How to Format a Research Paper

Did you know that there is something more important than the content of your research paper? I know it sounds ridiculous and completely moronic, but the content of your research paper is actually secondary to one thing that will make or break your paper, the format. Regardless of the hours of time you put into researching your topic and finding sources it will all be for naught if you don't have a format that promotes an easy and informative read for the reader. Consider a few tips before beginning your quest and maybe you will find something new and wonderful in respect to how to format a research paper.

A. Do NOT mention a point in one part of your paper that will require a reader to go back and reference another part of the paper. This will only distract the reader and keep him or her from following the flow and legitimacy of the research or argument. Make sure that you bring in a piece of information or a point and exhaust it completely, then move on to the next point.

B. In keeping with the point from the previous paragraph, make sure that you connect paragraph to paragraph! This may be confusing, but what I am saying is simple. Instead of requiring a reader to go back and read something from before, simply make your points build on each other. In other words, don't start off a paper about making a peanut butter sandwich by talking about getting bread, then talk about how much you like peanut butter sandwiches for a paragraph, only to revisit the bread part later. Go from the bread, to a knife with the butter, to the jelly, and so on until you reach a finish.

C. Do NOT speak in generalities, make your argument or research fit into a nice and tight precise paper that flows easily. Make specific points and give examples that the reader would follow without any hesitation or confusion to ensure they are following the most important thing, your content! Break down your points and go through them as thoroughly as possible before moving on to the next ones.

D. Remember to make a point of disarming the arguments or research in opposition to what you are writing. The quickest way to win an argument or win over your reader is to address concerns or disagreements and prove why you have the best point. Disarm your reader's questions and move on to proving your point!

Finally, don't generalize unless it is the introduction and don't repeat yourself unless it is in the conclusion. The conclusion should wrap up what you said for the previous paragraphs with a neat little bow on top, let it! Bring it all together and leave the reader with that moment, that amazing "ah ha!" that brings it all home!