10 Rules to Follow When Writing a Research Paper

What makes a research paper interesting to read and worth the A+ grade? Academic papers are graded based on how well the writer observes writing rules. In fact, the rules act as a checklist that a writer can use to determine beforehand whether a paper will fetch a top grade.

It is not lost on writing experts that each academic paper follows different writing rules. According to writemyessay.today, the general principles must apply to all academic writing regardless to the topic or discipline. Here are the writing rules that will help you to produce a captivating paper that fetches top grade.

1. Adherence to Instructions

Each assignment comes with a unique set of instructions. Review these instructions and execute them in your paper. The instructions relate to the formatting style to use, spacing, tone of discussion, topic, and citations, among other elements.

Do not assume that you will be following the same instructions you used during the previous assignment. Supervisors alter instructions based on the topic, desired outcomes, and level of study, among other factors. If any direction is difficult to understand, you are at liberty to ask for directions from your tutor.

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2. An Interesting Title

It is the title that attracts readers to dig deeper into your paper. If the title is interesting, more people will read your paper. A title gives an idea of the subject discussed in a paper. It also points at the perspective you have taken on the subject. For instance, a title can indicate whether you are comparing and contrasting, describing, analyzing, criticizing, and such other approaches to different subjects during academic writing. If it is interesting enough, you score higher even as more people turn to your paper for insights.

3. Curiosity Arousing Introduction

Capture the imagination of potential readers from the beginning. This is done through a captivating introduction. While you give a hint of the ideas to be discussed, the introduction creates suspense on the approach and possible conclusion.

There are several ways through which you can create a captivating introduction.

  • Tell an interesting story about the subject
  • Give mind blowing statistics
  • Ask a rhetorical question
  • Quote an authority on the subject

Keep the introduction short but reveal enough to compel the reader to bite deeper into your discussion. The best introduction is completed once you finish with the body of your paper. At that point, you have a better understanding of the subject covered in your paper to draft an accurate introduction.

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4. Inclusion of All Chapters and Sections

The structure of an academic paper must be maintained. The cover page of your paper should capture details of the writer. Other chapters like the introduction, literature review, data analysis and presentation, discussion, conclusion, and referencing must be included. There are rules governing the execution of each chapter. The best paper is one that follows these rules. Penalties and even a dismissal will follow any paper that ignores these rules.

5. Factual Ideas

Do not include any idea in your paper unless you can back it up or verify. It calls for the use of high quality reference materials like books, journal, articles, and interne sources. Request your supervisor to provide the recommended sources of reference materials from the department to avoid this trap. Poor quality reference materials mislead your work and will derail your arguments. In fact, you might end up contradicting your ideas in the same paper.

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6. Thoroughly Researched Body

Read as many reference materials as possible. While you might have the main idea in your head, literature review helps you to put these ideas into context. You can identify authors who hold a view similar to yours and those who oppose your view. Provide a balanced discussion that meets the highest academic standards expected. This is only possible with thorough research and the use of high quality reference materials.

7. Proper Formatting

The formatting style to be used will be indicated in the instructions. Understand what the style means and execute it accurately. Each academic discipline follows a different formatting style. Any mix up when formatting will mislead your readers. Use samples to help you capture the formatting style accurately.

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8. Resounding Conclusion

A conclusion provides a summary and verdict for your discussion. It explains why it appears at the end of the paper. While it is just a few paragraphs, the conclusion holds a lot of weight for any paper. It acts like a dashboard helping the reader to connect all dots on your paper and see a complete picture. It determines the perception that the reader will have about your paper. Make a resounding case for your discussion based on the ideas contained in the body of your paper.

9. Dedicate Enough Time

Completing a research paper requires time. Begin work immediately the assignment is issued. It gives ample time to research, compile your ideas, and edit the paper before submission. You will produce more captivating ideas when you spend enough time with your paper.

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10. Thorough Editing

Edit the paper before submission. Enlist the services of a third party who will have an independent look at your ideas. It helps to eliminate errors that may derail your discussion.

Writing a research paper is like a science that follows a set of rules. Regardless of the discipline of study or topic you are writing about, these rules must be followed. The examiner will determine your adherence to the rules based on the quality of your content.