Elements of Writing a Good Paper

A good paper is written well and researched properly.

A good paper requires a few elements: thorough research, proper format and clear writing. If possible, a good paper should be written about a topic in which the writer is interested. A good paper is not just a reiteration of other sources' information. It is a critical look at and analysis of information.

Research

Reliable sources are necessary for any paper.

All papers require thorough research, even if the paper is based in opinion. Opinions can be made stronger if evidence supports the idea at hand. Proper sources must always be used when writing about any topic. Avoid using unreliable information that can be generated by the masses, like Wikipedia entries. According to the website Inside Higher Ed, Wikipedia is not a reliable source due to that fact that anyone can edit its content. Use sources like encyclopedias, journals, newspapers and books written by professionals. Make sure to watch any films or documentaries or read any material that directly relates the topic. Take notes about important facts and pieces of information that can back up the topic. Include these in the paper. A good paper reveals many sources.

Format

A good paper has a clear format.

All papers should follow the standard format in academic writing. The paper should have an introduction, three body paragraphs and an ending statement paragraph. The first paragraph should contain a thesis statement. The thesis is the central point or argument in the paper. It can be an idea, hypothesis or other generalization. The thesis should be discussed in depth in the form of researched source information, dialogue from people, books, or films or other information about the topic. The body paragraphs should include these ideas and should expound on the main topic. The conclusion should summarize the ideas and succinctly end the paper.

Writing

Papers should always be edited thoroughly.

All papers need good content and clear, effective writing. While the structure and idea are in place, correct grammar and sentence structure is required. A good paper that is written poorly can be given a low grade. It is best to write in a clear, concise manner. Each sentence should provide something new to the paper. Nothing should be repetitive or irrelevant to the topic. Have another student, a tutor or a teacher read a draft and provide feedback before submitting the final paper.

References

• Inside Higher Ed: A Stand Against Wikipedia

Resources

• Research Guide for Students