<p>In my highschool, we never wrote a single research paper. All we ever did was focus on how to write an essay for the state test, and now I'm screwed. I'm super nervous that I'm going to get kicked out of college because I don't know anything. I was able to find online how to cite using APA format (that's how my professor wants it) but I have no idea how you actually are supposed to quote it in the actual paper itself. I've searched around and been on several websites, but all it shows me is how to format/make my references page.</p>
<p>The Purdue Owl is a research paper writer’s best friend - see this link for a sample paper in APA format </p>
<p>[Purdue</a> OWL: APA Formatting and Style Guide](<a href=“Purdue OWL® - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University”>Purdue OWL® - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University)</p>
<p>Plus the index on the side shows you tons of other stuff you will need.</p>
<p>Also, don’t be afraid to ask your professor or TA. Often, they’re more than happy to either talk to you about quoting/citing questions or point you towards resources that could help you. They’d much rather you ask them how to properly quote and cite your resources, than get accused of plagiarism (or even just lose points for formatting your paper incorrectly).</p>
<p>Your school may also have a writing resource center that could look over your paper to see if you’re doing it correctly or provide tips and resources for you to use. It’s a much more common issue than you might realize.</p>
<p>Second the recommendation for the Purdue Owl.</p>
<p>Run, do not walk, to your college’s writing center or tutoring center.</p>
<p>Hi Charlavail.</p>
<p>Nervous:)? Don’t be. Research paper is something that is taught by any professor. If APA format is the problem, you can read APA references. Trust me, they are very easy to understand. However, if there are cases that you need to be guided, don’t hesitate to seek help from your professors or classmates. I know you will do just great.</p>
<p>All the best.
Doris :)</p>
<p>Your school’s library might also have some helpful resources. Librarians will help you too. Most of the handbooks used with English comp classes have a big section on APA style. </p>
<p>Diana Hacker is a good handbook author.</p>
<p>^^I third for Purdue OWL. It turned out to be a great resource for me.</p>
<p>^^I also second investing in a writing handbook (particularly Rules for Writers by Diana Hacker & Nancy Sommers). My college freshman English class required to have it and it was cheap compared to actual textbooks. These handbooks typically have a dedicated APA and MLA section in the back with tons of examples. Plus, the handbooks offer all kinds of info and tips/tricks/guides to improve your writing (they’re not just for learning to quote).</p>
<p>I wrote research papers in HS, but I had been out of HS for like 6 years before starting college, so it felt like I was leaning it all (again) for the first time and that writer’s handbook turned out to be a great asset that I ended up using at least a few times in each of my writing classes thereafter.</p>
<p>Also, don’t be afraid of using your campus’ writing resource/tutoring center, if the campus has one. Also, a decent English writing class will have peer review of your work before you turn it in for credit. This is an opportunity for one or several of your classmates/peers to systematically (usually with a professor-provided handout) critique your writing. If something is not working with your quotes, then your peer reviewers should be able to point that out and offer suggestions too. Then you should be afforded the chance to make changes to your essay before turning it in. If yo don’t have peer review or a writing center, then attempt befirending a classmate that seems to have a handle on writing (mechanics, quoting, type-structure, etc) and find out if they’d be willing to take some time to work with you. Entice (read: don’t bribe) them by offering something back like help in a subject you’re more familiar with, a cup of coffee, or your devoted friendship.</p>
<p>A good freshman writing composition class may also have a ton of other writing assignments (from a course reader or novels) that, although small, require one or two citations/quotes to get the student practicing and experimenting with different ways to include quotes in his or her writing.</p>
<p>Of course, you should always be able to communicate with the professor and ask for their time during office hours.</p>
<p>Summary of resources:
–Writer’s handbook
–Purdue OWL
–Peer review / classmates
–Campus writing center
–Small class “practice” writing assignments
–Professor’s office hours</p>
<p>Best of luck in your writing development!</p>