Writing a paper is hard, but what makes it so much more difficult is having to read and decipher a scholarly article that sometimes can be next to impossible. But there is a way to get that paper done in an easier and less painless way. I'll even list out the steps that I personally use.

1. Print the paper out.

Yes I know, save the trees and all that, but printing out thirty pages is not really that awful. Just make sure to recycle them afterward.

2. Read the guidelines you are required to follow.

Read through the articles to get an idea of what you need to write about and to find different areas that you would want to quote.

3. Get highlighters.

Choose three colors: one for the main points that you want to focus on, the second color for sub-points, and the third color for quotes.

4. Write a keyword outline!

Many skip this step, but it is vital to organizing information in a comprehensible manner. You will then be able to visualize what the paper will look like and it will be easier to rearrange the paper than when it is fully written. Also, make sure you write down the sections that you got the information from in the article.

5. Begin writing the paper.

Make sure that you are following the guidelines and citing your information correctly. This is so you don't have to take more time out of your busy schedule to go searching for it again.

6. Edit your paper and write the final copy.

Then you are ready to turn it in. Just don't forget the works cited page at the end.

I hope that this helped you and that you are able to finish your scholarly paper with less pain and suffering than it usually takes.