Your Research Paper

1. Your Research Paper Introduction And Conclusion

2. Keep in mind WHAT a Research Paper REALLY is A research paper is a formal academic documentwritten after spending an extendedamount of time researching a particular subject. Research papers should follow a specific format, which includes an introduction, body, conclusion, and works cited page.

3. The Introduction • The research paper introduction is one of the most important parts of the research paper because it • introduces readers to the topic of the paper • provides background information about the topic • The research paper introduction contains the thesis statement for the entire research paper, which should be included in the first or last paragraph of the introduction.

4. Effective Intros • Effective introductions are formatted like an inverted pyramid • general information at the beginning • specific information at the end • In fact, all sections of research papers should be formatted in the inverted pyramid stylein order to write a paper that flows well.

5. More Info on Intros • Introductions merely introduce the topic • Do NOT explain your findings in detail • the body of the paper gives details and explanations to support the introduction and thesis • Introductions do not introduce new info • the body is to introduce new info and ideas • merely give background information and explain why the content in the paper is important. • All ideas presented in the introduction should be general.

6. Why do I need one? The introduction catches the attention of the reader and gets them "turned on" about the subject. It sets the stage for the paper and puts your topic in perspective. It often contains dramatic and general statements about the topic. It sets the tonefor the rest of the paper – your voice! When writing the introduction, put yourself in your reader's position - would you continue reading?

7. Using your Thesis Statement • It is the focal point of your research. • It is just one sentence (with several paragraphs of elaboration). • Example of a Thesis Statement: "The frequency of job layoffs is creating fear, anxiety, anda loss of productivity in middle management workers.” • The three body sections are clearly introduced in the Thesis Statement.

8. Your Conclusion The conclusion of the research paper is the most valuable single part of it. All the material you have gathered means nothing to your reader until you present the conclusion you have reached as a result of your research. Although no actual new information is usually introduced in the concluding paragraphs, the conclusion is the only "original" contribution you offer in your paper.

9. The conclusion should. . . Restate your thesis and show what the material you have presented adds up to. Analyze and evaluate your main points for your reader; also consider the consequences and general implications of them to your conclusion. The conclusion should be a strong recapitulation of your major ideas.

10. Example of how to BEGIN a good Introduction During the Middle Ages in Europe and the Middle East there was much armed conflict between Christians and Muslims. Christians called these conflicts the Crusades because they were fighting under the sign of the cross to save the holy lands of the Bible from being desecrated by non-Christians.However, the true reason for fighting for these lands was less than holy. It was mainly a desire for economic gain that prompted the Christian leaders to send soldiers to fight in the Holy Land.

11. Another example. . . Teenagers in many American cities have been involved in more gangs in the last five years than ever before. These gangs of teens have been committing a lot of violent crimes. The victims of these crimes are both gang members and people outside of gangs. Many people do not want to travel to areas in our cities because of the danger from this problem.  For this terrible situation to stop, it is going to take a combined effort on the part of many to end this crisis in our society : excellent, supervised after-school programs; more jobs available for teens; and the development of healthy family relationships.

12. Example of a GOOD conclusion The problem of teen gang violence can be eliminated, although it will take time, money, and a combined effort on the part of many.Organized, free, after-school programs such as: sports teams and games; art, music, and drama activities; internships in local area businesses and professional organizations; and interesting volunteer activities in the community would help engage teens in worthwhile pursuits outside of school hours.  More job opportunities for teens, especially those funded by state and local programs, would offer income for teens as well as productive work for the community. Outreach to families through schools, community organizations, and places of worship would help promote inter-generational activities that could improve family closeness, helping teens to work on their problems at the family level, instead of taking them to the streets. If these programs can be implemented, we will surely see a decrease in teen gang activityand safer streets and neighborhoods for us all.