A research paper typically consists of an introduction, body, conclusion, and list of references. The introduction should present the thesis and progress from general to specific. Body paragraphs should be self-contained and support the thesis with evidence. The conclusion should summarize the article and suggest further research. The reference list should be alphabetized and formatted according to the instructor’s guidelines.
Although the proper structure of a research paper may vary by discipline, it generally consists of four main parts: an introduction, a body, a conclusion, and a list of references. Knowing how to structure the parts of a research paper can help simplify the writing process. An introduction should present the main argument or thesis of the article and should move from general information to more specific information. The body should consist of independent paragraphs or sections, each making the case in a new way, and the conclusion should summarize the article and, in some cases, suggest where further research might be needed. Finally, references should generally be listed alphabetically and should be formatted in accordance with the style conventions used for the rest of the article.
One of the most important parts of a research paper is the introduction, which prepares the reader for the information that follows by stating the thesis of the paper. Depending on the length of the article and the requirements given by the instructor, the introduction can consist of a single paragraph or a multi-paragraph section. To create a well-flowing introduction, it can be helpful to progress from the general to the specific. For example, a student writing a research paper arguing that solar energy is the best form of renewable energy might start their introduction with a few sentences that provide general background information about renewable energy and then state their own argument.
Body paragraphs are the parts of a research paper that present evidence supporting the writer’s thesis. Each body paragraph should be a self-contained unit that addresses a separate part of the article’s argument. For example, an article advocating solar energy might contain a body paragraph that explains that the sun provides a reliable source of energy, that states that equipment to harness solar energy can be relatively inexpensive, and that shows that solar energy can be easily converted into domestic electricity. The main idea of each paragraph should be placed at the beginning of that paragraph. This idea should then be followed by a few sentences containing concrete evidence that the writer gathered during his research phase.
The conclusion tends to be among the shortest parts of a research paper, often requiring just a few sentences. Generally, a conclusion should restate the main argument of the article and summarize its body very briefly. Depending on the instructor’s preferences, it may also be necessary to suggest how further research can be done where the article ends.
Finally, most research papers conclude with a list of references that were cited or consulted while the writer was researching his topic. Generally, this list should be presented in alphabetical order, with each entry detailing full publication information for the source used. As the exact formatting rules for reference lists can vary greatly from one course to another, it is important to consult with the instructor to find out how each entry should be structured.
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