A research paper is made up of different sections that keep the paper organized and guide the reader through the overall argument. The structure typically includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. Here is an in-depth look at each section of a research paper structure and a sample research paper to review the overall structure.
Research Paper Structure Sample:
Title Page
The title page should contain the title of the paper, the student’s name, name of the professor or instructor, name of the course or class, and the date of submission. The title page makes it easy for the reader to quickly understand what the paper is about and should be formatted according to the chosen style guide.
Sample Title Page:
The Impacts of Climate Change on Developing Nations
Submitted by: [Your Name]
Submitted to: Professor Smith
Course: Global Environmental Issues
Date: December 15, 2021
Introduction
The introduction is where the researcher introduces the topic and thesis of the research paper to the reader. It provides background context and overview of the issue being discussed. It is important to grab the reader’s attention in the first few sentences with an interesting fact, question, or statement.
The introduction paragraph then follows up with a thesis statement that clearly states the argument or goal of the paper. Everything that follows in the body paragraphs should relate back and provide support for this thesis statement.
For example, an introduction paragraph on climate change impacts may state:
Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing our world today. As global temperatures rise due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, sea levels are rising and climate patterns are shifting. Developing nations, which contribute the least to climate change, will face some of the worst consequences with droughts, floods, and food insecurity affecting millions. This research paper will examine the specific impacts of climate change on developing countries in three areas: agriculture, water resources, and extreme weather events in order to understand how this global issue disproportionately burdens the world’s poorest populations.
Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs form the bulk of the research paper content. Each paragraph should be dedicated to proving a different point that helps to support the thesis statement from the introduction. Body paragraphs typically have the following structure:
Topic sentence that relates back to the thesis statement and previews the point to be made
Contextualizing information or historical background to set up the point
Evidence from research such as data, quotes, examples, or studies that support the topic sentence
Analysis and discussion of how this evidence supports the thesis
Transition to the next point using phrases like “Furthermore,” “In addition,” or “Another way this issue impacts developing nations is through…”
For example, a body paragraph on the impacts of climate change on agriculture in developing nations may be:
Rising global temperatures and shifting climate patterns are negatively impacting agriculture in developing countries. Small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, who comprise a large portion of the population, rely on rain-fed agriculture that is highly vulnerable to changes in weather (Smith, 2019). A recent study found that yields from major food crops like corn, wheat and rice could decrease by up to 30% in some developing regions by 2050 due to increased heat and drought (Jones et al., 2015). Furthermore, unstable weather conditions are making planting and harvesting seasons less predictable, threatening food security in nations that already grapple with hunger issues.
Three to five body paragraphs are typical for an undergraduate research paper to fully support the thesis statement. Each paragraph should have a new point or piece of evidence to keep the reader engaged through the development of ideas.
Conclusion
The conclusion wraps up the most important points from the research paper and ties them back to the thesis statement. Effective conclusions do not introduce any new information and should accomplish the following:
Briefly summarize the main points or arguments presented in the body paragraphs
Restate the thesis statement in different words to reinforce the argument
Describe the significance or implications of the research and findings discussed
Suggest areas for potential further research if applicable
An example conclusion paragraph on climate change impacts could read:
This paper has demonstrated how climate change poses disproportionate threats to developing nations through impacts on agriculture, water resources, and extreme weather events. With food and water security already precarious in these regions, higher temperatures and shifting climate patterns threaten to undo development gains and further entrench cycles of poverty. As the countries contributing least to greenhouse gas emissions face some of the worst consequences, global cooperation will be needed to build climate resilience in vulnerable communities. More research is also warranted to understand adaptation strategies that can help these populations survive in an increasingly unstable climate.
References
The final section lists full citations for any sources referenced in the research paper in MLA, APA or Chicago style depending on the format assigned by the instructor. This section allows readers to easily locate original sources on their own to learn more about cited data and claims. Citations in the text should also correspond properly to sources listed in the reference section.
I hope this in-depth sample of a research paper structure provides helpful context and an example to follow as you write your own. Properly organizing ideas and arguments using an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion will keep your paper logically flowing for the reader as it progresses through the thesis. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
Andrew Stroud