Identifying the Components of a Research Paper

Sunday, March 21, 2010 in Research Paper Writing Guide by EssayCapital | No Comments |

While handling research paper assignments in the various levels of your studies, it is necessary to know what all the components of the given assignment are and how you can efficiently put them together. The guidelines of each assignment would be designed as per the specific objective of the assignment. Hence the components of a research paper would be as per the preferences of the instructor. All the same, understanding the terms for these components and the contents expected of it would help you in preparing each of them impressively.

The research proposal: The research proposal, even though not to be attached to the main document, is one of the components of a research paper project. Even though not all research papers ask for a proposal to be submitted, in higher levels of educations almost all of them require the approval of proposal to proceed with the research.

The abstract: The research paper abstract is also to be included only if asked for by your instructor. But when included, it would be a part of your main document. It would either be attached as the first page or it would come after the title page. This must be determined as per the guidelines instructions or if not mentioned, you may clarify this from your instructor.

The title page: One of the most important components of a research paper assignment, the title page is never omitted. It has to be formatted as per the style guidelines and with due respect to the instructions in the assignment guidelines.

Literature review: This is an optional component and is specifically asked for, when required. If you are in doubt whether it is needed or not, you must check with your instructor before including it. This section will discuss the existing information on the topic, whether supportive or opposing to your theory.

Introduction: The first part of the main research paper document, this is also one of the most important components of a research paper. In this section you will introduce the topic, give the necessary background information, discuss the methodology and state your theory.

Body paragraphs: The body is where the elaboration, the discussion and the justification take place. This is also the biggest section of your research paper assignment. It must be well organized and appropriately structured to make your research paper legible to the audience.

The conclusion: In this section, you will give the summary of the points presented and reinstate your thesis. The last line of this section would wind up the discussion with emphasis to the fact that the theory is successfully established.

The references: The section to cite the sources, called by different names by different documentation styles, is the final component of your research paper. This page must be prepared as per the instructions given in the style manual with necessary alterations as is asked for, by your teacher.

Research paper writing will feel like an impossible task if you are not familiar with the various components of a research paper. But once you learn the basics of what the components are and how to frame each of them, it would no longer be difficult. If you wish to get a custom research paper prepared by experienced academic writers, you will find our writers suitable for the purpose.


Tags: , , , , , , ,


MLA style Research Paper Title Page Format

Thursday, January 28, 2010 in Research Paper Writing Guide by EssayCapital | No Comments |

The style of documentation of research findings developed by Modern Language Association is known as the MLA style. It is one of the most commonly used styles for academic research papers. It is simple and with lesser clauses than the other styles. It is mainly used for the documentation of literature, arts and humanities researches. The research paper title page in MLA style is a very good example of the simplicity of its methods.

The purpose of the title page is to give the reader information regarding the writer and the general aspects regarding the submission. The components of a title page are more or less the same in all the documentation styles. What changes is the way you arrange the information. Even though the differences look too insignificant to you, those fine differences are what set each writing style apart from another.

The main point to note about an MLA style research paper title page is that it is not a separate one. There are certain cases where the instructor would ask for a separate title page. If there are no specific instructions regarding the title page in the guidelines of your MLA style research paper, it is to be formatted according to the style format.

In an MLA style research paper, the information is to be arranged on the top of the first page of your research paper itself. The name of the author, the name of the instructor, the course and the date come on the top left hand side of the first page of your research paper. These are to be arranged, double-spaced, one below the other, respectively. Right across this, on the top right hand corner of the page, you will place your surname and the page number, both in the same line. Below the date, leave two spaces down and type the title. Align it to the center. Below the title, leave double space and start writing your research paper.

To be more precise:

• Top left: Name of the student, professor, course and date.
• Top right: Surname of the student, page number
• Centrally aligned below the date: the title of the research paper.
• Right below the title: the research paper.

It is quite easy to learn and follow the MLA style of writing once you understand its simple ways. But quite ironically, students get confused about the simplicity of this style as they expect more complex rules for research paper writing styles. But rest assured that MLA style is, indeed, as simple as it seems. Research paper title page is the easiest part of a research paper assignment. For the same reason it is necessary to pay attention to the way you present it. There is nothing that can go wrong with this page and hence if you make a mistake with the formatting of the title page, it will create a very bad impression and will be counted as carelessness and lack of commitment.

Before submitting the document, make sure that the names and title have been spelled correctly on your research paper title page. Check the spacing and alignment as well. Remember that your research papers reflect your commitment to your studies.


Tags: , , , , , , , , ,


Tips on how to write a research paper

Thursday, September 11, 2008 in Research Paper Writing Guide by EssayCapital | 1 Comment |

How to write a research paper deals with different ways of writing a research article. Though there are different opinions about the ways of writing a quality paper and its contents yet some sections are common almost in every custom research paper . These sections are:

1) Introductory: In the report of a research project first of all a general introduction should be given as a preface. The preface should also point out the importance of the research paper. If the project has been sponsored by some organizations or government department, a brief introduction to this organization or department is necessary. It may also include bio-data of some important office bearers of the sponsoring body. Thanks may be given to those who have been helpful in the successful completion of the project. Thesis statement is a part of this section.

2) Description of the problem: After the preface or introductory portion of the report, the problem of research should be described. In this step a brief introduction to the importance of the problem is given. The reasons for the selection of a particular problem are also explained. If some work has been already done on this problem then the distinction of the present survey from the previous studies is invariably pointed out. This is called literature survey. The aspects of the problem which should be particularly attended are also pointed out.

3) Field of study: While studying any problem it is necessary to point out the field of its study. The delimitation of the area or scope delimits the expenses, means and energy. It helps in arriving at exact results. Therefore, the report should clearly mention the limitation of the field, scope and area of research . This saves the investigator from many criticisms.

4) Research methodology: Every research requires particular types of methods of study. The success of the research project depends upon its methods. The report of the study, therefore, should clearly specify the methods of study. It should also explain how the adopted method is better than other methods. If the research has been conducted through questionnaires and schedules the report should include a copy of them.

5) Analysis and presentation of data: The most important step in a research proposal project is the analysis of data. It should be mentioned in the report in details, pointing out different steps such as collection, classification, editing and analysis etc. It should also point out interrelation ship in the facts gathered. Then, the report should mention the method of presentation. Presentation is a systematic communication of the conclusion. In order to make the report likely, attractive and easy to understand, the results are presented through tables, charts, maps and photographs etc.

6) Limitations of the study: This section will talk about the demerits and limitations of the study and the way to improve it in the future course of study.

7) Conclusion, bibliography and reference: These sections are generally found at the end of every orthodox research paper. Reference styles like MLA, Harvard, Chicago and APA style research papers are quite common.

How to write research paper discusses different contents of the paper and the way to write those contents.


Tags: , , , ,


Newer Entries »
« Older Entries
Order Now