Mini Research Papers
Part of paper
Description
Example
The first paragraph (the introduction) will include the following
Though sharks abound within Brevard waters,
Any good thesis has two major components:
many surfers remained detached to the threat
Introduction
of shark attacks.
with Thesis
statement
1. subject
1. Surfers in Brevard
(Just one sentence
2. theory: value, ideal, or concept.
2. detachment
for mini papers;
this section will be
longer in the big
research paper)
The second paragraph (the introduction) will include the following
Briefly summarize the scope.
On almost any beach in the world, we can
find surfers and sharks. However, Brevard
Any good scope begins wide and then
County has the third most shark bites in the
Scope
(3-5 sentences.)
focuses mostly on the parts that you will
world. We have a larger variety of sharks,
connect to your value, ideal, or concept.
from ….
Only discuss the subject here; do not mention
the theory at all.
DO NOT QUOTE INFO IN SCOPE
The third paragraph (the literature review) will include the following
Briefly summarize various recent or
Jim Spencer in his article “Sharks and Us” on
important articles or books on your subject.
ABC.News.Go suggests we can get along with
sharks. Susan Gomez in the article “Jaws No
Literature review Try your subject in Google and click on the
(3-5 sentences.)
news tab for recent articles. Don’t cite/ quote More” on Shark.com discusses the false fear
the pieces; just talk about them in the paper.
people have of shark attacks. In another
article, David Womack in his article “Bitten
Any good literature review simply surveys
Twice” on FloridaToday.com refers to
the most appropriate and pertinent articles
statistics of ways people to die to show how
and books to inform your reader of such
rare attacks by sharks are.
important writings and scholarship that
informs your subject.
DO NOT QUOTE INFO IN LIT REVIEW
but use quote marks around article titles
The Fourth paragraph is just the theory (do not discuss your subject here)
Must give a meaningful understanding of the
Detachment occurs when a person cannot or
abstract terms (value, ideal, or concept) so the willfully will not psychologically cope with a
reader follows your ideas, not their own.
real life situation. For instance, a person who
cannot cope with commitment in a
Theory
5-10 sentences
Give an example, if possible, from some part relationship will remain detached, either
of life other than your subject.
intentionally or unintentionally. According to
…
All theories need a legitimate citation, or you
only have a good opinion. Find one source to
cite.
Do not discuss the subject in the theory
section
QUOTE AT LEAST ONE SOURCE HERE
This example, below, is bad.
Do NOT give definitions
The word "detachment" means to be
disinterested.
To itemize your analysis, ask a question, or questions of your thesis. "Why are surfers detached from the threat of
sharks?" "Are surfers detached from other hazards?" Those answers could be the connection of subject and theory
for each analysis paragraph
Fifth paragraph
Analysis
5-10 sentences
Should have one source
cited
Every paragraph in analysis must relate
specifically to BOTH the subject and the
theory.
Surfing concerns being in the moment,
being detached from life, and not worrying
about shark attacks would prevent that. ….
The first sentence of each analysis
paragraph must summarize the contents of
its paragraph by directly connecting the
subject and the theory
QUOTE OTHER SOURCES HERE OR
IN THE NEXT PARAGRAPH
Sixth paragraph
Analysis
5-10 sentences
Should have one source
cited
Every paragraph in analysis must relate
specifically to BOTH the subject and the
theory.
The first sentence of each analysis
paragraph must summarize the contents of
its paragraph by directly connecting the
subject and the theory
.
QUOTE OTHER SOURCES HERE OR
IN THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPH
Surfers remain detached to other hazards as
well. Jellyfish abound within the ocean….
Last Paragraph
As a conclusion, discuss other thesis
statements as possible research for
others to pursue.
I also have an interest in pursuing if other
beach sportsman, such as sail board riders,
stay detached from danger. Another
expansion of my research could include
connecting other values, such as
perseverance, to surfing
Conclusion
3- 5 sentences
Do NOT summarize your paper
Do NOT give warm fuzzy wrap ups.
Research writing is not the scientific
process where you give your results
and findings in a conclusion.
Research writing is about producing
knowledge (the analysis part) and
inspiring others to carry on your
research (the conclusion).
When required for the assignment, put the works cited on the next page, after the conclusion, but within the same
pagination.
Works Cited
Items listed in a Works Cited are ONLY those sources you
have actually cited (by quotes) in the paper.
A works cited is NOT a reference sheet. Do not cite any
piece that you only mention in the Lit Review. Only cite
sources quoted in the theory and analysis sections.