Part 1: What Is a Research Paper?

The Definition of a Research Paper A research paper is a paper that: presents an original approach to some academic topic, organized around a central thesis, using insights based on research, and Citing sources in a scholarly fashion. An Academic Topic is a topic studied in schools by university professors and by scholars, around which a discipline and a literature have grown up. (Stories about your Life) An original approach means that a research paper doesnt just repeat information from other sources. Your central thesis is the main idea that anchors your paper. It states what you most what want to say about the Topic. Research mean reading and study of various kinds of evidence, mainly but not exclusively drawn from written materials. Scholars are people who practice the arts of scholarship. They build new knowledge by analyzing and learning from what others have done and adding fresh insights to it.

Why Is Learning to write a Research Paper Important? 1. The ability to do research and use it intelligently in writing is a basic tool of any educated person. 2. In todays knowledge economy, more and more people are using research skills in their daily work. 3. Understanding how to analyze, evaluate, criticize, combine, and draw conclusions from the information sources is crucial to everyday decisions. Part 2 From Subject to Topic Subject: a very broad category a general areas of interest usually assigned by your teacher Topic: more specific focus within the general subject developed by the student the narrower, the better Subject: Abraham Lincoln Topic: Lincolns Views on Slavery; The political Tactics that Lincoln Employed; Lincolns Marriage Question: the best topics are built around intriguing question How did Lincoln, an obscure politician from the Midwest, win the crucial 1860 election against better known competitors?

Thesis: States what you want to say about the topic your conclusion based on your research on your research and thought. A strong thesis can usually be stated in a single sentence. Thesis: Lincoln was elected in 1860 because his ambiguous position on slavery attracted support from various groups who didnt necessarily agree with one another. The First Step: Reading around your subject and narrowing your research focus based on what you learn. (Background Reading) A working Thesis Your thesis is what you want to say about the topic. Its the answer to the question that youve posed yourself. It states your idea, opinion, or your conclusion. A good Working Thesis 1. It can be stated in a single clear sentence 2. It is a positive, non-obvious statement 3. It can be tested through your research