Research paper

1. Clear Research Question Your question must be arguable (not yes/no) It should connect to at least one stimulus source from the exam It should focus on a real-world issue Example structure: To what extent does ___ affect ___ in ___? 2. Introduction Paragraph Include: Hook interesting fact, statistic, or short background Context explain the issue briefly Connection to stimulus material (mention at least one) Thesis (your argument) clearly state your position Example structure: 1. Hook 2. Background of issue 3. Connection to stimulus 4. Thesis Example thesis format: Although X is often seen as ___, implementing ___ is the most effective solution because ___ and ___. 3. Body Paragraphs (Main Arguments) You should have 34 body paragraphs. Each paragraph must include: Topic sentence (your claim) Evidence from a credible source Explanation of the evidence Analysis (why it matters) Link back to your argument Structure: Claim Evidence Explanation Analysis Link to thesis Example: Claim: Renewable energy reduces pollution. Evidence: Research from ___ shows… Explanation: This means… Analysis: Therefore, this supports the argument that… 4. Counterargument Paragraph You must include an opposing perspective. Include: Explain the opposing argument Give evidence supporting that view Refute it (explain why your argument is stronger) Structure: Some argue that ___ because ___. However, this view fails to consider ___. 5. The So What? (Very Important) The So what? explains why your argument matters in the real world. Include: Who is affected Why the issue is important What could happen if nothing changes Example: This issue matters because it affects ___. If solutions are not implemented, ___ could occur, impacting ___. Think of it like: Why should society care about your argument? 6. Connection to Stimulus Material You must: Reference at least 12 stimulus sources Explain how it connects to your research Not just mention it analyze it Example: According to the stimulus article ___, ___ highlights the issue of ___. This connects to the argument that ___. 7. Evidence Requirements Use at least 68 credible sources. Good sources include: Academic journals Government reports University research Books Credible news sources Avoid: Wikipedia Random blogs Unverified websites 8. MLA In-Text Citations Every time you use information from a source you must cite it. Format: (Author Last Name page number) Example: Climate change is accelerating ocean warming (Smith 42). If no page number: (Smith) 9. Works Cited Page (MLA) At the end include a Works Cited page. Example: Smith, John. Climate Change and Society. Oxford University Press, 2022. Lee, Amanda. Renewable Energy Growth. Environmental Science Journal, vol. 12, no. 3, 2023, pp. 4560. Checklist: Alphabetical order Hanging indent MLA format 10. Conclusion Paragraph Your conclusion should include: Restate thesis Summarize main arguments Explain the bigger impact Structure: Restate argument summarize key points explain importance. Example: In conclusion, ___ is the most effective solution because ___. Addressing this issue is essential for ___. 11. Writing Quality (Important for Scoring) Make sure you have: Clear academic tone No grammar mistakes Logical flow between paragraphs Good transitions Examples of transitions: Furthermore Additionally However In contrast Therefore Typical requirements: 12002000 words MLA format Double spaced 12-pt Times New Roman Page numbers To score high: Make your argument very clear Use strong sources Connect to stimulus multiple times Explain why evidence matters Include a strong so Clear research question Strong thesis 34 argument paragraphs Counterargument paragraph Evidence in every paragraph Connection to stimulus material MLA in-text citations Works Cited page Clear So What explanation Strong conclusion No ai use include both social and economic lens