Writing the first draft of a research paper can seem like an overwhelming task, but taking it step-by-step and knowing what to expect can help make the process feel more manageable. This article provides an in-depth look at several key aspects of drafting the initial version of a research paper, including structuring the paper, integrating research, and developing an argument, accompanied by a sample first draft.
The first step in drafting a research paper is determining its basic structure and outline. Most college-level papers follow a standard introduction, body, conclusion structure. The introduction should introduce the topic, provide necessary context and background, state the research question or thesis, and outline the structure of the paper. For example, the introduction of a paper analyzing the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems may state:
“Rising global temperatures as a result of climate change pose serious threats to marine ecosystems worldwide. This paper will explore three main ways climate change is negatively impacting oceans: increasing ocean temperatures, rising sea levels, and ocean acidification. Each of these impacts will be examined in their own section through an analysis of recent scientific studies. The conclusion will summarize the key findings regarding how climate change is disrupting delicate ocean environments and the consequences this may have.”
This introduction orients the reader to the topic, previews the organization of the discussion to follow, and establishes the research question or argument to be addressed. The body of the paper should then be divided into sections devoted to individually exploring and developing each major topic or point outlined in the introduction. In the climate change example, these sections would delve into increasing ocean temperatures, rising sea levels, and ocean acidification separately with their own evidence and analysis before coming together in the conclusion.
Proper organization from the outline stage allows for a coherent structure and logical flow to developing the full paper. The main sections of a first draft research paper will still lack substance until sources are incorporated through paraphrasing and quoting. A successful integration of research demonstrates that ideas are not merely being regurgitated, but built upon, contextualized, and analyzed using outside support.
For example, in developing the ocean temperature section of the climate change paper, relevant information and data would be synthesized from sources like recent International Panel on Climate Change reports or scientific journal articles on recorded increases:
“As the IPCC (2019) concludes, global ocean temperatures have risen dramatically in recent decades. One such study published in Nature finds that between 1871-2018, average ocean temperatures rose at an average rate of 0.01°C per decade in the top 2000m of the world’s oceans (Cheng et al., 2020). This steady warming has accelerated notably in more recent years; according to Cheng et al.’s (2020) analysis, the top 2000m warmed approximately 0.1°C from 1971-2018, ten times faster than the long-term average rate. Such rapidly increasing ocean heat poses grave threats to marine life…”
By thoughtfully integrating credible outside evidence using signals like introductory phrases (“As the IPCC concludes…”) and citations, the argumentation and points made start to transform from vague ideas into a developed, research-backed discussion. Repeating this process of synthesis and analysis for each major topic area helps transform a bare outline into a substantive first draft.
Of course, merely compiling research is not the sole aim – a clear and logical argument must unite the information presented. In the climate change paper example, the argument being made is that rising ocean temperatures, sea levels, and acidification present serious risks to marine ecosystems due to climate change. To effectively develop this argument, the conclusion would summarize the key points regarding impacts established in each major section before drawing an overarching conclusion:
“The evidence presented demonstrates climate change poses grave threats to ocean environments through various mechanisms. Rapidly increasing ocean temperatures stress and endanger sensitive species unable to adapt. Rising sea levels inundate coastal habitats and exacerbate more extreme weather events. And ongoing acidification degrades ecosystems by disrupting biological processes. With climate change trends projected to intensify in coming decades without significant mitigation efforts, the delicate balance of marine life worldwide faces severe disruption. While more research is still needed, it is clear that decisive action must be taken to curb greenhouse gas emissions and bolster ocean resilience if we hope to preserve the vital benefits oceans provide to both ecosystems and humanity.”
By restating the major findings, tying them back to the overarching argument or thesis, and providing a takeaway conclusion, the paper comes full circle and leaves the reader with key contextualized takeaways. Of course, the organization, integration of sources, and logical development of an argument demonstrated in this sample first draft research paper would still require refining through revision and editing before being submitted as a polished final draft. It establishes a substantive starting point for further development and synthesis of research into a cohesive whole.
The writing process can feel daunting for any research paper, but breaking it down step-by-step – outlining, researching, drafting main sections through thoughtful integration of sources, and bringing it all together with conclusions – makes creating that initial draft far more manageable. With practice, the extensive but iterative process of researching and drafting allows students to hone essential skills in synthesizing information, developing evidence-based arguments, and clear scholarly communication. Though not perfect, a first draft establishes the foundation to build upon towards a compelling polished final paper.
Andrew Stroud