Formal Research Paper Format

Most research papers fall into one of three categories: analytical, expository, or argumentative.If you’re presenting an analysis of information, then your paper is analytical.

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The thesis statement is important because it guides your readers from the beginning of your essay by telling them the main idea and supporting points of your essay.

—Purdue OWL – Developing a Thesis Most research papers begin with a thesis statement at the end of an introductory paragraph.

An essay may be persuasive, analytical, critical, or expository, depending on the subject and parameters of the essay.

Look at the sentence at the end of the last paragraph and the sentence you have planned for the next paragraph. For example, "Considering (fact you just went over), it's no surprise that ..." or "Not only is (thing) (adjective), but also ...

Even if it’s not a requirement, it’s a good idea to write a thesis statement as you begin to organize your research.

Writing the thesis statement first is helpful because every argument or point you make in your paper should support this central idea you’re putting forward.Here’s a tip: Although the research paper format is fairly standardized, writing guidelines may vary not only among academic institutions but also among individual professors.Pay attention to any how-to handouts you’ve received, and don’t forget to check your university’s writing lab for more resources.Without it, your paper will lack focus and you’ll spend much more time in the revision process trying to make sense of your jumbled thoughts.The thesis statement is a sentence that summarizes the main point of your essay and previews your supporting points.If you’re writing to explain information, then your paper is expository.If you’re arguing a conclusion, then it’s argumentative or persuasive.She earned her Ph D in English from the University of Georgia in 2015.There are 53 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.Your thesis statement should match the type of paper you’re writing.Invest time in writing your thesis statement—it’s the main idea of your paper, from which everything else flows.