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What is the difference between an Essay and a Research Paper?

Essay: Usually your point of view

Research Paper: Researching and


expressing others points of view on a
topic, as well as incorporating your
insights and ideas

Essay: Shorter, usually 3-4 pages

Research Paper: Longer, usually at least


8 pages
Research Paper: Requires greater
understanding of a topic by researching
thoroughly
Research Paper: The writer compares
various pieces of information on a topic
and then presents a cumulative
overview of the findings.
Research Paper: After researching a
topic thoroughly, the writer compiles
and evaluates the information. The
writer then restructures and presents
the topic from their point of view,
incorporating citations from complied
research to back up their analysis.

Essay: Does not necessarily require


a comprehensive understanding of
the topic
Essay: The writer hones their
writing skills by presenting their
thoughts in a logical and coherent
manner
Essay: In an essay the writer puts
their thoughts on paper. Thought is
given to the purpose of the writing
and what type of essay it is. The
perspective audience is also
considered. The writing should be
well-organized, coherent and
supported by appropriate facts and
examples.

When writing a research paper, you have the choice of two main approaches: analytical and
argumentative.
While there are distinct differences between writing an analytical research paper and writing an
argumentative research paper, two commonalities:
-

Logical thinking is necessary.


Smart evaluation of information fuels what is included.
Comprehensive research of source material is conducted.

The major difference between the two research paper types is made in the process of writing,
or presenting the topic. Analytical papers create a balanced, neutral approach to presenting a
snapshot of an overall topic from which you draw conclusions, and argumentative papers
create a debate between differing sides with a logical argument that favors one side of an
argument over another.

Weve worked on argumentative this semester, so I thought we might as well


continue the process with an argumentative research paper. I want to give
information about both.

The analytical research paper

Forming a research question is the basis of an analytical research paper. The question is
neutral and provides direction for you to evaluate and explore the topic as it relates to
answering the question. Your thesis statement presents the research question, and the
remainder of your paper supports your thesis.
This type of research paper is not a simple regurgitation of information. Instead, it is your
thoughts, conclusions and evaluations of a topic that is backed up with logical information.
Several things are vital in formulating an analytical research paper:
- You answer the research questions objectively.
- You have no preconceived notions or opinions about the topic.
- You evaluate the topic and draw conclusions from factual information from reliable
sources.
- You piece findings together to present the purpose of the paper.
- You use serious contemplation and a critical evaluation to answer the research
question.

The argumentative research paper


Taking one side of an issue or topic is the central point of an argumentative research paper.
Your stance is built into the thesis statement, which makes the argument you feel is more
logical for the given topic. The biggest goal of this type of paper is to convince your readers to
agree with your point of view by backing up your position with a logical argument supported by
facts and information from credible sources.
An argumentative research paper does not simply demand readers agree with you based solely
on your opinion. Instead, careful and structured research is used to demonstrate the viability of
your argument by providing information that allows readers to draw the same logical
conclusion. There are several things that are crucial in writing this type of paper:
- You use logical persuasion to build your argument in order to convince readers.
- You clearly state your argument or stance in the thesis statement.
- You introduce the topic sufficiently before taking a stance.
- You use credible sources to back up your position and include information about the
opposing view.
- You use critical evaluation to create a logical argument.
Regardless of which research paper type you are undertaking, the backbone of writing a great
paper starts with conducting thorough and structured research, using effective note-taking
strategies and forming a strong thesis statement. While the thesis statement you start with may
evolve as you write your paper, an analytical research paper has a more fluid thesis than an
argumentative one; the thesis statement may undergo more changes as you begin outlining,
writing a rough draft or finalizing your paper.
When writing your paper, remember to use the present tense, avoid the first person, as well as the use of
contractions.

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