How to Begin a Research Paper

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How to begin a research paper

How to begin a research paper

The hardest part of any assignment is usually the beginning. For example, Many people with no experience in how to begin a research paper make the introduction their priority, not knowing that this should not be the case. To make sure your essay stands out, do a lot of research and extract key points from your work that readers will understand  Your personal opinion on the matter also plays a significant role in crafting a practical introduction. Let’s dive deeper into admission essay services now.

What is a Research Paper?

A research paper is an academic piece of writing that analyzes a topic independently, presents its findings, and then assesses its strengths and weaknesses. You must also evaluate why this particular subject deserves further study or attention.

Not sure where to begin your research paper?

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At this point, you must appreciate the fact that besides knowing what a research paper consists of, a lot more is required. An introduction to a research paper should be written in such a way that it introduces the reader to the topic and clarifies what it entails. Be sure to include intriguing facts or shocking statistics to engage your reader to keep reading your essay. Treat your essay introduction like an advertisement for what you are selling; if it isn’t practical, sales won’t be great and readers may lose interest quickly.

Lest you forget, the beginning is always the most challenging part of any assignment but that doesn’t mean you can accomplish the task at hand. Whether it’s a simple resume education section or an entire research paper, it is critical to follow the proper steps. When starting to write an essay, don’t make the introduction your first draft!

You might also be interested in learning more about crafting an introduction.

Introduction Paragraph Outline

Present Your Essay Topic

Every essay’s topic should serve as the framework. Consequently, you should Let the readers know in simple language what you are researching in the introduction section  We suggest starting off your paper with a “trigger”, such as using personal references or telling a story related to the topic at hand  Write as if you were speaking with a friend about this important subject.

If you are wondering how to begin your research paper start by creating a general topic presentation, then narrow it down to the s ecific topics you wish to emphasize. Doing this will help readers better comprehend your subject. Additionally, include your personal opinion about the topic in order to make it more relatable and captivating for readers. Some examples of the topics could be The role of computers in space exploration, whether Will robots eventually replace human labor, and Driverless cars and accident reduction.

Context and Background Information

Your readers are likely familiar with the topic you select for your first article, as you have likely conducted extensive research. But how much context do you provide them? Ultimately, how much context they understand depends largely on what information is already known to them.  Let’s consider a wider audience to ensure everyone receives the correct information. As if you were part of your target audience, take a look at what has been presented in the introduction – is it enough? Your job as a writer is to provide enough background about your topic for readers to make an informed decision. Readers need to be able to comprehend your topic and make the most of your research paper. Conversely, giving too much context may lead readers to feel bored from the start; make it something enjoyable for yourself rather than an academic research paper.

Why Research is Essential

After conducting extensive research, it is evident that you are an expert on your chosen subject matter. This might be the case yes, but what about your readers? Stick to presenting your findings in the introduction. Additionally, describe how other scholars have contributed to it so readers understand that your ideas are not unique; others have had input too.

To demonstrate your knowledge in your field, be sure to include all works you have read. To avoid overwhelming readers, refer only to the most significant works by authors or names of people referred to in your introduction. Furthermore, in order to prevent academic plagiarism, make sure you cite all sources correctly.

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Let Your Reasoning Work 

Your paper’s opening paragraph should focus on the rationale. Explaining why you undertook this research paper is essential for keeping readers engaged and enjoying it. Make sure to explain how your research fits within existing research in that field. In so doing, they understand its relevance and significance within this broader field.

Demonstrate the significance of your research

 

Only you can appreciate the importance of your research. Your next step should be to demonstrate why it matters. Include essential and most pertinent literature that supports your ideas. Doing so will demonstrate both your analytical skills and writing ability besides the ability to organize data to make key points in a paper. Finally, simply explain why this research matters to its field, and society at large. Most importantly: its findings usually result in persuasive arguments when people can relate to an idea.

Be certain your thesis statement is crystal clear.

Research paper introductions draw upon primary sources and data to support their thesis statement. It therefore logically followss that a thesis for a research paper is similar to an essay or other non-research assignment in that it must be supported by valid evidence. While you may draw upon sources to support your ideas, your introduction must remain unique and demonstrate your original thought process.

A COMPLETE GUIDE will assist you in crafting a thesis statement for your research paper.

Here’s a helpful guide to crafting an effective thesis statement.

  • Your thesis statement should be persuasive and convincing.
  • Write up to three versions of your thesis, then pick the best one.
  • For a fresh viewpoint, discuss it with someone impartial; they might have some helpful insights for improvement.
  • Ask others for their input as well; they might have some great suggestions as well!
  • Your thesis statement should be included in your introduction and reiterated at the end.

Title Page of a Research Paper

MLA Title page

Our writers’ team has put together some tips on formatting an MLA title page for research papers:

  • Title pages must be double-spaced and the text should be centred.
  • Enter the name of your college or university.
  • Scroll to the bottom of the page and type in your research paper title (including any subtitles if applicable).
  • You can skip several lines and enter your name, course number, instructor’s name, and due date in the header of your page.

MLA title page example

APA Title Page

  • Use the label “Running Head” and type in your short title (in uppercase letters) aligning it all the way to the left.
  • You can place page numbers within that header but align them to your right, starting with 1.
  • The header should be at least 1 inch above the top; some teachers suggest 1/2 inch.
  • Your title should appear in the upper left-hand corner of the page. Be sure to capitalize any important words included therein.
  • Double-spaced, place your university’s name below you.

Here is an APA title page example.

Check out our proposal example using APA style.

Final Thoughts on How to Begin a Research Paper

Congratulations on finishing your research paper! These questions can help you ensure that you do not make any costly errors. As you already, the presence of your topic, background information, work rationale and a clear thesis statement indicate adherence to how to begin a research paper tips.

  • Are your summaries, paraphrases, and quotations accurate?
  • Are all references you used, correct?
  • Can your instructor recognize the format you used?
  • Is it possible to comprehend all concepts and be clear about them?
  • Are your “hook” sentences captivating enough to grab readers’ attention?
  • Does your introduction have a structured design that makes it straightforward for readers to follow along?
  • Is the content clear and concise?

Here are some tips to get you started:

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Sample Introduction Incorporating How to Begin a Research paper  Principles

Let’s now take a closer look at examples of research papers written by our writers so you can get an understanding of how to introduce a paper. These examples will illustrate how the rules are actually implemented.

Example of a Research Paper Introduction: Should Parents Be Held Accountable for the Crimes of Their Children?

Recent youth gang-related attacks have become more frequent, some even leading to death – like the murder of a Suburbs East college student. The aforementioned case, like others of its kind, has left us wondering where these violent acts come from; often parents are blamed for their children’s actions; however, it is important to ask whether parents should be held accountable for their children’s transgressions.

Many people believe parents should be held accountable for the criminal actions of their offspring. Parents have a significant role in providing education and raising their children until they reach adulthood; oftentimes, it’s the parents who raise their kids after birth. whether this is misguided or not, it is believed that parents shape their children’s moral values at an early age; one’s behaviour and personality can have an immense effect on one’s ethical outlook.

Parents can be held liable for their children’s actions if they don’t raise them correctly (Gratz, 169). Another argument suggests that children are almost completely controlled by their parents; thus, many believe children should bear some responsibility for any criminal actions their parents commit since they possess such power and influence over them (Michael Andrew and Michael, 4). Many believe children should bear responsibility for these crimes since they believe they possess the capacity to control themselves better than adults do (Gratz, 169).