Chapter 1
Overview of a Research Paper
Ithis chapter, you will learn
the definitioof a research paper
the reasoto write a research paper
the structure of a research paper
the process of writing a research paper
the moconventions iacademic writing
the rules for writing a good research paper
Part I. Definitioof a research paper 
A research paper is a moform of academic writing. It requires writers to explore a certaitopic, conduct research, take a positioand provide support for that topic. Generally, a research paper cabe either a term paper, a thesis, a dissertatioor a published journal article. Ithis textbook, the research paper particularly refers to a scholarly article published iaacademic journal. As aacademic work, a research paper published by aacademic journal contains original research and undergoes a process of peer review before they cabe accepted for publication.
Part II. Reasoto write a research paper 
A research paper is different from aessay. To most people, writing research paper is no easy task and sometimes evokes anety. However, this anety cabe reduced through more practice and familiarity with this genre of writing. Because it involves critical thinking and high level of language proficiency, the process of writing a research paper is a rewarding experience to people whether they will continue to do research throughout their careers or not. It is generally acknowledged that research paper writing has a lot of benefits. Here are just some of them. 
1. Promoting your curiosity 
Writing a research paper usually begins with a question, and this questiois something that truly excites you. Once you choose the topic, you will explore your chosesubject like aexplorer. No matter what topic you choose, you are ithe process of discovering something new. 
Doing research cahelp promote and stimulate your curiosity and therefore research writing cabe full of rewarding discoveries. 
2. Learning academic conventions
Ithe process of research paper writing, you’ll learhow to find information, how to cite sources appropriately, how to format aacademic paper, how to avoid plagiarism and what makes good academic style and appropriate academic conventions. 
3. Organizing information
Ithe process of writing a research paper, you will conduct research and therefore will be faced with a huge amount of information. It is your job to review the information, evaluate it, categorize it, and present it ia structured format. This process requires critical analysis and attentioto details. Writing research paper, ithis way, cahelp you learto organize informatioia logical, cohesive and academic fashion. 
4. Managing time
Writing a research paper is a multi-step process, and every step ithe process of research and writing takes time. You need to set up a time schedule. By creating a research schedule, you camamize your efficiency and plete the task itime. The whole process of writing, which involves setting goals and time management, cahelp you iother areas of life also. 
5. Thinking critically and objectively
Research papers help us develop critical thinking and look at ideas and research from aobjective perspective. By writing research papers, we learto present different theories, analyze them from different viewpoints, and themake statements based owhat we understand. The whole process, involving analysis and evaluation, is a process of critical thinking. Critical thinking is one of the most important skills for people to learearly oilife, and it will benefit us greatly throughout our life.