SI Writing Lab Hodges University

Writing Effective Research Papers

Introductory Paragraph The opening sentence of the paper should grab the readers attention and set the tone for the paper. The rest of the paragraph should set the appropriate context by defining key terms and providing a brief description of the overall concept. The introductory paragraph should end with the thesis statement. Thesis: The thesis statement is the foundation of a persuasive essay. It asserts the authors opinions that are supported throughout the body of the paper. Generating a thesis is difficult work. Some might choose to write the thesis statement after writing the body paragraphs. A strong thesis statement is provable, arguable, and credible. A thesis considers the proper scope of the research being presented; however, it should not be a simple restatement of fact.

MEAL Plan
Body paragraphs should be written using the MEAL paragraph format. This format will help you to write and think like a researcher. Persuasive writing requires both ample evidence and convincing analysis. This model is also an effective strategy for reviewing and revising each paragraph.

Main Idea
Each paragraph must focus on a single topic. The writer should establish a topic sentence for each paragraph. That sentence should then be followed by descriptions and support which connect the main idea to the thesis statement.

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Evidence
The topic sentence should be a claim related to the thesis statement; therefore, each topic should be supported by relevant and credible evidence. Evidence usually includes summaries, paraphrases, quotations, definitions, and examples from primary and secondary sources. This evidence should be validated prior to its use. Appropriate APA citations should be used for each source of evidence. Citations are typically placed immediately after the source is used.

Analysis
Evidence alone does not speak for the writer. Evidence is not analysis. Analysis is the writers perspective on the evidence that may not be readily apparent to the audience. If the writer expects the audience to be persuaded or convinced and to recognize the connections/ relationships between the writers claims and the evidence, then the writer needs to take adequate time to explain those connections. Analysis clearly explains the significance of your evidence as it relates to the topic of the paragraph. This is often the most challenging aspect of writing a research paper, yet it is the most critical because it demonstrates the writers knowledge and understanding of the topic.

Link
Each paragraph should make a connection to the rest of the paper. It should refer to an element related to the thesis statement and link to the ideas that will be presented in the following paragraph through the use of transitional phrases. This foreshadowing prepares the audience for the next claim and for what might be presented from the writers research.

SI Writing Lab Hodges University Closing Paragraph or Summary The conclusion should revisit the thesis and wrap up a papers arguments. A conclusion should summarize the ideas and arguments that have been presented within the paper and reflect careful consideration of the thesis. A strong conclusion includes a connection to larger issues or themes and makes clear the significance of the analysis. A conclusion should not be a simple restatement of information from the introduction.

Paper Requirements 1. Write using 3rd person. Avoid using: I, me, us, you, and we. 2. Avoid using contractions. 3. Refer to the Hodges Style Guide when citing and building reference pages. 4. Follow proper APA format for all elements. 5. Remember that this is an academic research paper, language use should reflect this. Elements to avoid include, but are not limited to, slang, clichs, and idioms. 6. Papers should be proofread and spellchecked. 7. Refer to the Hodges University Written Communication Rubric for evaluation standards.