Write a Good Research Paper

Common steps in writing any academic research paper

Regardless of your academic field, writing a strong research paper involves key steps:

  • Develop a Clear Thesis Statement – Ensure your research question is well-defined and approved by your supervisor.
  • Plan Your Time Effectively – Set deadlines for research, writing, and revision.
  • Structure Your Paper – Organize it into an introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Choose the Right Methodology – Select qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods based on your research.
  • Collect and Analyze Data – Gather reliable sources and critically evaluate findings.
  • Support Your Thesis with Evidence – Use credible references and maintain logical argumentation.
  • Ensure Cohesion and Proper Referencing – Follow a consistent citation style (APA, MLA, etc.).
  • Proofread Thoroughly – A final review ensures clarity, accuracy, and professionalism.

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Writing a Strong Introduction

A well-structured introduction should: ✔️ Start with an engaging hook. ✔️ Clearly present the thesis statement. ✔️ Outline the methodology and research questions. ✔️ Provide a brief preview of findings. ✔️ Ensure cohesion and logical flow.

Here, you can read the introduction of my bachelor project at the University of Copenhagen. This paper received a good grade.

Read it through to get an idea of how a good introduction should be structured and written.

 

Example of a Research Paper Introduction

Example of a Research Paper Introduction *"As a student of English at the University of Copenhagen, I observed that many of my classmates struggled with the transition from high school to university-level English grammar, particularly in sentence analysis. This challenge prompted me to investigate whether there exists a significant gap between grammar instruction at the upper-secondary level and university. If such a gap exists, how can it be bridged? To explore this hypothesis, I conducted a survey targeting third-semester English students at the University of Copenhagen. The questionnaire posed three key questions: Do you perceive a gap between grammar instruction at upper-secondary and university levels, specifically in sentence analysis? How do you experience this gap? What solutions would you suggest to bridge this gap? The data, collected from over 40 students, were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Results indicated that 97% of participants acknowledged the existence of a gap, with 92% describing it as overly challenging and unexpected. A mere 3% reported no noticeable gap. This paper will first explore the concept of sentence analysis and its applications. Next, it will outline the four most commonly used models of sentence analysis. Following that, the methodology behind data collection will be discussed, leading into a comprehensive analysis of the survey results. Finally, the paper will present potential solutions suggested by respondents for bridging the identified gap."*

Now, let us see, how the introduction is structured:

  • A short relevant story is written to attract the attention of the reader.
  • The thesis statement is introduced precisely.
  • The methodology and the questions used to examine the hypothesis are clearly explained.
  • The findings are discussed in brief terms.
  • The other sections of the paper are clearly represented.
  • Cohesion and coherence are taken into consideration.
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