NFM - Getting Started on the Paper Lesson

Getting Started on the Paper

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. (Source) Links to an external site.

When writing a research paper, writers should remember to use a third person point of view. Avoid using first person language, like "I", "me", "my", etc. Writers should state their opinion without using first person words. Also, remember not to blatantly state what the paper is discussing. Examine the chart below.

Poor Word Choice Good Word Choice
In this paper I am going to tell you about the effects of the cotton gin on the United States. The effects of the cotton on the United States included...(list items here).
I think the effects of the cotton gin had an overall detrimental effect on the United States. Many historians believe the cotton gin had an overall detrimental effect on the United States.
This paper is going to be about the invention of the cotton gin. The invention of the cotton gin ultimately increased slavery in the United States, which in turn was a precursor to the Civil War.

Take a look at the different parts of the research paper in the presentation below.

Now, watch the video below about the structure of an essay. Please remain patient as the video loads.

Remember that as writers research and find supporting evidence, it is important to give credit to any information that is not original. That means that any information that is paraphrased, summarized, or directly quoted needs to be acknowledged with an in-text citation, and then later completely credited in the works cited page.

Assignment: Rough Draft

This rough draft will be a work in progress. After completing the Brainstorm Discussion, begin working on your rough draft. This will be submitted in the next module, but start working now.

Here are the requirements for this paper:

  1. MLA headings
  2. Centered title
  3. Times New Roman or Arial font - 12 pt
  4. Black font
  5. Paper length between 800 - 1100 words
  6. Double spacing throughout
  7. A clear thesis statement that makes an arguable point, not a personal opinion
  8. No use of "I", "me", or "my" in the paper
  9. Use of 3rd person
  10. At least four sources from which you gather information
  11. In-text citations for all sources used
  12. Works cited entries for all sources used

OWL At Purdue Sample Paper Links to an external site.

Nonfiction and MLA Format Review

Key Terms Review

MLA Format Labeling Review

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