RESEARCH PAPER GUIDELINES: PERIODS 1 AND 3

RESEARCH PAPER GUIDELINES: PERIODS 1 AND 3 (SENIOR ENGLISH AND COLLEGE WRITING)

How to write a research paper: Remember the due date!

YOUR first step is to do some research on just what a “research paper” is. That you can do through a Google search. There are many excellent websites that explain what a research paper looks like and step-by-step methods for getting your research paper to be successful.

For our first paper of the semester (you need to do three) follow this simple outline:

Part 1: Explain your topic and tell the reader why this topic is important to you. Provide an anecdote or a story from life that has caused you to be interested in the topic.
Remember, not everyone will know enough about your topic to appreciate your interest. You may need to define some vocabulary or terms so they can follow your ideas. For example, if your topic is psychology, you need to explain what that is and perhaps some common misconceptions people have about it.

Part 2: What has already been done in the area you are researching? Who have been the major contributors in the field and what have their contributions consisted of. For example, if your topic is infectious diseases, you should indicate who, in history, has made significant advances in the field. What were their challenges and how did they meet them.

Part 3: Create an argument about the importance of continuing the efforts that others have made in the past. Give reasons about why this topic is important for society.

Part 4: If you think there is an opposition to the high degree of importance you feel the topic has, create arguments that respond to each opposition you can think of. This part of a research paper is often the most interesting part. Defend yourself with research, examples, and your well-phrased opinion

Part 5: What is being done today? How do you see yourself in terms of the future of topic? If you are writing about art and education, for example, what role do you plan to play for the advancement of art in society? If your topic is Women’s Health, what organizations are championing this subject and how do you plan to contribute to their efforts.

Finally, make a closing statement, perhaps with a true story about how the world will be a better place, thanks to the dedication of each individual person, with regard to the topic you have chosen.

Your first research paper need not be longer than 1 ½ pages, typed, double-spaced, 12 font. You will read your work to the class on the date you have selected. All finished papers must be in and presented by the end of the Marking Period. Have fun and make sure you do your research and your writing in a way that will interest your audience.