aspect of the paper from the title to the reference page. The outline created acts as a template for my paper. I find by outlining my paper to be the most effective way of communicating my ideas and exchanging thoughts.

Creating a Draft

After completing my outline, I handwrite and expand on each of the points, adding data and elaborating on the details. When the first draft is created, I do not make any attempts to edit what I have written. I keep all word phrases and sentence structures as it is due to not wanting to stop my writing flow. I use this time to pour all thoughts and ideas onto the paper, therefore, leaving revision and editing for later. It is during this time when I write down in detail the rephrased and summarized key points noted in the outline. These ideas are expanded, and details are added to make the content more of my own. Citations are also added to give credit and respect to the authentic author. Once everything has been added to the outline, the paper is then ready to transition to the next phase before completion.

Finalizing, Proofreading, and Submitting

A step closer but far from finished; it is at the phase of where I put down the pen and pick up the laptop. Using Walden University’s APA template provided, I bring my paper to life. After the paper is typed, editing and corrections are made. I use a total of three outside sources including SafeAssign, to analyze my paper. These sources check for misspelled words, grammar, punctuation, sentence, and word structure, and lastly plagiarism. If there are any suggestions are given at this time, my paper is then edited and corrected for a second time. To ensure scholarly excellence, my paper is resubmitted in the database for additional screening. If no suggestions, after final proofreading it is now time to submit the finished product.

After long hours of hard work and dedication, it is imperative that your work ensures the highest level of integrity. Academic integrity at Walden University is considered essential for each student’s intellectual development. Therefore, I continue to use strategic methods such as these for writing my papers. I hold myself to a higher standard, thereby respecting and acknowledging the work of myself as well as others. Thus, as a student at the university, I accept responsibility for the expectations required of me. I will continue to trust and use my own intellect, demonstrate my own achievement, and showcase my own abilities. By avoiding dishonest academic behavior, it is a way to promote academic integrity.