A research paper’s structure varies by discipline, but it generally consists of four parts: an introduction, a body, a conclusion, and a list of references. Knowing how to organize the sections of a research paper can make the writing process go more smoothly. The main argument, or thesis, of the paper should be presented in the introduction, which should progress from general to more specific information. The body should be made up of self-contained paragraphs or sections that each defend the thesis in a different way, and the conclusion should sum up the paper and, in some cases, suggest areas where additional research is needed. Finally, references should be listed in alphabetical order and formatted according to the style conventions used throughout the paper.
The introduction, which states the paper’s thesis and prepares the reader for the information that follows, is one of the most important parts of a research paper. The introduction can be a single paragraph or a multi-paragraph section, depending on the length of the paper and the requirements set forth by the instructor. It can be beneficial to progress from the general to the specific in order to create a well-flowing introduction. A student writing a research paper arguing that solar power is the best form of renewable energy, for example, might start with a few sentences providing general background information on renewable energy before stating her own argument.
The body paragraphs of a research paper present evidence that supports the writer’s thesis. Each body paragraph should stand alone and address a different aspect of the paper’s argument. For example, a paper advocating for solar power might have one body paragraph explaining how the sun is a reliable source of energy, one paragraph stating that solar energy equipment is relatively inexpensive, and one paragraph demonstrating how solar power can be easily converted into household electricity. Each paragraph’s main idea should be placed at the start of that paragraph. The writer should then follow that idea with a few sentences containing concrete evidence gathered during her research phase.
The conclusion is usually one of the shortest sections of a research paper, requiring only a few sentences. A conclusion should usually restate the paper’s main argument and summarize its body in a concise manner. It may also be necessary to suggest how further research could pick up where the paper leaves off, depending on your instructor’s preferences.
Finally, most research papers end with a list of references that were cited in the paper or that the writer consulted while researching her topic. This list should be presented in alphabetical order, with each entry containing complete publication information for the source that was used. Because the exact formatting rules for reference lists vary so much from one discipline to the next, it’s crucial to check with your instructor to see how each entry should be formatted.