Format of a formal research paper

Qualitative informationwhich includes brief descriptions, explanations, or instructions, can also be presented in prose tables.

Do not right justify your entire essay and do not automatically format hyphens if you are using a word processor to type your essay. When paragraphs are not indented, it is difficult for a reader to see where a new paragraph begins, hence quadruple-space is called for between paragraphs.

More is not better. A table is labeled Table and given a number e. No matter whichever one you choose to use, you must be consistent throughout your essay.

The top of the first page of a works-cited list. Begin each entry flush with the left margin; if an entry runs more than one line, indent the subsequent line or lines half an inch from the left margin.

Text Formatting Always choose an easily readable typeface Times New Roman is just one example in which the regular type style contrasts clearly with the italic, and set it to a standard size, such as 12 points. The results section is usually written in past tense.

Left justify or justify your essay and type in the hyphens yourself where needed. Write why you are specifically interested in this topic and how it will benefit advancing your education. In this case the label Figure 1 etc. A table is usually labeled Table, given an arabic numeral, and titled.

Spelling checkers and usage checkers are helpful when used with caution. On a new, double-spaced line, center the title fig. In many cases, you will need to write a research paper proposal before you write your actual paper.

Titles of Books, Magazines, Newspapers, or Journals When used within the text of your paper, titles of all full-length works such as novels, plays, or books, should be underlined, e.

The research paper flows from the general to the specific and back to the general in its organization. For emphasis, the primary purposes for formal research are repeated here: Check with your professor if you need to get their approval to use sources in your final paper that you did not include on your tentative list.

Titles of Books, Magazines, Newspapers, or Journals When used within the text of your paper, titles of all full-length works such as novels, plays, or books, should be underlined, e.

This organization consists of these sections—introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusions and recommendations. Others prefer the use of staples. In this example, the first sentence gives us the general academic conversation that this article will join.

The table label and caption or title appear above the table, capitalized like a title, flush left. The rule of thumb for presenting a graphic is first to introduce it by name, show it, and then interpret it.

For example, you may be asked to recommend a course of action, make a prediction, propose a solution to a problem, offer a judgment, or speculate on the implications and consequences of your ideas.

Electronic submission of documents is becoming more common as e-mail is being used widely. You may be asked to present your recommendations separately in your research assignment. This table describes how to format your research paper using either the MLA or APA guidelines.

Be sure to follow any additional instructions that your teacher provides. Structuring the Research Paper Formal Research Structure.

For emphasis, the primary purposes for formal research are repeated here: find and understand raw data and information. APA FORMAL RESEARCH PAPER Start your abstract on page 2 Abstract Center the word Abstract Some assignments will call for an abstract.

An abstract is a summary of your paper. An abstract should be short and concise but include the topic of your paper, the main points you are writing about, and the conclusions you reach.

A research paper does not normally need a title page, but if the paper is a group project, create a title page and list all the authors on it instead of in the header on page 1 of your essay. If your teacher requires a title page in lieu of or in addition to the header, format it. Sep 27,  · To write a research paper, start by researching your topic at the library, online, or using an academic database.

Once you've found at least 5 reputable sources, outline the information you've learned through your research%(). Formatting a Research Paper If your instructor has specific requirements for the format of your research paper, check them before preparing your final draft.

When you submit your paper, be sure to keep a secure copy.

Format of a formal research paper