ARHS 234 Assignment 7 The Research Paper
This week the class will discuss how one incorporates evidence found through library research into a coherent paper. A researcher sometimes faces a superfluity of information, so the question is which is important to include and what can safely be left out.
How does one make an effective argument?
When is it appropriate to quote?
How does one decide when to place information in the text or in a footnote?
How does one cite a variety of sources?
Structure of a Research Paper
Introduction: The introduction is best written when you have pretty much finished your paper. It should hook the reader in with something small, but fascinating and expand from there, letting the reader know the scope of the paper and the issues which will be discussed.
Background information: Some background information from research paper writing services is necessary to lay out for the reader so that they will be able to understand your argument. Only provide what is necessary. Do not try to retrace the history of the world, the very beginnings of Christianity, etc. For example, if you are writing on the misericords in Exeter Cathedral, you should provide background on the liturgy and church services which demanded that the monks stand, necessitating the use of misericords. Explain why the demands of the liturgy changed. Do not explain how plentiful the forests were in medieval England.
The argument: For example, "The stained glass windows in Trinity Chapel at Canterbury Cathedral were directly influenced by the cult which focused on St. Thomas Becket's blood relics." There is a lot of information which needs to be explained. What are these windows? Where are they located? What is the cult of St. Thomas Becket? Why did it focus on blood reliquaries? Why and how can you link the windows and the cult together? Your writing should be based on answering many questions and explaining your thesis clearly.