1. 1 Writing Tips

2. 2 Readability Consistent use of terminology Moving from Big ideas to concrete examples Coherence (from ¶ to ¶; section to section) Grammar Style

3. 3 Evidence/Research Citations throughout the paper Research paper is not op-ed or lit. review. It is a concise examination of a problem/question, with a clear purpose, and a systematic collection of evidence

4. 4 Writing the Research Paper “A good dramatic story sets up an equation and solves it.” Interesting question – believable resolution

5. 5 Structure of a good story ACT I: a) Exposition b) Inciting incident ACT II: a) Complication: b) Crisis: c) Decision: ACT II: a) Resolution b) Epilogue

6. 6 Structure of a good paper ACT I: INTRODUCTION a) Exposition: (Background info) b) Inciting incident: (The problem) ACT II: LITERATURE AND METHODS SECTION a) Complication: (Competing explanations) b) Crisis: (the unanswered question) c) Decision: (methods of answering/solving question) ACT II: CONCLUSION a) Resolution: (the evidence and the answer) b) Epilogue: (qualifications)

7. 7 Structure, Structure, Structure Introduction Literature Review Policy History Methodology Evidence and Analysis Conclusion (w/Limitations/qualifications)

8. 8 The Introduction The narrative hook Identify the problem Importance of the problem Evidence of the scope of the problem

9. 9 Drawing Conclusions Your findings and conclusions need to flow from analysis and show clear relevance to your overall paper Findings should be considered in light of: current research literature interviews Practicality, feasibility

10. Citation Style APSA (Similar to Chicago) Embedded citations in the text Full bibliographic information in Work Cited/Bibliography Section 10