Like all essays, the research essay has three main parts: It begins with the introduction followed by the body and, of course, concludes with the conclusion. Yet, the body of the research essay usually has several distinct sections that are unique in either type or placement when compared to other types of essays.
Parts of the research essay include:
The Introduction: Like every essay, the introduction to a research essay introduces the topic. It may also include your statement of interest in the topic. How you introduce the topic is a matter of your personal choice. Some examples are:
- Start with an anecdote about the topic
- Talk about the work of an expert that led you to become interested in the topic
- Disclose an unanswered question that led you to choose the topic. The question may also be the basis for your essay thesis.
Argument and Documentation: The “meat of your research essay”, the argument and documentation section presents your case. How you develop your points depends on whether your essay format is expository or argumentative.
The Historiography: The historiography is an overview of other works written on the same topic, those that share your point of view as well those opposing your argument. Although often addressed only in footnotes or endnotes, you may place the historiography within the body if it is important to the development of your essay. For instance, you might use the historiography to acknowledge a contradicting position and explain why it’s invalid or to introduce an expert source that agrees with your viewpoint.
Discussion of Sources: Different from the usual list of cited sources, the research essay takes time to discuss sources of information. The discussion of sources takes into account the biases and weaknesses of your sources as well as their strengths and the value they add to your argument. Furthermore, in a discussion of sources you may also include sources that you didn’t use and the reasons why you omitted them from your paper.
Although the discussion of sources also is most often found in footnotes, its placement depends upon its importance to your topic and to the development of your article.
Conclusion: Again, the conclusion of a research essay differs from the standard essay format. Although you’ll redefine your thesis and summarize the supporting points, you may choose to add some pertinent information. For instance, the conclusion of a research essay is the only place in your paper where it’s appropriate to express your personal opinion. Furthermore, you might add information that connects your topic to a contemporary issue such as how it brought about some significant change. You may also provide avenues for further research.