WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER

This page is designed to introduce students to the elements of an organized research papger, including the introduction, the thesis, body paragraphs, topic sentences, counterarguments, and the conclusion. The elements of a research paper presented here are aids to facilitator students with constructing a well-organized paper.  Several websites are included to give examples of student's written research papers. Some information on this website is from writing developmental centers at leading universitys such as OWL from Prudue University, Writing Center from Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison and Tidewater Community College.**

Key Concept:  Organization is an important component in any research paper.  Not only does a clear sense of organization guide the reader through the reasoning process, but it also demonstrates the credibility of the writer--that the writer has a clear conception of the issues involved and has the ability to offer a well-crafted response to the topic.  An rersearch topic that has a confusing organization--that jumps from point to point without establishing connections between topics--is less likely to be convincing to its audience.

      • Guides an audience through your resasoning process
      • Offer a clear explanation for each point of the research
      • Demonstrates the credibilitiy of the write

Organization of Paper

  • Title and Title page
    The title is often an overlooked component in the development of research papers.  Indeed, the title provides the first words the audience encounters upon reading the paper.  The title should introduce the topic of the research as well as generate interest in reading the argument.
    Suggestions for creating a title that builds upon the topics discussed within a paper are:
    •  A brief, provocative image can invite the reader to find out more about the topic. 
    • Picking up on significant words or phrases offered throughout the paper can contribute to a sense of unity within the research statement. 
    • Asking a question can also provoke a response from the reader; however, students should be aware that such questions should be answered within the course of the research.  Unanswered questions can indicate a weakness in the argument of the topic. 
    • Titles that are too general or lack character do not invite the reader to delve into the first paragraph and begin reading.
    • Title page is on a separate page from the body of the paper and includes authors name, affiliation and date.
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  • Introduction
    The introduction continues upon the tasks of the title--it both introduces the topic and generates audience interest in reading the entire paper.  The introduction also indicates the purpose of the paper--to inform, persuade, call to action, etc.--as well as offers a plan for the ensuing argument.
    Some methods used to construct an introduction include; A personal anecdote illustrates the writer’s involvement within the topic, as well as moves the topic from the abstract to the real.  Examples, both real (have happened) and hypothetical (have the potential to happen) can also help to illustrate the problem.  Posing an interesting question can also generate reader interest; however, the question should be answered within the course of the paper.  A quotation can provide a branch for discussion.  Quotations, however, should be made relevant to the topic of the paper.  An explanation of shocking statistics or the presentation of a striking image can also invite the audience to continue reading the paper.
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  • Thesis statement
    A definition of a thesis statement is that of a claim that has to be proven unlike a statment of fact. The most important sentence in your paper. 

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    • Lets the reader know the main idea of the paper
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    • Answers the question: “What am I trying to prove?”
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    • Not a factual statement, but a claim that has to be proven throughout the paper

    Role of the thesis statement

        The thesis statement should guide your reader through your argument.
        The thesis statement is generally located in the introduction of the paper.
       A thesis statement may also be located within the body of the paper or in the        conclusion, depending upon the purpose or argument of the paper.
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  • Body Paragraphs
    The function of body paragraphs within a research paper is to continue proving the claim posited in the thesis statement.   Clearly stated topic sentences within each paragraph can help writers to focus their arguments around their thesis statements.  The facilitator may also suggest that students offer a synopsis of the topic, including the history of the issue and recent changes in current events that affect the topic.

    Body Paragraphs and Topic Sentences:
    Body paragraphs build upon the claims made in the introductory paragraph(s)
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  • Constructing Topic Sentences
    Organize with the use of topic.

    ---Sentences that illustrate the main idea of each paragraph.
    ---Offering a brief explanation of the history or recent developments in your topic within the early body paragraphs can help the audience to become familiarized with your topic and the complexity of the issue.

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  • Building Main Points

    Body Paragraphs
    ---Paragraphs may be ordered in several ways, depending upon the topic and purpose of your researcht:
    ---General to specific information
    ---Most important point to least important point
    ---Weakest claim to strongest claim

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  • Countering the Opposition
    Writers sometimes fall into the trap of letting research material overwhelm the paper, rather than using sources to prove their own argumentative claims.  It is important to be selective when using source material; just because a source may relate to your topic does not mean it will necessarily be useful or relevant to proving your claims. Offering clear topic sentences that articulate claims relating to the thesis can be a useful strategy for offering a frame to researched material.  Sources can then be used to back the claim provided in the topic sentence.


    Researched material can aid you in proving the claims of your argument and disproving oppositional claims.
    Be sure to use your research to support the claims made in your topic sentences--make your research work to prove your argument.

  • Conclusion
    The conclusion is also an important paragraph in a paper--it provides the last words that a writer will present to his or her audience.  Therefore, it should have a lasting impact.  The conclusion should work to reemphasize the main claims of the research topic, articulating the importance of the argued position and, when appropriate, the reader’s need to take action on the issue.  Writers should also avoid raising new claims in concluding paragraphs--there is no more room to argue points comprehensively or convincingly.  Such new points would be better repositioned within the body paragraphs.

 

 

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