Paper Structure
| Section | Purpose |
|---|
| Abstract | 150-250 word summary: problem, method, key findings, implications |
| Introduction | Hook → context → gap in literature → thesis statement → roadmap |
| Literature Review | Synthesize, don't list — group sources by theme, show debates |
| Methodology | Reproducibility: someone should be able to replicate from your description |
| Discussion | Interpret findings, acknowledge limitations, suggest future research |
Citation Styles
| Style | Field | In-Text Format |
|---|
| APA 7th | Psychology, education, sciences | (Smith, 2023, p. 42) |
| MLA 9th | Humanities, literature | (Smith 42) |
| Chicago | History, arts | Footnotes or author-date |
Thesis Statement Quality
| Weak | Strong |
|---|
| "Social media affects mental health" | "Instagram usage correlates with increased anxiety among adolescents, particularly when usage exceeds 2 hours daily (Smith, 2023)" |
Pro Tip: Academic writing is about joining a conversation, not proving you're the smartest person in the room. Your paper should show you understand what others have said before adding your contribution.