Basics
If you don't know where to start with you research paper, here are some handy resources:
- Genre and the Research Paper / OWL at PurdueDescribes what a research paper is and the two major types of research papers.
- UCLA-Specific Term Paper Scheduling RecommendationsHelps you to develop a timeline for completing your research paper by the end of a UCLA quarter.
- Multi-Purpose Research Paper SchedulerHelps you to develop a timeline for completing your research paper by the due date.
- How to Read a CitationCan't tell the difference between a citation to a book or an article? Check this page out for tips on how citations work.
- Start on Your Own with a Research Guide or TutorialThe Library has created guides and tutorials to help you get started working on your own. Contact us if you need further help.
Selecting a Topic
If you do not know what to do your research on or are stuck with your topic, here are some resources:
- Start Your Research Workshops, Tutorials, and Handouts / WI+RE, UCLAScroll down to select Workshops, Tutorials, or Handouts.
Writing and Citing
- Using Sources / created by the Nesbitt-Johnston Writing Center, Hamilton CollegeProvides answers to questions students often have about the correct and effective use of sources.
- Avoiding PlagiarismProvides links to resources related to academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism, including tips on paraphrasing, citing, and note-taking.
- Paraphrase: Write It in Your Own Words / OWL at PurdueLearn to borrow from a source without plagiarizing.
Citation Styles
Select a citation style so that your references are in a standard format and readers of your paper can find the books, articles, websites, etc. that you consulted. Use the citation style assigned by your professor or select one of the standard formats: APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian.
- Chicago Manual of Style Online This link opens in a new window
This link opens in a new window
The complete 17th edition of The Chicago Manual of Style.
- KnightCiteFirst select the citation style (MLA, APA or Chicago). Then, identify the type of item, type in the parts of the citation, and submit to see citations in MLA, APA, and Chicago styles.
- Citation MachineFree citation generator for MLA, APA, Turabian, and Chicago Manual of Style. Also displays how in-text citations should look like in the body of a text.
- NoodleToolsAn online MLA, APA, and Chicago/Turabian bibliography composer with fully-integrated note-taking. You can use this to make a few citations for free. There is also a paid subscription available for a small fee.
WARNING: When using an automatic citation generator, be sure to check results with the MLA, APA or Chicago official style guides to be sure they are accurate and up to date.