8/2/2019 Writing Effective Research Papers (MEAL)

1/3

SI Writing LabHodges University

Writing Effective Research Papers

Introductory Paragraph

The opening sentence of the paper should grab the readers attention and set the tone for

the paper. The rest of the paragraph should set the appropriate context by defining key terms and

providing a brief description of the overall concept. The introductory paragraph should end with

the thesis statement.

Thesis: The thesis statement is the foundation of a persuasive essay. It asserts the

authors opinions that are supported throughout the body of the paper. Generating a thesis is

difficult work. Some might choose to write the thesis statement after writing the body

paragraphs. A strong thesis statement is provable, arguable, and credible. A thesis considers the

proper scope of the research being presented; however, it should not be a simple restatement of

fact.

MEAL Plan

Body paragraphs should be written using the MEAL paragraph format. This format will

help you to write and think like a researcher. Persuasive writing requires both ample evidence

and convincing analysis. This model is also an effective strategy for reviewing and revising each

paragraph.

Main Idea

Each paragraph must focus on a single topic. The writer should establish a topic sentence

for each paragraph. That sentence should then be followed by descriptions and support which

connect the main idea to the thesis statement.

8/2/2019 Writing Effective Research Papers (MEAL)

2/3

SI Writing LabHodges University

Evidence

The topic sentence should be a claim related to the thesis statement; therefore, each topic

should be supported by relevant and credible evidence. Evidence usually includes summaries,

paraphrases, quotations, definitions, and examples from primary and secondary sources. This

evidence should be validated prior to its use. Appropriate APA citations should be used for each

source of evidence. Citations are typically placed immediately after the source is used.

Analysis

Evidence alone does not speak for the writer. Evidence is not analysis. Analysis is the

writers perspective on the evidence that may not be readily apparent to the audience. If the

writer expects the audience to be persuaded or convinced and to recognize the connections/

relationships between the writers claims and the evidence, then the writer needs to take adequate

time to explain those connections. Analysis clearly explains the significance of your evidence as

it relates to the topic of the paragraph. This is often the most challenging aspect of writing a

research paper, yet it is the most critical because it demonstrates the writers knowledge and

understanding of the topic.

Link

Each paragraph should make a connection to the rest of the paper. It should refer to an

element related to the thesis statement and link to the ideas that will be presented in the

following paragraph through the use of transitional phrases. This foreshadowing prepares the

audience for the next claim and for what might be presented from the writers research.

8/2/2019 Writing Effective Research Papers (MEAL)

3/3

SI Writing LabHodges University

Closing Paragraph or Summary

The conclusion should revisit the thesis and wrap up apapers arguments. A conclusion

should summarize the ideas and arguments that have been presented within the paper and reflect

careful consideration of the thesis. A strong conclusion includes a connection to larger issues or

themes and makes clear the significance of the analysis. A conclusion should not be a simple

restatement of information from the introduction.

Paper Requirements

1. Write using 3rd person. Avoid using: I, me, us, you, and we.

2. Avoid using contractions.

3. Refer to the Hodges Style Guide when citing and building reference pages.

4. Follow proper APA format for all elements.

5. Remember that this is an academic research paper, language use should reflect this. Elements

to avoid include, but are not limited to, slang, clichs, and idioms.

6. Papers should be proofread and spellchecked.

7. Refer to the Hodges University Written Communication Rubric for evaluation standards.