Research Papers 101: Home

College research papers : an introduction

One of the most common assignments in college is the research paper or argumentative essay. In a research paper, the writer makes an argument about a topic (which is generally stated succinctly in a thesis statement.)

Body paragraphs of a research paper are used

• to give context about the issue being discussed and why it matters
• to situate it within an existing or related scholarly conversation about the topic at hand
• to provide supporting arguments for the thesis statement
• to provide evidence (note: this is very important!) that the thesis and its supporting arguments are true
• to address existing arguments and counterarguments that others have raised or might raise.

How To Get There: Pre-Writing and the Research Process

In this guide, you'll notice a strong focus on the research process, which is a crucial part of prewriting—the longest and often most challenging stage of the writing process. Before you even start drafting your paper, research helps you explore your topic, gather evidence, and refine your thesis. It's where you’ll spend the most time, laying the groundwork for a solid argument by finding and evaluating sources, taking notes, and organizing your ideas. Mastering the research process early on will make the rest of your writing journey smoother and more effective, giving you the tools you need to craft a well-supported and compelling essay.

The Research Paper is an Act of Rhetoric

Like any other form of communication, the research paper is also an act of rhetoric—the art of effective persuasion—and like other rhetoric it can be ineffective if our logic is unsupported, if we haven't explained how our argument is meaningful, or if our credibility is undermined by sloppiness, nonstandard grammar, or not meeting the requirements of the assignment.

HOWEVER ... being credible is not just about avoiding mistakes!

In order to maintain our credibility as academic writers, it's also crucial to understand the concept of authority—a term you going to hear a lot in this guide (which is basically a synonym for other words you may have heard like credibility, ethos, and trustworthiness.)

The sources you choose should have the authority to speak on the topic you're writing about, and in turn, your credibility as a writer depends on how well you choose, present, and interpret those sources. Throughout this guide, you'll see how establishing authority is key to making your research paper persuasive and respected by others.