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Research Papers

Writing research papers allows you to take a deeper dive into a topic while relying on credible sources for information.  A research paper should be original work from you, the writer. This means that the vast majority of the research paper content should be your ideas, analysis, and words and should avoid an overreliance on direct quotations from outside sources.

Consider this approach when writing your papers:

This research process also hones the skills that so many employers find valuable, like researching for information, applying the information, prioritizing and organizing information, and more.

Breaking the process down into steps will make it more manageable.

Components of a Research Paper

  • Introduction
    • Introduces the topic covered in the paper 
    • States the thesis or position to be supported in the body of the paper
    • Usually one or two paragraphs in length
  • Body
    • ​The main part of the paper
    • Points presented in logical order to support the thesis, one point per paragraph
    • length of this section varies; usually, a minimum of three paragraphs
  • Conclusion
    • Restates the thesis 
    • Reinforces significant points made in the body of the paper
    • Usually one or two paragraphs in length

 

Research FAQs