How to Organize Your Research Paper 1/21/2014

A couple notes:  You will need a title page – does not count toward page count.  Start numbering page “2” – first page after title page.  Label each section, but do not add in addition spaces beyond regular double-space between each line.  Follow all MLA Style guidelines.  6 page minimum = 10 page maximum (I will stop reading after page 10).  Works Cited page does get a page number, but does not count, like the title page, to this total page requirements.

Introduction = 1-2 pages  For a paper of this length, introduction should be approx. 3-4 paragraphs.  Think about extending a traditional pizza slice so that each part becomes a paragraph.  If you have personal experience with the topic, here is an appropriate place for personal narration.  May also be appropriate to narrate how you came to be interested in the topic as a way of opening.  Final thesis should be last paragraph of introduction section.  Label this section “Introduction.”

Exposition = next 4-6 pages  Much like a traditional argument paper, there are key first steps:  Define needed and common terms relevant to your topic.  Delineate the most pertinent causes and effect of your topic.  This section should be evidence heavy = 2 citations per paragraph.  When you see the same information in more than 3 sources, you can consider it “common knowledge” and do not have to cite.  If, however, you are quoting a direct line, regardless of how commonly known that information appears to be, you need to cite.  If you have only come across an idea in one source, you must cite it, regardless of if you are paraphrasing or directly quoting.

Next 4-6 pages cont’d  Think about answering the 5 W’s in this section as well:  Who is affected/involved?  Where is this happening?  What does it look like?  When is it happening?  Why is it happening?

Modes of Writing  Narration: telling a story  Description: relating what you see, hear, taste, feel, and smell  Process Analysis: describing a sequence of steps necessary to a process  Definition: illustrating the meaning of certain words or ideas  Classification: grouping ideas, objects, or events into categories  Compare and Contrast: finding similarities and/or differences between topics  Analogy: making a comparison between two topics that initially seem unrelated  Cause and Effect: explaining why something happened, or the influence of one event upon another

Transition into Argument = 1 pg.  Make sure to label this section clearly so your transition from exposition to argument is clear.  Concede as much of a counter-argument as you can.  Refute another counter-argument if you can.

Confirm your Argument = 1-2 pgs.  Consider again relevant background information that confirms your argument.  Drop your oar in the river: You are part of an ongoing conversation about your topic.  Acknowledge those who share and have contributed to your opinion.  You should also supply and cite evidence that confirms your opinion here.  Supply an anecdote or quotation that confirms your opinion.  End with call to action if applicable.