5 pages research paper

1. Introduction 1. Comparable to an abstract 2. Should leave your reader knowing exactly what the paper is going to be about 3. Must include your thesis near the end

2. Background 1. Provides context 2. Establishes definitions of key terms 3. Tells the reader ONLY the background info he/she needs to know in order to logically

understand your thesis/assertion 4. Is NOT a complete history of your topic

3. Lens/Approach 1. Which scholarly perspective are you leaning on? 2. Is your paper dependent on deductive or inductive reasoning? 3. This is not about your personal viewpoint, it's about the theoretical framework you

will operate within 4. Research Methodology

1. Secondary research only, no primary research 2. Address scope & limitations 3. Why did you choose to focus on these particular sources? 4. Predict your reader's questions and answer them here

5. Literature Review 1. The bulk of your paper 2. An explanation of the previous academic work that has come before, and how it

creates a necessary space for your specific assertion 6. Assertion & Analysis

1. The argument that is born of your literature review 2. An elaboration & expansion of your thesis

7. Importance & Potential Impact 1. Who cares? 2. How might this contribute to the work of your colleagues in the same field? 3. Should include 'Next Steps', as in what would be the logical next phase of research if

someone were to further your line of reasoning 8. Conclusion 9. Bibliography