Body Paragraphs (Reason)
Topic sentence (a single clear and short sentence that identifies the reason)•
Explanation (you need to clarify for the reader exactly what the reason is, and how it•
connects to your main argument. This could take from one to three or more sentences
depending on how complicated the reason is)
Evidence (in the form of facts and statistics)•
Examples (preferably two: one general and one specific. They can be either real or•
theoretical)
Expert opinion (quote and make sure to introduce the quote by identifying the expert)•
o You must discuss the quote and present an interpretation of it for the reader. Make
sure to connect it to your reason and main argument.
ENG 103 Research Writing Techniques
Interpretation and analysis•
o This is the part of each paragraph where you present your own opinion and
demonstrate your critical thinking skills. First, you need to connect together
everything that you have presented so far in the paragraph to persuade the reader
that your reason is correct. Then you need to demonstrate that your reason
supports your overall argument.
Concluding sentence•
o In one sentence, present a summary of your paragraph that ties everything
together. You may also provide a transition to the next paragraph.
Body Paragraph (Case Study)
Topic sentence (one clear sentence that introduces the case study)•
o It is usually a good idea to include a transition in the topic sentence of a case study
paragraph so that it is clear to the reader which reason (or reasons) this case study
will illustrate
Description•
o This section of a case study is where you present a description of the example. That
is to say, all of the most important facts. In some ways, it is similar to the
background information portion of the introduction. Likewise, it will also probably
be of a similar length (6 or 7 sentences). Think in terms of the WH questions.
Interpretation and analysis•
o As with a reason body paragraph, in this section you present your own opinion and
demonstrate your critical thinking skills. First, analyze the case study and draw
conclusions. Then, connect these conclusions to the reason (or reasons) that this
case study is intended to illustrate. Finally, persuade the reader that this reason (or
these reasons) support your overall argument.
Concluding sentence•
o In one sentence, present a summary of your paragraph that ties everything
together. You may also provide a transition to the next paragraph.
Conclusion
A topic sentence that restates the research question addressed in your paper•
Restate your main argument (i.e. your answer to the research question, which is your thesis•
statement)
Summarize the main idea of each of your body paragraphs in no more than one sentence•
each. If possible, combine two or more body paragraph summaries into one sentence
In one or two sentences, present an overall conclusion to your research paper. This is where•
you tie everything together to persuade the reader that your argument is the correct one.
Final thought•
o The last sentence of the research paper should leave the reader with something to
think about. Like the hook, there are different techniques, but the most common
one is to make a prediction.
Citation Expectations
Introduction 1: 6-7 citations (hook plus 5 or 6 background information sentences)•
Introduction 2: 2 (1-2for each counterargument, including the dismissal)•
Body paragraphs: 5 (1 for the explanation maybe, 2 or 3 for evidence, 2 for examples, 1 for•
expert opinion)
Total: 6 + 2 + 30 (5 * 6) = 38. This is the number that I am expecting. If you have around this•
many citations, that means you are presenting enough evidence. If you are significantly
below this number, then that means you aren’t presenting enough evidence.