research paper 101 [tips for a successful assignment]
+ plan ahead [be strategic] + simplify [be specific] + maximise your resources [tutor, library, notes, time, etc.]
Basic elements of a research paper
+ introduction [thesis statement] + body of essay + illustrations + conclusion + bibliography [references—sources cited in essay]
plan ahead [be strategic]
Basic elements of a research paper
+ introduction [thesis statement] › gains the reader’s a.en/on › provides brief background material about the meaning, context & significance of the topic › includes defini/ons of keywords if necessary › iden/fies the 'gap', problem or issue outlined in the ques/on › gives the reader some understanding of the order in which the ideas in the essay will be presented › clearly iden/fies the author's point of view in a thesis statement › 300 – 500 words [max]
plan ahead [be strategic]
Basic elements of a research paper
+ the body of an essay › your argument is developed through paragraphs › each paragraph should contain only one main idea, as stated by the topic sentence › each paragraph supports the main idea by explaining the issue, and providing evidence e.g. quotes, sta/s/cs, facts, examples, case studies › decide how many points you wish to make and in what order › link the paragraphs together › make sure paragraphs follow in logical sequence [as promised in the Introduc/on] so that the essay flows towards the conclusion. › two or three case studies: 400 -‐ 500 words each [1200-‐1500 words max] plan ahead [be strategic]
Basic elements of a research paper
+ illustrations › back to this in a moment [evidence]….
plan ahead [be strategic]
Basic elements of a research paper
+ the conclusion › sum up your main points › /e these back to the thesis statement › avoid adding new material or using quotes › DO comment or make recommenda/ons › it is your opportunity to reassert your opinion › 300 -‐ 500 words [max]
plan ahead [be strategic]
refining your argument [thesis statement]
+ have a unique point of view + an argument is an opinion (not a fact) + collect evidence to convince your reader
simplify [be specific]
building a convincing argument [research paper]
+ collect your evidence › quotes › supporting text, ideas › images: illustrations, photos, visualisations › other supporting data ???? [evidence will help convince your reader]
simplify [be specific]
building a convincing argument [research paper]
+ visual evidence [photos, graphs, illustrations, renderings, visualisations, etc.] Â
simplify [be specific]
when and how to include illustrations
+ if the image supports, illustrates, or advances your argument + If it illustrates something specifically addressed in your writing + always describe the image or illustration + describe what is it that you want your reader to “see� [let your reader know why the image is important]
+ locate your illustration with in-text reference, e.g. (Figure 1) or (Figures 1, 2)
simplify [be specific]
building a convincing argument [research paper]
+ textual evidence [direct quote, primary source, secondary source, other written materials] Â
"It would seem that more than function itself, simplicity is the deciding factor in the aesthetic equation. One might call the process beauty through function and simplification.� (Lowey, 2000, p. 127).
simplify [be specific]
building a convincing argument [research paper]
+ textual evidence [direct quote, primary source, secondary source, other written materials] “The futuristic stands the modernist dictum of ‘form follows function’ on its head: form does not follow function, form pretends to follow function but is actually an aesthetic end in itself, a decorative feature that ostentatiously proposes itself as a useful one.” (Harris, 2000, p.163).
simplify [be specific]
building a convincing argument [research paper]
+ when to use quotes › support your own (original) argument › when the quoted author’s words are unique to such a degree that meaning is lost in paraphrasing › always introduce or contextualize your quote--never include a quote without reference to author or original context › do not use quotes for long passages of historical or otherwise unremarkable information or data › use “” on either side of the quote followed by a citation
simplify [be specific]
building a convincing argument [research paper]
+ a convincing argument needs “proof� + readers expect to be convinced with MORE than opinions + the better your evidence, the better [and more interesting your paper] will be
maximise your resources
When to use citations
+ when you are paraphrasing an author’s ideas, concepts, or words
+ if you are using factual information from another source + when you are directly quoting a source--any source + when in doubt--cite your source!!!
maximise your resources
in-text citations in APA style http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/02/
maximise your resources
building a convincing argument [research paper]
+ IDENTIFY: Who, what, where, when + CONTEXTUALIZE your evidence + ALWAYS, always cite your sources
maximise your resources
final reminders
+ be specific – as much as possible [always] + define all new terminology—introduce all new people + make sure your evidence supports/expands your argument + a simple, well-written, logical argument is always better than a complicated/confused claim
+ read your paper carefully: do you understand and believe your argument and evidence?
maximise your resources