Introduction and Thesis Statement
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Input and center the title of the paper at the top of
the page. An introduction and thesis statement header is not used and should
not be included. The first sentence of the introduction should grab the
attention of the audience of readers. It should be an original, broad
statement, quote, or paraphrase. Narrow down the broad topic to a specific
argument that is worthy of research and writing. Research papers should be
written in a narrative format. Write the paper in third-person; refrain from
writing papers in first- and second-person. Provide background, definitions,
or other details about the topic that will help the audience of readers
understand the topic more effectively and writer’s logical flow of the paper.
The introduction paragraph should lead into a specific or main topic, known
as the thesis statement. The thesis statement should be the last sentence of
the introduction paragraph. The type of thesis statement used in this paper
is the expository thesis statement. In this case, the expository thesis
statement is one comprehensive sentence that displays three main
argumentative points that the writer thinks are critically important for the
readers to know. The writer needs to conduct research about these specific opinions
and support them with objective and accurate data. Here is an example of an
expository thesis statement: In order to write a great research paper,
writers must understand word processing software, APA 6th Edition formatting,
and how to structure content. Without a thesis statement, there can be no
body of the paper or conclusion.
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Body of the Paper
Note: The
body contains three (3) sections with Level
1 Headings:Word Processing
Software, APA 6th Edition Formatting, and Structuring Content.
Note: A block
quote is highlighted in
yellow. Be sure to format this item according to APA 6th edition
standards.
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Word Processing Software
The body of the paper should outline the three main
argumentative points in the thesis statement. Therefore, if a Header such as
“Word Processing Software” is used, the paragraph or subsequent paragraphs
within the section should discuss thesis statement argument #1.
Data that presents opposing viewpoints related to
different Word processing software, the types that exist, advantages and
disadvantages, and any other relevant information should be written within
the paragraph or subsequent paragraphs. Subsequent paragraphs may be
necessary. This can be up to the writer, the instructor, or the constraints
of the assignment. For example, a five-paragraph paper should include:
1. An introduction paragraph, with thesis
statement at the end of the introduction paragraph.
2. A body of the paper that contains three
paragraphs related to the thesis statement.
3. A conclusion paragraph that includes a
restatement of the thesis statement, whether it is confirmed or disconfirmed,
a summary of the findings of each paragraph, and final words based on the
writer’s perspective of the research paper.
However, a research paper that is required to be longer
in length (i.e., 5-6 pages, 8-10 pages) will more than likely require
additional paragraphs and sections. This is when the use of Headers and
sub-Headings may prove useful. The writer will need to ensure that the
logical flow of data naturally transitions from paragraph to paragraph.
Content also needs to be written objectively, not with bias. Reducing bias in
language can be easier achieved with third-person writing and critical
thinking.
Writers should support the argument with credible
research from peer-reviewed resources. Wikipedia, the media, or other
non-peer-reviewed articles may not always be reliable or acceptable. Validity
and accuracy can sway the opinions of readers if data is derived from
reputable sources. Remember, one major goal of the paper is to convince the
audience of the writer’s opinion makes sense.
Another major goal of the paper is to increase the knowledge
of the writer. If this research is done well, it should add to the body of
knowledge. The last sentence of this paragraph should transition nicely into
thesis statement argument #2.
APA 6th Edition Formatting
This paragraph or series of paragraphs within this
section should present data about argument #2, APA 6th Edition Formatting.
Just as paragraph #1 within the body of the paper, data that presents
opposing viewpoints related to APA 6th Edition formatting should be
researched and written. Approximately 80-85% of the paper should be written
in the writer’s original words; 15-20% of the paper should be written with
in-text citations. Paraphrasing in-text citations is preferred compared to
quoting author statements. However, if quotations are used, the writer must
write them correctly. For example, thirty-nine (39) words or less require
in-text citations to be written as follows: “The quoted sentence” (Author
Last Name, Year of Publication, page or paragraph number). Here are a few
examples:
1. “The quoted sentence” (Phillips, 2013,
p. 3).
2. Phillips (2013) stated, “The quoted
sentence” (para. 7).
The two previous sentences utilized the author of this
paper’s name for illustration purposes only. Quoting forty (40) words or more
requires a different formatting called Blocked Quotes. This is how they must
be written:
A tutorial will
show you how to create this within the paper. Please pay close attention to
how it is written. Select the appropriate words to lead into the hanging
indentation or blocked quote. Please note that the formatting is similar, but
the period should be written immediately after the sentence and not before
the in-text citation. (Author Last Name, 2013, p. 3)
A sentence that naturally transitions into thesis
statement #3 should be written here.
Structuring Content
This paragraph should discuss thesis statement argument
#3, which is how to structure content within a research paper. The same
guidelines apply for this topic and paragraph. The writer should articulate
the components necessary to write this entire paper from beginning to end so
that the content will make sense to anyone, anywhere in the world, who
decides to read it. Writers should not write with colloquialisms or verbiage
that people in different venues, environments, or cultures will not
understand. Writers should also consider writing in past tense as well. The
content in this paragraph or section should transition nicely to the
conclusion section of the paper.
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