How do I structure the parts of a research paper?

While the proper structure of a research paper can vary by discipline, it generally consists of four main parts: an introduction, a body, a conclusion, and a bibliography. Knowing how to structure the parts of a research paper can simplify the writing process. An introduction should present the central argument or thesis of the paper, moving from general information to more specific information. The body should consist of self-contained paragraphs or sections, each defending the thesis in a new way, and the conclusion should summarize the work and, in some cases, suggest where further research might be needed. How to write a narrative essay?

One of the essential parts of a research paper is the introduction, which prepares the reader for the information that follows by stating the paper's thesis. Depending on the length of the work and the lecturer's requirements, the introduction can consist of a single or multi-part section. To create a well-flowing introduction, it can be helpful to move from general to specific. For example, a student arguing in a research paper that solar energy is the best form of renewable energy could begin her introduction with a few sentences that provide general background information about renewable energy and then present her argument.

Body heels are the parts of a research paper that present evidence supporting the author's thesis. Each body paragraph should be a self-contained unit that addresses a different aspect of the paper's argument. For example, a paper advocating solar energy might contain a body declaring that the sun is a reliable source of energy, one stating that equipment designed to harness solar energy can be relatively inexpensive, and one showing that Solar energy can easily be converted into household electricity. The main idea of each paragraph should appear at the beginning of that paragraph. This idea should then be followed by a few sentences containing the author's concrete clues during her research phase.

The conclusion is typically one of the shortest parts of a research paper, containing just a few sentences. Usually, a conclusion should state the main argument of the paper and summarize its content in a very concise manner. Depending on the professor's preferences, he may also need to suggest how further research could pick up where the work left off. Definition of Dissertation

Finally, most research papers conclude with a list of references cited in the paper or consulted while researching their topic. As a general rule, this list should be presented in alphabetical order, with each entry containing the complete publication information of the source used. Because the formatting rules for bibliographies can vary widely from subject to subject, it is essential to consult with the instructor to determine how each entry should be structured.