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Research Paper Guidelines

How to write a research paper

Published onDec 25, 2020
Research Paper Guidelines
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You're viewing an older Release (#2) of this Pub.

  • This Release (#2) was created on Dec 30, 2020 ()
  • The latest Release (#6) was created on Nov 07, 2022 ().

A Good Research Paper

  • Clearly defines the historical and geographical context of the topic

  • Situates itself within an ongoing scholarly conversation

  • Presents a persuasively argued point that is amply supported with relevant evidence from primary and secondary source material

  • Acknowledges other points of view

  • Discusses the significance of its claims

  • Is well written and organized

To Achieve these Goals, Include:

Introductory Paragraph

  • An indication of your topic

  • The scholarly historical and context of your research

  • The question you are addressing

  • Your thesis statement

  • An indication of the significance of your topic and question

Research Question

  • Open-ended

  • Amenable to historical research

Thesis

  • An answer to the question you pose

  • Arguable (i.e. open to interpretation)

  • Amply supported by evidence

Evidence

  • Explain which of your claims each piece of evidence supports

  • Explain how the evidence supports your claims

  • Acknowledge sources clearly and correctly (using Chicago Manual of Style 17th edition full note style), whether you quote or paraphrase an author’s words or merely draw upon an author’s ideas

  • Use direct quotation sparingly and only when necessary

Counter Argument

  • Acknowledge the scholars whose positions differ from yours

  • Explain how each counterargument differs from your own claims

  • Present the evidence that supports each counterargument

  • Rebut each counterargument (i.e., explain why your claims are stronger)

Conclusion

  • Summarize the argument

  • Reiterate and elaborate the significance

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