Mattachine Society, one of the earliest LDBT organization
primary and secondary sources
ORGANIZATION OF RESEARCH ESSAY
I. Abstract
Abstracts are not always required, but most academic papers have one and writers should know how to produce a useful abstract. An abstract should be a very short, clear and concise summation of the entire paper. An abstract should provide enough of a preview that a typical reader will know whether or not they wish to read the paper. It should reveal both the purpose and conclusions of the paper.
II. Introduction
Most academic introductions follow an ‘inverted pyramid’ structure: they start broad and narrow down to a specific thesis or research question. The introduction should reveal some broad knowledge of the overall topic and quickly focus on the major point of the paper.
III. Background, History, Review of Literature, or Methodology
In papers that rely on secondary research, this section would provide the necessary background or history for understanding the discussion to come. A Review-of-Literature more specifically synthesizes information from a variety of significant sources related to the major point of the paper. In papers that rely on primary research, the methodology section provides a detailed description of the experiment design. In either case, this section justifies the research done by either showing that the writer has done their homework and/or has a clear understanding of research methods.
IV. Results
This section is only included in papers that rely on primary research. This section catalogues the results of the experiment. The results should be presented in a clear and unbiased way.
V. Argument, Critique, or Discussion
This section is the “heart” of the paper – where the writer finally makes the major point or claim the previous sections have led the reader to expect. This section will usually be the lengthiest section of the paper and should include a thorough and well-supported argument, critique or discussion. In papers that rely on primary research, the discussion should posit an interpretation of the results that is reasonable and precise.
VI. Conclusion
The conclusion should reinforce the major claims or interpretation in a way that is not mere summary. The writer should try to indicate the significance of the major claim/interpretation beyond the scope of the paper but within the parameters of the field. The writer might also present complications the study illustrates or suggest further research the study indicates is necessary.
VII. References.
Body:
Argument 1:
Introduction of your argument
Explanation and analysis of it
Evidence or examples
Summary of your key points
Conclusion
Argument 2:
Introduction of your argument
Explanation and analysis of it.
Evidence or examples.
Summary of your key points
Conclusion
Conclusion:
Summary of your key points and thesis statement refined in the light of your evidence.
