Research Papers What they Are / What they Are Not

A Research Paper ISIS NOT An arguable Claim about something, backed up by Research. An extended, formal, academic argument. In MLA format. Utilizes a Works Cited page in conjunction with Parenthetical Citation. Written in 3 rd person. A report of facts. Unfounded opinions. Informal. A perfunctory, casual, disjointed list of quotes. Written in 1 st or 2 nd person.

Research ISIS NOT The outcome of Curiosity. Extensive Reading and Note- taking. A long, but interesting process. Based on the best possible sources. Reading, reading, and more reading. Based on finding out just the basics about a topic. Using the first thing that comes up on Google when you search your topic. Pulling quotes from articles without having read those articles.

So… A Research Paper is an essay in which you make a Claim (an arguable opinion) about a Topic and then gather Research (reading of experts) to use as Evidence to prove your Claim. The success of a Research Paper depends on: ▫The Novelty and Rigor of the Claim ▫The Logic of the Argument ▫The Credibility of the Sources (of your research) ▫The Skill of the Writing

What are the basics of writing a successful research report? A successful research report must include: A strong introduction with a clear thesis statement. Evidence from primary and secondary sources to develop and support ideas. Give credit to the sources of information. Display a logical pattern of organization with transitions between ideas. Conclude with a satisfying summary of ideas Include a correctly formatted Works Cited page at the end.

How to Get Started First you must determine your Topic Second you must find an Angle on your Topic. ▫To find an angle, think about what you are interested in, look to sources that touch on your topic and look for a research direction or angle that interests you. Look to magazines, newspapers, internet, talk with friends, family and teachers to help develop what you are going to research.

How to Get Started (continued) Third you must write Research Questions ▫A general rule in researching- you should write at least five good questions on your topic as a way to organize and clarify your ideas. Realize that you might need to refocus your search as you make discoveries during the research process. Fourth you begin Reading and Taking Notes.