Your Research Paper Should Include These Items:

• Introduction Paragraph
  • Include a thesis statement that informs the reader about the college, the trade, or the career you’ve chosen.
  • Remember that a paragraph is a minimum of three to five clear and well-developed sentences.

  There are tips for writing an introduction in the Writing an Informative Research Paper page in your course.

• Body of the Essay
  • This section should be at least three to five paragraphs in length.
  • Include one claim to support your thesis statement for each paragraph.
  • Include quotes or paraphrases from one of your sources, followed by an in-text citation for each paragraph.
  • Remember to use at least three sources to support your overall essay.
  • Remember, when including quotes from a source, try to keep it to one sentence within a body paragraph.
  • Remember that a paragraph is typically a minimum of three to five sentences.
• Conclusion Paragraph
  • Restate the topic you provided in your thesis statement.
  • Write at least three sentences summarizing the information you provided in your body paragraphs.
  • Make sure you don’t present new details in this paragraph.
• Works Cited Page
  • Use MLA format.
  • List all the sources used to support the information you’ve provided.

  Review tips for creating citations in the Using the Citation Tool in Microsoft Word video.Review tips for creating citations in the Using the Citation Tool in Google Docs video.There are tips for creating citations in MLA Citations in your course.

• Correct Spelling and Punctuation
  • Remember to write in the third person.
  • Match the subject and the verb.
  • Use clear pronouns/antecedent agreements.
  • Use correct word combinations.
• Clear and Concise Writing
  • Sentences should be clear.
  • Avoid run-ins or fragmented sentences.