Research Paper Parts and Their Functions

1.
Introduction (Issue + Thesis
) (1 paragraph)

a brief, compelling presentation of the issue/question/problem driving the paper

Here you can briefly discuss
how the issue/problem came to exist
how the question came to present itself
DO NOT
start with a definition or rhetorical question
INSTEAD START WITH

A quotation or paraphrase:
If you use a quote, make sure that it is relevant to

your topic, background information or your thesis in some way. Avoid

over-used quotes or clichs, or if you must, try to put your own original spin on
an old clich.
A little known TRUE statistic or striking fac
t: Try to surprise and impress

your reader with an interesting fact related to your topic. If it is a commonly

known fact, people wont be as interested in learning more. Dont forget to cite
your research!

A statement of opinion that you intend to challenge

: No one can resist a bit of

fair and healthy conflict. If you can challenge the readers understanding of the
world without alienating their beliefs or values, you have a good chance of
getting their attention quickly.

An interesting incident or anecdote related to your subject:

If you have

observed or experienced something personally that can demonstrate why the

topic interests you, then your reader will likely be interested as well.

Use the opposite of what you plan to write about.

This is done for dramatic

effect, as in What if the world were like this instead of what the world, or
situation about to be discussed, truly is? Readers are often fascinated,
intrigued by this type of approach

State the importance of the topic.

You do this by presenting statistical data,

facts, figures that underscore the issues about to be discussed. The data must be
pertinent, validated and presented in an objective manner free of any
editorializing the facts speak for themselves;

Comparisons
--similes (comparisons using like or as), metaphors (comparisons

not using like or as), an analogy (comparison focusing on only the similarities)

a thesis statement (ONE SENTENCE)

This is the point that you are making for the remainder of your paper
THIS
SHOULD NOT BE

OUR LITERARY THESIS (In the short story Other People,

Neil Gaiman uses conflict, description, and situational irony, to discuss how
introspection can be painful but necessary.)

It
SHOULD BE
a restatement of your research question with the answer you

plan on supporting for the rest of the essay.

2.
Background Information and Opposing Arguments
:
(
2 paragraph maximum)

briefly present some

background information
that readers may need in order to understand

and evaluate the thesis support.

This might include

defining terms
that are used throughout the paper
giving historical or social
context
naming key players to the event

this section may include a brief discussion of

multiple or alternative viewpoints
that go

against your thesis thesis, yet have some merit and are
relevant to the central issue
.

3.
Thesis Support/Body
:
(4 to 5 paragraphs)

This is the main part of your paper. This is where you answer your research question by

presenting facts and explaining their relevance

This part should include all of the ____ that support your thesis.
ideas
arguments
facts
examples
statistics
It is important to choose a Mode of Discoursethat presents your information in the best light.
The Modes of Discourse/ Rhetorical Strategies are
Problem then solution--present a problem and then present your solution
Spatial Order--an order relying on proximity closest to farthest away or vice

versa
Definitionto tell the meaning of a phrase, word or idea
Chronological--the order in which things happened
Order of Importance--assigning order of value to information and presenting it

in that order
Comparisonto point out similarities and differences to assess value or worth
Analogya comparison between two things that are similar or typically to

clarify a point
Examplesomething that is representative of a group or a similar cases that

can be used as a model or pattern

Classificationgrouping based on similarities and differences
Narrationthe use of stories to illustrate a point
Processa series of actions, changes, or functions bringing about results
Cause and Effectwhen one event causes (the why) another to happen (the

what)

 Descriptiona portrayal of a person, object, or event

4.
Ending
:(1 paragraph)

For this style of essay D

O NOT
restates your main points.
Instead

end with your strongest supporting point

develop an idea that underlines or expands your thesis support or strongest

argument.
try to leave the reader with something to think about.