A research paper is a piece of academic writing that provides analysis, interpretation, and argument based on in-depth independent research, Research papers are similar to academic essays, but they are usually longer and more detailed assignments, designed to assess not only your writing skills but also your skills in scholarly research. Writing a research paper requires you to demonstrate a strong knowledge of your topic, engage with a variety of sources, and make an original contribution to the debate, This step-by-step guide takes you through the entire writing process, from understanding your assignment to proofreading your final draft.