8.5: Write the Rough Draft

How Do I Structure My Research Draft?

Research papers generally follow the same basic structure: an introduction that presents the writer’s thesis; a body section that develops the thesis with supporting points and evidence; and a conclusion that revisits the thesis and provides additional insights or suggestions for further research.

Your writing voice will come across most strongly in your introduction and conclusion as you work to attract your readers’ interest and establish your thesis. These sections usually do not cite sources at length. They focus on the big picture, not specific details. In contrast, the body of your paper will cite sources extensively. As you present your ideas, you will support your points with details from your research.

Writing Your Introduction

There are several approaches to writing an introduction, each of which fulfills the same goals. The introduction should get readers’ attention, provide background information, and present the writer’s thesis. Many writers like to begin with one of the following catchy openers:

• A surprising fact
• A thought-provoking question
• An attention-getting quote
• A brief anecdote that illustrates a larger concept
• A connection between your topic and your readers’ experiences

The next few sentences place the opening in context by presenting background information. From there, the writer builds toward a thesis, which is traditionally placed at the end of the introduction. Think of your thesis as a signpost that lets readers know in what direction the paper is headed. If you wrote a problem statement with thesis for your annotated bibliography, this information should be incorporated into your introduction.

Writers often work out of sequence when writing a research paper. If you find yourself struggling to write an engaging introduction, you may wish to write the body of your paper first. Writing the body sections first will help you clarify your main points. Writing the introduction should then be easier. You may have a better sense of how to introduce the paper after you have drafted some or all of the body.

Example \(\PageIndex{1}\)

Introduction Sample

The student writing a paper on low-carb diets decided to begin his research paper by connecting his topic to readers’ daily experiences. Read the first draft of his introduction. he introduction progresses from the opening sentences, to background information, to his thesis. The thesis is in bold. Note how the thesis includes a concession to opposing views, "Although following a low-carbohydrate diet can benefit some people," before clearly stating the argumentative stance of the paper.

"Beyond the Hype: Evaluating Low-Carb Diets"

Over the past decade, increasing numbers of Americans have jumped on the low-carb bandwagon. Some studies, such as those conducted by Lisa Sanders and David L. Katz and by Julie Hirsch, estimate that approximately forty million Americans, or about twenty percent of the population, are attempting to restrict their intake of food high in carbohydrates. Proponents of low-carb diets say they are not only the most effective way to lose weight, but they also yield health benefits such as lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels. Meanwhile, some doctors claim that low-carb diets are overrated and caution that their long-term effects are unknown. Although following a low-carbohydrate diet can benefit some people, these diets are not necessarily the best option for everyone who wants to lose weight or improve their health.

Writing Your Conclusion

In your introduction, you tell readers where they are headed. In your conclusion, you recap where they have been. For this reason, some writers prefer to write their conclusions soon after they have written their introduction. However, this method may not work for all writers. Other writers prefer to write their conclusion at the end of the paper, after writing the body paragraphs. No process is absolutely right or absolutely wrong; find the one that best suits you.

No matter when you compose the conclusion, it should revisit your thesis and sum up your main ideas. The conclusion should not simply echo the introduction or rely on bland summary statements, such as “In this paper, I have demonstrated that.…” In fact, avoid repeating your thesis verbatim from the introduction. Restate it in different words that reflect the new perspective gained through your research. That helps keep your ideas fresh for your readers. An effective writer might conclude a paper by revisiting an anecdote presented earlier, reminding readers of how the topic relates to their lives, or including a recommendation for readers that ties to your thesis argument.

Note

Tips for Writing Conclusions

• If you're having trouble writing a conclusion, check your working thesis statement. Often students who have a question, statement of fact, or other non-arguable statement in place of a thesis find it hard to draft a conclusion. The conclusion needs a strong argumentative thesis to refer to.
• Remind readers of your argument for recommended action on your controversy.
• Don't raise new questions or topics not previously covered in the paper in the conclusion.

 

LICENSES AND ATTRIBUTIONS

CC LICENSED CONTENT

Information on this page from Applying Your Research (opens in new window) is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Kathryn Crowther et al. (opens in new window) (GALILEO Open Learning Materials (opens in new window)).

• 8.5.1: Create an Argument with Supporting Evidence

• 8.5.2: Incorporate and Explain Evidence

• 8.5.3: Write Your Research Paper Draft