Your research paper must have five (5) references throughout the paper and listed on the reference page.
Body Paragraphs
The paper’s title is bolded and centered above the first body paragraph. The body paragraphs of a research paper should follow all APA requirements and emphasize and include several key elements:
- Topic Sentences: Each body paragraph should start with a clear and concise topic sentence that introduces the main point or argument of that paragraph.
- Evidence and Examples: Provide evidence to support your thesis statement and topic sentence. This can include data, statistics, quotations, or examples from your research.
- Analysis: After presenting evidence, analyze and explain how it supports your thesis and the overall purpose of your paper. Discuss the implications and significance of the evidence.
- Smooth Transitions: Use transition sentences and words to connect one paragraph to the next, ensuring a logical flow and coherence throughout your paper.
- Counterarguments and Rebuttals: Address potential counterarguments to your thesis and provide rebuttals or refutations to strengthen your position.
- Organization: Structure your body paragraphs in a logical order. Consider using a chronological, cause-and-effect, or thematic organization, depending on your research topic.
- Clarity and Conciseness: Write in clear, concise, and well-organized paragraphs. Avoid overly long or convoluted sentences.
- Citations: Properly cite your sources within the body paragraphs using the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA).
- Visuals: If relevant, include charts, graphs, or images to illustrate your points, and discuss them in your analysis.
- Cohesion: Ensure that each paragraph contributes to the overall argument and thesis of your research paper, creating a cohesive and well-structured narrative.
Remember that the number of body paragraphs can vary based on the length and complexity of your research paper. Be sure to follow all specific guidelines from the APA 7Ed style guide.
In addition to the key elements mentioned earlier, here are some additional considerations for the body paragraphs of a research paper:
- Depth and Detail: Provide sufficient depth and detail in your analysis and discussion. Don’t just scratch the surface; delve into the complexities of your topic.
- Logical Order: Ensure that your body paragraphs follow a logical and coherent order, making it easy for readers to follow your argument.
- Variety of Evidence: Use a variety of sources and types of evidence to support your claims. This might include academic studies, expert opinions, primary sources, and empirical data.
- Signposts: Use clear signposts and transitional phrases to guide readers through your argument and make it easy for them to see how one point relates to the next.
- Avoid Repetition: Be mindful of repeating the same information or ideas in multiple paragraphs. Each paragraph should contribute something new to your argument.
- Paragraph Unity: Each paragraph should focus on a single main point or idea. If you find your paragraph drifting off-topic, consider breaking it into two separate paragraphs.
- Word Choice and Tone: Choose your words carefully and maintain a consistent tone throughout the paper. Avoid overly informal language in academic writing.
- Audience Awareness: Consider your target audience and tailor your writing to their level of expertise and familiarity with the topic.
- Balance: Strive for a balanced presentation of evidence and viewpoints. Acknowledge and address opposing arguments, when appropriate.
- Conciseness: Be concise and avoid unnecessary repetition or wordiness. Every sentence should serve a purpose.
- Subheadings (if applicable): In longer research papers, subheadings within the body text can help organize the content and make it more reader friendly.
- Coherence: Ensure that the paragraphs connect logically and thematically to create a coherent narrative throughout the paper.
- Revision and Proofreading: Review and edit your body paragraphs for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy. Typos and errors can detract from the effectiveness of your argument.
- Peer Review: You will be required to seek feedback from peers to improve the quality of your body paragraphs and overall paper.
By having an effective body of paragraphs, you can better supply the building blocks necessary for a strong research paper whereby you are presenting your arguments and evidence in a clear and compelling manner.