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How to Organize Your Research Paper 1/21/2014
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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?
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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
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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.
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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.
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