Elements of Language: Fourth Course, Chapter 6

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Writer's Model

Research Paper

A research paper informs readers about an interesting, new, or important topic. It usually presents one main idea and supports that idea by using facts, examples, statistics, quotations, and other evidence taken from reliable sources such as books, magazines, the Internet, movies, and interviews.

Many research papers use the structure illustrated in the framework below. Print this framework and use it as a guide when you write your own research paper.

Introduction
• Arouse interest with an attention-getter.
• Include your thesis statement.
• Suggest which aspects of the topic your paper covers.

Make a good first impression Hook your readers at the beginning of your paper. You can use a thought-provoking quotation, an anecdote, or an interesting description.
Create a thesis to remember Present your main idea about the topic. A thesis statement can be more than one sentence, but try to make it as concise as possible.
Guide your readers Let your readers know what to expect from your paper. Indicate the main points that you will discuss in your paper.

Body
• Develop your first main point with related supporting details.
• Develop each of your additional main points with related supporting details.

Develop your information Develop each of your main points, supporting each one with evidence. Give examples or draw conclusions from your research, and be sure to cite sources.

Conclusion
• Restate your thesis.
• Leave your readers with an insight.

Final impression Sum up your main idea by restating your thesis, and present a final thought about your research. You can include relevant or interesting information that did not fit into the body of your paper.