A research paper should always be laid out in a certain way, and should have a number of sections that are easy to read and understand. The following sections are suggestions to use when compiling a research paper.
• Contents page
This is vital as it enables the reader to easily go to the section that they want to read. Initially, the whole paper will be read, but someone may want to check on certain points and the contents page will make these points easier to find.
• Introduction
This should be short, concise and to the point, and should make up approximately 10% of the total word count of the paper. The introduction is vital to the research paper, as it shows the reader what the research that is being undertaken is hoping to achieve. The introduction should be a breakdown of what will be discussed in the paper as a whole.
• Research undertaken
The research that has been undertaken should be included in the main body of the paper. The research should show a balanced argument and all quotes should be referenced. The use of graphs and charts is common in the production of a research paper and these can be included alongside the relevant research, or be attached to the paper as appendices.
• Conclusion
This, like the introduction, should make up approximately 10% of the total word count of the paper, and should be a summing up of the research undertaken. A good research paper should flow and the conclusion should be clear and cover the main points discussed.
• Bibliography
This section is very important and should include all the relevant sources of research undertaken throughout the paper. This is vital, as the reader may want to look into the subject matter more deeply.
• Contents page
This is vital as it enables the reader to easily go to the section that they want to read. Initially, the whole paper will be read, but someone may want to check on certain points and the contents page will make these points easier to find.
• Introduction
This should be short, concise and to the point, and should make up approximately 10% of the total word count of the paper. The introduction is vital to the research paper, as it shows the reader what the research that is being undertaken is hoping to achieve. The introduction should be a breakdown of what will be discussed in the paper as a whole.
• Research undertaken
The research that has been undertaken should be included in the main body of the paper. The research should show a balanced argument and all quotes should be referenced. The use of graphs and charts is common in the production of a research paper and these can be included alongside the relevant research, or be attached to the paper as appendices.
• Conclusion
This, like the introduction, should make up approximately 10% of the total word count of the paper, and should be a summing up of the research undertaken. A good research paper should flow and the conclusion should be clear and cover the main points discussed.
• Bibliography
This section is very important and should include all the relevant sources of research undertaken throughout the paper. This is vital, as the reader may want to look into the subject matter more deeply.
