There are many distinctions between a research paper or a scholarly essay. Both are meant to present research findings. However, they do so in different ways. An essay conveys an idea while a research paper is focused on the research and then presents a personal view. The research paper can be descriptive or prescriptive. It can explore new ideas or present old ones.

A research paper writing guide is helpful for graduate students who are preparing their thesis writing. A thesis is typically related to the thesis statement of primary argument or central points of discussions among scholars that contributes further study. An essay, on the other hand, is more about telling a story to support an argument. It should clearly identify and document the main points of the research paper. The writer may also discover any important or new points during the investigation. The thesis and supporting materials must be supported by primary or secondary research.

The outline is another important part of writing research papers. An outline is essential in any type or writing process, including academic research papers, creative work, and sales copy. The outline allows the writer to organize his/her ideas and also helps to organize the paper into an outline format. Outlines help the writer organize the paper and align the different sections, sub-sections, or focus areas.

Writing research papers is a time-consuming and difficult task for most graduate students. Students who embark on the research paper writing process without an outline will have an uncontrollable urge to glance over their outlines, perhaps to double-check their correctness, spelling, grammar and other writing aspects. A lack of an outline can result in a messy, long, and sometimes inaccurate ending. It is essential that graduate students have an outline before they begin academic writing.

Source your research materials is the third most important aspect to research paper writing. While many people will use libraries, bookstores, and the internet to find research materials, only a small percentage of research papers actually need actual sources. Sources must be sourced using a variety of factors. Students should search for secondary sources such as websites, encyclopedias and magazines, newspapers, journals, and the like.

Conclusion is the most important and final part of writing research papers. The conclusion is the strongest part of the research paper, and is usually where the writer ends up offering his/her opinion regarding the topic or issue raised in the introduction/main body of the paper. A weak conclusion leaves the writer with no argument or hooks to support his/her work. This is why students should pay attention to it. A poorly written conclusion will significantly diminish the paper’s value.