Writing Homework Help

Research Essay

Outline

Annotated Bibliography

The following outline shows a basic format for most College-to-Career research papers. All elements will not apply to every topic. These are suggestions. No matter what length the paper needs to be, it should still follow the format of having an introduction, body, and conclusion. Read over what typically goes in each section of the paper.

I. Introduction The introduction should have some of the following elements, depending on the type of paper:

Start with an attention grabber: a short story, example, statistic, or historical context that introduces the paper topic

Give an overview of any issues involved with the subject

Define of any key terminology need to understand the topic

Quote or paraphrase sources revealing the controversial nature of the subject.

Highlight background information from your career research on the topic needed to understand the direction of the paper

The introduction must end with a THESIS statement ( 1 sentence in length): Tell what the overall paper will focus on. Briefly outline the main points in the paper

II. Body

Clearly present the main points of the paper as listed in the thesis

Give strong examples, details, and explanations to support each main points

Use strong evidence from annotated bibliography sources—paraphrases, summaries, and quotations that support the main points

III. Conclusion

Restate your thesis from the introduction in different words

Briefly summarize each main point found in the body of the paper (avoid going over 2 sentences for each point)