Writing the Research Paper How to format the paper and weave your thoughts and research into a unified whole!

The format Remember, your research paper should follow the requirements outlined on the assignment sheet I gave you at the beginning of the unit. In terms of the actual paragraph structure of the paper, pay attention to this…

First: The Introduction The Introduction: (approx. 1/2 page) Like the college essay – grab the reader’s attention with a great opening line or action/dialogue sequence! Transition to a discussion about your topic and what inspired your topic choice. Feel free to use “I” since this topic SHOULD be of personal significance. Finish the paragraph with A FOCUSED THESIS STATEMENT!

The Introduction 2 things stand out about the intro: 1. It needs to have an attention grabbing opening (like the college essay - try opening with dialogue, action, a personal statement, an effective question, etc.) 2. It needs to have a thesis statement.

The Introduction An effective thesis statement should be specific; discussing and outlining ONLY what will be discussed in your paper. It doesn’t have to have 3 points, but it should specifically state what will be in your paper. It’s like a mini-outline of your paper. Check out the OWL at Purdue to get great tips: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/545/01/

The Introduction Remember to put the thesis at the very end of the Intro paragraph.

The Body The Body: (approx. 2-4 pages) This section contains the details and findings from your sources/research. Continually link the material in this section to your focus/purpose/thesis. Your body paragraphs should follow the content and order of your thesis statement. FOR EXAMPLE, if your thesis says you will discuss the problem of maternal mortality in 3rd world countries and the ways in which we can reduce the death rate, then you will first discuss the problem and then the possible solutions.

The Body Paragraphs Each of your body paragraphs should begin with an opening or topic sentence and each should have its own concluding sentence. Think of each body paragraph as a mini five-paragraph essay. Each body paragraph should have an opening sentence, 3 supports, your own thoughts and interpretations, and a concluding sentence.

The Body Paragraphs Use your quotes, paraphrases, and summaries to support your ideas (at least 3 per body paragraph). Remember, for each quote you use, you should follow it up with 1-2 sentences in your own words where you interpret the research info (like on your source sheets). NOTE: a quote doesn’t have to be what someone said; it can be a passage of informational text that you want to use in your paper.

The Body Paragraphs The 3 most important characteristics of a body paragraph are Unity Coherence Adequate Development Again… check out the OWL at Purdue: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/hypertext/ResearchW/paragrf.html

The Conclusion The Conclusion: (approx. 1/2 page) Reiterate your major thesis points. What I learned (or didn’t learn. A search that failed can be as exciting and valuable as one that succeeded). Think back to your focus/purpose/thesis. Reflect on the search. What do you now know that you didn’t know before the search? How has it helped you, or will it help you?

The Conclusion Normal conclusions should reiterate the thesis and the major points. Emphasize your points and leave the reader with something to ponder. Remember, summarize your major points and reiterate the thesis. Make sure that you talk about what you learned, how effective the search was in your quest for self, etc.

Good Luck! The final draft is due on January 19th! I hope your search will be a great success!