General Research Description Many think a research paper is merely an essay in which they define a topic. For example, they might research Web2.0 tools such as blogs then proceed to define what a blog is, who invented the blog, who uses a blog and why. This is true, but only in part. The main function or purpose of the research paper is to first analyze the topic (define Web2.0 tools and describe how they impact society) and second construct an argument in regards to the topic (Web2.0 tools turn the average writer into a true scholar with publication of writing).
Essay Outline Introduction
While a hook is beneficial, avoid asking a question or using a cliche quote, story
End with a thesis statement
Do not include your driving question
Definition: The definition paragraph introduces your audience to your interpretation of the topic. This paragraph will answer the majority of the closed questions you researched, but it also needs to include your personal understanding of the topic. For example, while there is a specific definition of empathy, how we demonstrate empathy as individuals varies greatly, which is open to interpretation.
While some topics like empathy may end there, other topics, like the Civil War may need more information in the definition paragraph. Other components might include:
historical background (dates of the war, legislation, Emancipation Proclamation)
key players (Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee)
relevant events (Gettysburg, Battle of Lexington)
Argument: This is the portion of your essay in which you will synthesize your argument using academic research. Remember that an innovative argument not only recognizes the conversations about the topic via academic research, but also adds to the conversation by offering new insight not yet considered.
Construct your argument
Make a statement related to one component of your argument (thesis statement)
Include any relevant researched information that supports your argument
Explain the significance of your argument, what do you want your readers to understand
Conclusion: Restate thesis. Restate argument. Restate purpose. Sounds simple. It is not. Remember that restate actually means that you have already provided your readers with this information once. While it is important to do so again to remind them of what your paper was about, you are actually doing so in a new way, not in fact restating. Restating is redundant and boring to your readers.
Works Cited At the end of the Research Paper, you must include a Works Cited. Remember a Works Cited is different than your Annotated Bibliography in that it is only the sources referenced in your paper and there are not annotated paragraphs. Reference the Étude Formatting and Style Guide for specific information on creating a Works Cited.