Basics of a Research Paper

Every research paper should include a thesis, a topic sentence, transition sentences, an introduction, body paragraph/s, and a conclusion.
These are considered the basics of a research paper:

Introduction:

The main purpose of an introduction is to grab a reader’s attention, so it’s crucial to make it stand out. After grabbing the attention of your reader, the following one or two paragraphs will include a brief overview of what your essay will entail. This may include, but is not limited to, the history of your topic, why your topic is essential to know, or controversies in the field of research.

Thesis:

It’s ideal to write an outline of your essay before forming your thesis statement, because your thesis is about the paper in its entirety. Your thesis will help create a better argument and dial in on what you want your audience to take away when they are finished reading. Your thesis should be clear and concise to reduce confusion.

Topic Sentences:

Slightly different from a thesis, topic sentences reveal the main idea of one section of your essay, typically at the beginning of a paragraph.

Topic Transition Sentences:

A topic sentence could be considered a transition sentence, however, it does not always have to be. Transition sentences are used to introduce a new idea while still keeping flow to your paper; they are used to show the relationship between previous ideas and new ideas. They typically start with a transitional word or phrase.

Transitional words and phrases:

however
additionally
in the study
since
on the other hand
therefore
as well as
it is clear
also
without a doubt
altogether
not only

Body Paragraphs:

The number of body paragraphs in your essay can vary depending on meeting page criteria and the amount of main points. The average amount of sentences in a body paragraph should be between 5-10 sentences (depending on the sentence length). The body paragraphs are where the writer will include research to back up their ideas. Be careful to not overuse quotes and instead try to paraphrase (making sure to still cite your source). Body paragraphs are where the audience can find the author’s personality through voice and ideologies.

Conclusion:

The conclusion will briefly summarize your entire essay in 5-10 sentences. The thesis will be restated differently than the thesis in the introduction while still maintaining all the same points. To tie everything back together, referencing your attention getter and its significance can greatly improve your paper.

The Funnel Writing

The funnel is a writing technique used in introductions and conclusions. For the introduction, the writer will begin broadly by giving background information and gradually narrow down into main ideas eventually leading to their thesis. For the conclusion, the funnel will be inverted. The writer will begin by restating the thesis, summarizing main points, and explain what the takeaway message should be.