Essay Template

Research Essay Template

Structure comprehensive research papers with proper methodology, source integration, and academic rigor.

1 Outline Template
3 AI Prompts

A research essay demonstrates your ability to investigate a topic, evaluate sources critically, and synthesize information into a coherent argument. Unlike simpler essays, research papers require engagement with scholarly sources and often contribute new analysis or perspectives to academic conversations.

This template provides the standard structure for academic research papers across most disciplines. Whether you're writing a literature review, empirical study, or analytical research paper, this outline and these prompts will help you organize your research and present it effectively.

Essay Outline Template

I. Introduction

150-250 words
Hook: Open with a compelling fact, question, or observation that establishes the significance of your topic. Context: Provide background information that situates your research within the broader field or conversation. Research Gap or Problem: Identify what's missing in current understanding or what problem needs addressing. Thesis Statement: Present your central argument or the main finding your research will demonstrate. Roadmap (optional): Briefly preview the structure of your paper. Tip: Your introduction should move from broad context to your specific contribution—like a funnel.

II. Literature Review / Background

300-500 words
Purpose: Demonstrate your knowledge of existing scholarship and position your work within it. Organization Options: • Chronological: Trace how understanding has evolved • Thematic: Group sources by subtopic or approach • Methodological: Compare different research methods used For Each Source/Group: • Summarize key findings or arguments • Analyze strengths and limitations • Show how it connects to your research question Synthesis: Don't just summarize sources individually—show how they relate to each other and where gaps exist. End by clearly identifying the gap your research fills.

III. Methodology (if applicable)

100-200 words
For empirical research, explain: • Research design (qualitative, quantitative, mixed) • Data sources and collection methods • Analysis approach • Limitations and how you addressed them For analytical/argumentative research: • Your analytical framework or approach • Why this approach is appropriate • Key terms or concepts you're working with This section should be detailed enough that another researcher could replicate your approach.

IV. Analysis / Findings

500-800 words
This is the core of your paper where you present your research findings or analysis. Structure by: • Major themes or findings (use subheadings) • Chronological development • Order of importance • Compare/contrast framework For Each Section: • Present evidence (data, quotes, examples) • Analyze what the evidence shows • Connect findings to your thesis • Acknowledge complexity or contradictions Use topic sentences that advance your argument, not just introduce topics. Integrate sources using ICE: Introduce the source, Cite it, Explain its significance.

V. Discussion

200-300 words
Interpret your findings: • What do your results mean? • How do they relate to existing literature? • Were there surprises or unexpected findings? • What are the implications? Address limitations: • What couldn't your research address? • What factors might affect interpretation? • How might these be addressed in future research? Note: In some papers, Discussion and Conclusion are combined. In others, they're separate sections.

VI. Conclusion

150-200 words
Restate your thesis: Remind readers of your central argument (rephrased, not copied). Summarize key findings: Highlight the most important points without repeating all details. Significance: Explain why your research matters—what does it contribute? Future directions: Suggest what research should come next. Final thought: End with a memorable statement about the broader implications. Don't: Introduce new information or make claims beyond what your research supports.

Structural Breakdown

Research Question Development

A strong research paper starts with a focused, answerable question. Your question should be specific enough to investigate thoroughly but significant enough to matter.

  • Start broad, then narrow: Topic → Issue → Question → Thesis
  • Your question should be debatable, not factual
  • Consider: What gap does this fill? Why does this matter?
  • Test your question: Can you find enough sources? Too many?

Source Integration

Research writing is a conversation with sources. You need to synthesize, not just summarize—show how sources relate to each other and to your argument.

  • Use sources to support your argument, not replace it
  • Paraphrase more than you quote; quote only distinctive language
  • Always analyze sources—don't just drop quotes and move on
  • Show disagreements between sources, don't ignore them

Critical Analysis

Research essays require you to evaluate evidence, not just present it. Your analysis is what makes the paper original.

  • Ask "So what?" after every piece of evidence
  • Consider alternative interpretations
  • Look for patterns across sources
  • Your voice should guide the reader through the sources

Academic Voice

Research writing has conventions that signal credibility. Master these without becoming stiff or jargon-heavy.

  • Use hedging language appropriately: "suggests," "indicates," "may"
  • Cite sources for claims that aren't common knowledge
  • Avoid first person in formal papers (unless your discipline allows it)
  • Be precise with terminology; define key terms

AI Writing Prompts

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