College Research Writing Sem. 2 Final

Abstract

A standalone summary of the entire paper (150–250 words) covering purpose, methods, key findings, and implications. Written last, placed first.

Introduction

Opens with broad background context, narrows to a specific problem or gap in existing research, and ends with the thesis statement.

Literature review

Synthesizes existing scholarly sources to situate the study, identifying agreements, tensions, and gaps rather than summarizing sources individually.

Methodology

Explains how the research was conducted, including participants, materials, procedures, and data analysis approach.

Body / discussion

Develops and supports the thesis through evidence, analysis, and source synthesis, ensuring each paragraph connects back to the thesis.

Conclusion

Restates the thesis in new words, synthesizes main arguments, discusses implications, and suggests future research areas without introducing new evidence.

Thesis statement

A specific, arguable claim that controls the organization of body paragraphs, appears at the end of the introduction, and is restated in the conclusion.

Literature review

A literary method that groups sources thematically or by argument, analyzing gaps and tensions, and leading toward the necessity for new research.

In-text citation (paraphrase)

(Author, Year) → (Chen, 2021) Page number encouraged but not required.

In-text citation (direct quote)

(Author, Year, p. #) → (Chen, 2021, p. 47) Page number required.

References page

Starts on a new page titled 'References,' lists entries alphabetically, uses hanging indents, and includes DOIs when available.

Journal article reference

Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of article in sentence case. Journal Name in Title Case and Italics, volume(issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxxx.

Key change in APA 7

Et al. is used for any source with 3 or more authors, starting from the first citation.

Shared public goals

The community has broadly agreed-upon purposes that members understand.

Genres

Recurring communication types that help achieve community goals, like lab reports or peer-reviewed articles.

Lexis

The specialized vocabulary and language conventions of a discourse community.

Novice

A new member acquiring the community's conventions, genres, and lexis over time.

Discourse community

A group sharing goals and textual practices, which may not share the same native language.