Research Ess@y

STUDENTS: THIS DOCUMENT IS JUST THE TEXT VERSION OF THE POWERPOINT.

Organizing a Research Paper

The Classical Pattern

The Classical Pattern

• Introductory Paragraph

A. Grabs the reader’s attention

-startling fact or statistic

-interesting example

-quotation from an authority, etc.

B. Sets the context for the issue.

C. Sometimes contains the thesis statement.

The Classical Pattern

• Background Information

A. Basic information needed for understanding the position being argued.

B. This can be in the first paragraph (if it’s interesting enough), or it can be in a paragraph or two of its own in the second or third paragraph.

C. Not be too much background information (no more than 2 pars.)

The Classical Pattern

• Reasons & Evidence to support the position being argued.

A. This is the core of the essay.

B. Each point/claim should be addressed in an individual paragraph.

C. Each point must be supported with specific details, examples, testimony, statistics, or facts from source materials.

The Classical Pattern

• Anticipation of the objections and responses to them.

A. Mention the strongest arguments by the opposition and refute them.

*Make it clear that it’s a point with which you disagree.

B. Don’t ignore the opposition’s arguments!

The Classical Pattern

• Conclusion/Proposal

A. Explain how your proposal will solve the problem (or be a 1st step).

B. Remember that good ways to begin a paper are also good ways to end it (startling fact, interesting anecdote, quotation from an authority, etc.)

C. You may end with a quotation, an idea or detail mentioned in the beginning that brings the essay full circle, or a suggestion addressed to the reader.

Other points about the proposal

• Conclusion/Proposal

A. Do not say “Thus we see” or “In conclusion.”

B. Your proposal may be one page or four pages. There is no length maximum.

C. Here is the opportunity for you to share your ideas. But don’t use “I”!

Organizing a Research Paper

Two more approaches—

Really basic outlines

Another Approach

• Introduction

• Overview of the issue / background

• Thesis

• Address the opposition’s best points and refute them immediately

• Address all of the points for the position being argued

• Conclusion/Proposal

Another approach

• Introduction

• Overview of the issue / background

• Objectively give one side of the issue

• Objectively give the other side of the issue

• Thesis, proposal, and your arguments.

• Shoot down the arguments that disagree with your proposal.

• Also address those arguments that support your argument/proposal

• Don’t ignore any weaknesses in your argument/proposal.

VI. Conclusion