How a Research paper format should be?

Most research papers have the following format:

1.Title Page

The first introduction to your paper from your audience.

Contents:

• Title of your paper (clear and specific)
• Your name and affiliation
• Name of course/department
• Name of supervisor/instructor
• Date of submission

Tip: The title of your paper should clearly indicate its contents. A vague title will cost you points even before the second page.

2.Abstract (150-250 words)

A brief description of all aspects of your paper. Consider this a movie trailer – engaging, to the point, and comprehensive.

Include these four elements:

• What was the problem being studied?
• How was the problem studied?
• What were your findings?
• Why is it important?

The abstract should be written last, although it comes at the beginning of the paper.

3.Introduction

This is where you get the reader’s attention.

An effective Introduction:

• Begins with an interesting opening (statistic, question, or observation)
• Gives the background information
• Moves to your specific research problem
• Concludes with the research question

It should not contain all the information.

4.Literature Review

This part shows that you have done your homework well.

It needs to:

• Summarize important studies already done on your topic.
• Identify gaps in knowledge (what is not explained by previous research)
• Organize sources by theme rather than date.

It’s not just about listing other people’s work. You need to link, contrast, and evaluate.

That is how a literature review differs from a bibliography.

5.Research Methodology

Describe the process used to conduct your research in such detail that another person could repeat it.

This includes:

• Research approach (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods)
• Method(s) used for collecting data (surveys, interviews, experiments, secondary data)
• Your sampling method
• The analysis of data collected

Absolutely no ambiguity. Be clear and open.

6.Results

State your results. Facts only – no analysis yet.

Use:

• Tables and charts for numerical information
• Numbered figures with legends
• Plain English to explain what the information tells us

7.Discussion

Here you give an interpretation of the significance of the results obtained.

It is usually the most intellectually challenging part to write. It should include:

• Interpretation of the results in light of your research problem
• If they support or disprove other findings
• The limitations of your study
• Suggestions for future research

Here comes your critical thinking into play. Use it.

8.Conclusion

Make it clear—without a doubt.

Your conclusion must:

• Restate your research question
• Summarise your main findings
• Discuss the wider importance or practical implications
• Not introduce any new information

Two concise paragraphs will usually do the trick.

9.References

All sources used in the paper should be listed here, in alphabetical order and properly formatted.

Common citation styles:

Always check with your instructor before you begin writing. Changing the format of an entire paper after the fact is frustrating.