HTML Preview Research Paper Writing Tutorial page number 1.
Writing a Research Paper-
Beginning with an Outline
• Before you can begin your outline, you need to review your research
question or questions & decide what information you need to answer the
question (s) thoroughly.
o If your research question is about the effects of a disease, you will
need to explain what the disease is first.
• Decide what questions need to be answered first and what the clearest way
to answer them would be.
• Take a look at your notes & begin to organize what information you will
use and in what order.
• Make an outline of the information to help you write the research paper.
What an Outline Should Include?
1. Introductory Paragraph
a. The first few sentences of the research paper give the reader a clear
idea of what the research paper is going to be about.
b. The introductory paragraph should contain the thesis statement.
This is usually towards the end of the paragraph.
i. The thesis will be the statement you are trying to prove. (Try
making your research question into a statement to create
your thesis.)
c. The introductory paragraph may also include the main ideas of your
paper. These usually support your thesis statement.
2. Supporting Paragraphs make up the body of the research paper and they
prove your thesis statement.
a. Each paragraph should develop one of the main ideas.
3. Concluding Paragraph
a. The concluding paragraph usually restates the thesis using different
words.
b. The concluding paragraph often leaves the reader with something
to consider….maybe a question or something that needs further
research.
Important Note: Include your sources in your outline to
make the writing process easier and to avoid plagiarism.