Writing the Research Paper

1. Writing the Research Paper Danika Rockett University of Baltimore Summer 2009

2. Basic Elements of the Paper • Title page (for APA and Turabian) • Abstract (no more than 150 words) • Introduction (2 ¶s) • Background information (1-2 ¶s) • Body section (1-2 ¶s) • Body section (1-2 ¶s) • Body section (1-2 ¶s) • Conclusion (1-2 ¶s) • Reference page (start on its own page)

3. Writing the Abstract 1) Motivation/problem statement: Why do we care about the problem? (1-2 sentences) 2) Methods/procedure/approach: What did you actually do to get your results? (e.g. analyzed 6 scholarly articles, interviewed 3 professors, examined an aspect of government from an historical perspective) Note: You should also state your main topic here (1-2 sentences) 3) Results/findings/product: As a result of completing the above procedure, what did you learn? (2-4 sentences) 4) Conclusion/implications: What are the larger implications of your findings? (1 sentence)

4. Writing the Abstract [Why do we care about the problem?] The green phenomenon, the dramatic increase in sustainability awareness, has grown drastically over the past 25 years. [How did you get your results?] By examining a data set consisting of scholarly research, this paper will examine the impact of an increasing awareness of sustainability as it relates to job development, the creation of new green industries, and green construction. [What did you learn?] Businesses and consumers alike realize the importance of minimizing their impact on the environment. The dramatic increase in green tendencies has led to the development of green industries, and thus, green jobs. Green jobs exist in nearly every industry with the majority of direct green jobs being in two categories: alternative energy development and residential and commercial retrofitting and building. [What are the larger implications of your findings?] Although a significant number of green jobs are direct jobs, a substantial amount, 56 percent, are indirect. Note: This abstract from the sample paper is 130 words.

5. Writing the Introduction • Try to engage your reader • Use an interesting quote • Discuss the etymology of a major term • Pose a thought-provoking question • Provide a surprising statistic • Relate an interesting anecdote • Explain why your topic is important • Mention how or where your topic has been discussed before • State your thesis: [In this paper, I will prove that] ________________________________

6. Writing the Background Information • How did your topic become important? • What is the history of your topic? • Has the perception of your topic changed over time? • Is there controversy surrounding your topic? • Does your topic affect a particular group of people?

7. Writing the Body Sections • You must first consider: What is your thesis? What are you trying to prove in this paper? • How will you prove this thesis? Think of three good points that will support your thesis. • Make one body section for each point. • Use two scholarly sources for each body section; this strategy will ensure that you are really supporting your thesis and that you are meeting the six-scholarly-source minimum.

8. Writing the Conclusion • The simplest conclusion restates your thesis and reiterates the points you used to support that thesis. However, you should also use a strategy to close smoothly and to keep your reader interested: • Statement of your topic’s significance • A pertinent quote • A call for further research • A recommendation • An anecdote

9. References • You must use a minimum of six scholarly sources • Alphabetize your reference entries • Make sure the entries are formatted correctly! • Use KnightCitations or easybib.com if you are having trouble formatting the entries