How to write your research paper

1. How to write your research paper The Classical Model

2. Introduction • The introduction introduces the reader to the subject under discussion. Whether it is a single paragraph or several, the introduction draws the readers into the text by piquing their interest, challenging them, or otherwise getting their attention. Often the introduction is where the writer establishes ethos. • 1 paragraph

3. Background • The narration provides factual information and background material on the subject at hand, thus beginning the developmental paragraphs, or establishes why the subject is a problem that needs addressing. The level of detail a writer uses in this section depends largely on the audience’s knowledge of the subject. • 1 paragraph

4. Main Points • The confirmation, usually the major part of the text, includes the development of proof needed to make the writer’s case --- the nuts and bolts of the essay, containing the most specific and concrete detail in the text. 3-5 paragraphs (main points) **There may be more than 3 main point paragraphs:

5. Counterargument • The refutation, which addresses the counterargument, is in many ways a bridge between the writer’s proof and the conclusion. If opposing views are well known or valued by the audience, a writer will address them before presenting his or her argument. The counterargument’s appeal is largely to logos. • 1 paragraph (address the counterargument and explain why it is invalid.)

6. Conclusion • The conclusion---whether it is one paragraph or several----brings the essay to a satisfying close. Rather than simply repeating what has gone before, the conclusion brings all the writer’s ideas together and answers the question, so what? Writers should remember the classical rhetoricians’ advice that the last words and ideas of a text are those the audience is most likely to remember. • 1 paragraph-conclusion

7. Body Paragraphs: What is included? (each body paragraph must contain at least 3 quotes/paraphrased material to support the main point) All quotes/paraphrased material MUST be cited properly. • Topic sentence(the main point of the paragraph). This sentence should help with the development of the thesis statement. This is the sentence you created for each main point. • Intro phrase:A phrase that introduces the quote/paraphrased material. • A quote/paraphrased material • (Quotations/paraphrased material must be carefully integrated so that the text is logical and coherent.) • Explanation & transition sentences(3-5 sentences)-these sentences discuss the above quote/paraphrased material. The strength of any argument largely hinges on the writer's ability to make clear connections between his or her assessments, assertions, and research. This means that every sentence needs to rely on the previous sentence and contribute to the next. You must use transitions between quotations. YOU MUST AVOID placing quotations back to back.) • Repeat steps 2-4 • Repeat steps 2-4 (repeat steps 2-4 many times as necessary depending on the amount of details you have for each main point) • A concluding sentence: This sentence wraps up the paragraph.

8. Explanation & Transition Sentences (3-5 sentences)-these sentences discuss the above quote/paraphrased material. The strength of any argument largely hinges on the writer's ability to make clear connections between his or her assessments, assertions, and research. This means that every sentence needs to rely on the previous sentence and contribute to the next. You must use transitions between quotations. YOU MUST AVOID placing quotations back to back.)