How to Make a Research Paper More Interesting 1

A research paper is a piece of academic writing that is logical, analytical, and critical. Research papers are usually backed-up by research, facts, and verifiable proofs. A research paper aims to encourage a student to think critically and research objectively.

The main challenge in writing a research paper is knowing how to make the paper interesting. Because the research paper is an academic work that requires logical and critical writing, it may be difficult to add some colors to the writing using personal experiences and opinions.

More Interesting

Are you finding it difficult to add some color and interest to your research paper? Are you dissatisfied with your academic paper? Do you think your essay can grab more attention than it is getting now? Don’t worry! This article was written to handle these issues and more. By the time you are done with it, you will know how to:

  • Choose the right topic;
  • Write great headlines;
  • Research;
  • Add body to your essay;
  • Craft memorable conclusions.

Pre-Writing Tips

What do you do after you’ve been assigned a paper to write? Do you look for previous papers to copy from? Do you start writing immediately? Do you hire a freelancer to write your work for you? What you do before the writing process determines whether you are to write an engaging piece or not.

 

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Brainstorm on the Right Topic

The first rule of choosing the right topic is to write from your heart. Write on a topic that means something to you. If you choose a topic, you are not convicted of, it will be pretty hard convicting your readers. Don’t be tempted to write on what everyone is writing on. Also, don’t be tempted to write on a topic you think might be impressive. Write on a topic that has value for you. How do you get such topics? Brainstorm!

  • Go to a quiet place and think with a pen and a piece of paper;
  • Make a list of your favorite topics taught during the course;
  • Write a list of what you love about each topic;
  • Make a list of possible perspectives to write on each topic;
  • Next, arrange the topics, putting the topics that are easier to research and write on the top and the topics that may take longer time to be complete at the bottom;
  • Finally, eliminate topics based on complexity, time is taken to write, word length, and research materials available;
  • Choose your final topic.

Outlining

Sketching an outline before the writing process helps you save time by anticipating challenges when writing the essay. Outlining also helps give your paper a direction.

Before the writing process, complete an outline of the important points and steps to cover in your paper. Think of your outline as a skeleton that holds your work together. Remember that your outline is a flexible framework; feel free to make as many changes as necessary.

Research

A research paper can only be interesting if you have dedicated enough time to research. Shallow research makes a weak research paper, while detailed research makes a strong one.

  • Keep a record of your research. This will help you research systematically, save time and resources;
  • Start by asking your teacher for resources. Their advice and resources will go a long way in giving your research direction.
  • Next, scout for information from easier sources, and then move to the more detailed and less easy sources. For example, start by interviewing friends, family, and colleagues. Their opinions may be what you need to get the right perspective.
  • Scout for information from the Internet; be sure to use trusted websites and resources.
  • Finally, scout for information from the library. Journals, textbooks, and magazines also hold a rich store of information.
  • Remember to keep a record of your research sources. This will help you make accurate references in the bibliography.

The Writing Process

If you have followed the pre-writing tips, the writing process should be less demanding. With a good outline and detailed research, the writing process is basically a breeze.

Writing a Title

Your title should grab the attention of your reader. After all, this article aims to teach you how to engage your reader, from the title to the last full stop. So, how do you create awesome titles?

  • Titles shouldn’t be too long. They should be relevant and on the point.
  • You can also use the major keywords of your paper to form a title.
  • Your title can also be a summary of your thesis statement.
  • Avoid titles with ambiguous and complex words.

Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement justifies the purpose of writing the paper. What do you hope to achieve with the essay? Inform? Analyze? Argue a point? It would help if you made this clear in your thesis statement. To avoid making your readers bored with your statement, try to keep it to just a paragraph.

Introduction

So, you’ve succeeded in getting your reader’s attention with the title? How do you make them continue reading the essay? An interesting introduction. There are various ways of making your introduction interesting. However, a common technique is to use a hook.

  • Start your paper with rhetoric or a memorable fact, anecdote, or quote.
  • You can also use statistics and figures to make a point.

Body

The body of your essay makes up most of your research paper.

  • The first paragraph is usually a continuation of your introduction.
  • Let subsequent paragraphs flow logically, building on your thesis statement.
  • Use a new point to make a paragraph in the body; that way, your reader can follow you as you build on your thesis statement.

Conclusion

The aim of your conclusion should be to reinforce your thesis statement.

  • Summarise your thesis statement, arguments, analysis, and findings of your research.
  • Make a call to action to stir up further reading.

Post-Writing Tips

Although research papers may be critical, they can still be interesting to read. As long as you pick a topic with value, you are on the right track to crafting an interesting piece. Following these tips will help you make a research paper engaging for your reader.