Great Hints for Your Analytical Research Paper
Analytical research papers are something you should expect to see if you are in college or graduate school. This paper is more challenging than the usual essays required in high school as you will need to compare differing views from a variety of sources.
Unlike an argumentative paper where you try to prove your position, the analytical paper aims to enlighten the reader on the varying opinions about the issue. Once shared, then an analysis of their merits is given. In some situations, a recommendation may be given at the end based on the analysis, but that is not the main purpose of the paper.
Great hints to help
Since the analytical paper can be difficult to make, the following are some great hints to help you.
- Choose well
Some professors require students to select their topic from a given list of options. One reason is to ensure the students learn something relevant to the course, compared to giving them a free hand to pick something else. Another reason is that the teacher already has an idea about the topics, making it easier for them to check.
Other teachers, however, allow students to pick something related to the subject matter. This is to give freedom to the students and to make the discussion more interesting as each student can share something different.
Regardless if there are given choices are not, it always makes sense to pick something you are interested in analyzing. If not, the entire exercise will feel quite boring, making it harder to do a good job.
- Find a lot of valid sources
Great analysis papers look at the issue from multiple angles, not just one or two. But to thoroughly investigate each side, you will need at least three or more resources for each. Ensure as well that you look at books, journals, and reliable websites. Yes, lots of reading is involved, but you will be thankful later on the more you learn about the issues.
- Take notes as you read
To save on time, begin taking detailed notes the moment you start reading in-depth. This prevents you from having to read again because you forgot. These notes can be on an index card or in a file on your computer - whatever works best for you.
- Avoid logical fallacies
A challenge for those who do not like to write much is to ensure there is no mistake in the logic of their paper. To avoid this, you will have to reread your work and have someone look at it as well. Better to exhaust all means than to receive a bad grade because of illogical insinuations.
- Study an example
If you are unsure about the parts of the paper, it helps to have an example to view. You can go online to see samples or buy research paper online, or you can ask upperclassmen for their past papers so that you have something to follow. The objective is guidance, not for you to copy what they did.
- Proofread your work
Finally, before submission, ensure you have proofread your work. It will be sad if you receive deductions because of typos.
Summary
The analytical paper is an assignment that will require extra effort on your end. Take a look at the hints above so that your paper can receive a good grade.