Discussion: Organizing Your Research Paper Sections

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Briefly describe the purpose of each part of a research paper and then relate these parts to your current plan for your own research paper. For example, what is the purpose of an introduction and how are you planning on structuring your own introduction for your topic?

Then, thinking about your own research paper, share which part you feel is going to be the most important part as you present your research and argument. Which part do you want to highlight? There is no single right answer here – it depends on your topic and how you are planning to structure your paper.

For example, is it introducing the topic to the reader? Bridging the transition of what has happened in the past to what is relevant today? Is is presenting credible sources that support your points? Or is the conclusion where you are finishing strong with your most important part? Explain why you feel the part you selected is most important and provide examples.

Peer Prompt: Read and respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts with observations, questions, or feedback about the structure of their paper as they have described it. Compare your choices with theirs.