A research paper is your own thoughts based on your thorough analysis of what you previously knew and what you managed to research about your topic.
A good research paper should contain:
- Argument - to explain both sides of the issue you are to discuss
- Thesis - to define your focus
- Introduction - to present the issue and arrive at your thesis statement
- Paper body - to discuss the issue, defend your thesis, and provide arguments
- Quotes - to support your argument
- Conclusion - to summarize your findings
- References - to show your analysis is not bare
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