Gather the materials you will need for the paper as soon as you have decided on a topic. Start with a broad topic, and then use your research to narrow the topic as much as possible. For instance, if you are writing a paper on the environmental damage to the oceans, you'll want to read several articles on the current health of the oceans to get a better idea of the type of research available on the specific issues. After completing your research, you might decide to write about the environmental impact of medical waste on sea turtle populations, to give just one example.
Create an outline. The basic section of the outline should include the introduction, body and conclusion. In the introduction include the thesis statement. In the body write strong arguments which support the thesis. Always present a strong argument for each position that you maintain. Your arguments should progress from the least strong to the strongest argument.
Write your paper. Start with an interesting fact or statistic about your topic to pique the reader's interest and bring her into the document. Insert your thesis statement in this introductory section. Then, tell your reader how you are going to approach the topic. Let the reader know if this is going to be a paper that makes a comparison between two things, gives factual information on a topic, or provides analysis of a problem, among other possible goals. Then, give a summary about the main points that will be covered in your work. In the body of the research paper detail the information that you outlined. End with a conclusion that summarizes your paper. State why you have come to your conclusion. In the last sentence, leave the reader with a bit of new information or speculation about your topic. It may lead him to find out more about the topic. Note that in writing your paper, you are simply providing a great deal more detail and information than was given in your outline. Follow the outline as you write to make certain that your arguments are strong and the paper stays well organized.
Get feedback from your professor and others after completing the first draft. Sometimes, a professor only allows one draft to be submitted before the final draft is turned in. If this is the case, get feedback from friends and an academic tutor, if possible.
Read the paper carefully to edit for content first. Afterward, read the paper to fix any spelling, grammar or typographical errors.