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
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.