6.03 Drafting Your Research Paper

The introduction is the first part of your research paper that let’s your reader know what your paper will discuss, investigate, or explore about a given topic. (You can view the definitions for the terms in red, italic text by clicking on the term.)

Introductory Paragraph

Listen to the Purpose of Introduction or read the text version.

Your introductory paragraph should do the following:

• Grab your reader’s interest—quote, anecdote, intriguing fact.

• Identify the research paper topic.

• Include the thesis statement—the focus of the research paper.

• Read a sample introductory paragraph.

Body of Research Paper

The body of your paper is your chance to explain your ideas on the paper’s topic.

Listen to the Purpose of Body or read the text version.

Your body paragraphs should do the following:

• Explain the main points of your thesis statement.

• Use textual evidence  to support your ideas.

• Use additional information from reliable sources  to elaborate your points.

• Use parenthentical/in-text citation  to show where your information came from.

• Read a sample body paragraph.

Conclusion

The conclusion is the last paragraph in your research paper that brings closure to the ideas presented.

Listen to the Purpose of Conclusion or read the text version.

Your concluding paragraphs should do the following:

• Rephrase your thesis statement to remind your readers of the main points covered in the paper.

• Include final remarks about the essay’s topic.

• Read a sample conclusion paragraph.

Once you have completed your draft, have an adult review it, using the research paper rubric for the necessary requirements.