Title Page
Include the paper title, your name, course, instructor, and date. The title should clearly reflect your topic or argument.
Abstract (if required)
Provide a 150–250 word summary of your purpose, methods, and key findings. Write it last, but place it before the main text.
Introduction
Give background or context for your topic. Clearly state your thesis or research question and explain the motivation or significance of your study.
Body Sections
Organize content logically into sections or themes. Each paragraph should have a clear main idea supported by evidence. Use smooth transitions between sections to maintain flow.
Conclusion
Summarize the main findings or arguments. Connect back to the thesis and discuss broader implications or directions for future research.
Bibliography
Begin on a new page titled Bibliography. Use Chicago style (17th edition), alphabetize entries by the author’s last name, and ensure every in-text citation corresponds to a bibliography entry.
Develop a clear argument or interpretation.
Support your claims with textual, historical, or visual evidence.
Include analysis and original insight, not just description.
Acknowledge and respond to multiple scholarly perspectives.
Use direct quotations sparingly and integrate them smoothly.
Clearly describe your hypothesis or research question.
Provide a detailed methodology that allows replication.
Present data accurately with clear graphs, figures, or tables.
Interpret results in relation to scientific principles or prior research.
Acknowledge limitations and suggest possible improvements.
Use the Chicago Author–Date format for citations.
In-text citation: (Author Year, Page) — for example, (Einstein 1916, 34).
Book example:
Einstein, Albert. Relativity: The Special and the General Theory. New York: Holt, 1916.
Journal article example:
Smith, Jane. “Gender and Power in Victorian Fiction.” Journal of Literary Studies 10, no. 3 (2023): 45–63.
Website example:
NASA. “Mars Exploration Program.” Accessed October 29, 2025. https://mars.nasa.gov.
Cite every idea, fact, or phrase that is not your own. Avoid over-relying on a single source and aim for a balanced mix of materials.
Maintain a consistent academic tone. Avoid slang, filler words, and unnecessary repetition. Write clear and concise sentences.
Define technical or uncommon terms when first used.
Match tone and approach to your discipline:
Humanities papers are interpretive and analytical.
STEM papers are objective and data-driven.
Paraphrase where possible, and avoid plagiarism.
Use Times New Roman, 12 pt font.
Double-space throughout, including the bibliography.
Set one-inch margins on all sides.
Include page numbers in the upper-right corner.
Use section headings if they help readability.
Proofread for spelling and grammar errors.
Verify the accuracy of your data, quotations, and citations.
Ensure all figures, tables, and charts are labeled and referenced in the text.
Name your file clearly (for example, Lastname_ResearchPaper2025.docx).
Run a final plagiarism and citation check before submission.
This is your application for a position at our education non-profit, Research for All, where we hope to level the playing field for high schoolers from all backgrounds.