Every piece of writing is, at its core, an argument. So, a writer must have the goal to persuade the reader to believe the point being made.
In order to do so, factual proof is essential. Evidence in the form of facts, statistics, trustworthy experts, and/or peer-reviewed studies is what you need to support your assertion in a research-driven article.
If you are aware of one of the famous case studies – the IKEA case study, you will learn how an evidence-based argument has been provided at each segment that engages the reader as well!
Speaking of which, you must be aware to not just randomly add data that does not relate to your context. To avoid such blunders, you can always opt for smart research tools that will digitally make you smarter and fasten your work as well!
Now that you have been reading so far, take a look at the basic processes for writing a research-based article –
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1. Performing Keyword Analysis
Before writing an article, you must first understand that Google recognizes and considers your post fascinating enough to rank it on the first page. Now, Google will only find it intriguing if you use the correct keywords.
The terms “adding a keyword” and “stuffing keywords” are not interchangeable. So don’t just throw in a keyword for its sake; make sure it works with the rest of the phrase.
When conducting keyword research, Keyword Planner is one tool that might be quite useful. It will notify you the average monthly searches for a specific keyword as well as the competition.
Long tail keyword recommendations can also be found on KeywordTool.io. Just type the term, and it will return a list of numerous alternative keyword choices.
You may also find information about monthly searches, AdWords competition, and CPC with the paid package.
2. Start with the Opening Paragraphs
The first paragraph is crucial in attracting the interest of the reader. This is referred to as the lead. An anecdote, a query, or a quote can also be leads. The lead should quickly grab the reader’s attention and persuade them to continue reading.
The context and purpose should focus on the next section of the introduction. The 5 W’s come into play at this point (who, what, where, when, why). The reader should know the article’s objective and who it affects.
Finally, the key point or your statement should be stated explicitly in the beginning.
Emphasis on – What is the claim or key idea, and how will the evidence support it?
3. Providing Evidence for the Claim
After establishing a clear claim, you must proceed to support the claim using the primary points.
Spoiler alert! This segment is going to be a little elaborative, so hold tight!
The majority of the writers begin with three primary discussing points. The simplest technique is to establish a new section and header for each point.
Check out the following pointers –
Credible sources of research include the following:
- Domain names with .org, .edu, .gov (when possible)
- Peer-reviewed research studies
- Pamphlets and fact sheets produced from major organisations that utilise research
- Credible expertise from professionals in the field
- Data, statistics, and illustrations
Further, the source you hyperlink should be connected to the evidence. For more information, of course, you can easily navigate to the web page. However, you don’t necessarily have to mention a reference list, as hyperlinks are more accessible to explore in online writing.
When presenting your evidence, it is common to include the source’s and author’s names to build credibility. In addition, it is important to explain how the evidence supports the statement after it has been presented. This is referred to as evidence analysis. This is why you must go to great lengths to ensure that all your findings have been explained.
Note that your research materials do not stand alone. It is your job to take hold of the research sources or materials and apply it to your argument specifying your point.
In a nutshell, this is how each section of the article should look:
- In one to two sentences, explain the key point.
- Provide evidence with a hyperlink to the source.
- Describe how the evidence explicitly supports the section’s major point.
- When possible, use the facts to add insights that strengthen the claim’s credibility.
- Repeat the process for each of the article’s primary points.
4. Bringing Everything Together
When this technique is followed, the material is structured and presented logically and convincingly.
Evidence must back up the writer’s assertion in a research-based article, and the evidence must be appropriately communicated.
You can follow the mentioned references for a better understanding-
- Introduction
- Context for an engaging lead (who, what, where, when, why)
- Three primary points are made in the body of the claim (at least)
- Each point is backed up by proof.
- Evidence is linked to a third-party source.
- Conclusion
- The claim and essential issues are explained in a logical manner.
- Information is combined
- A strong final sentence
Budding writers improve their writing dramatically when they learn to discover and apply relevant and valid sources to back up their assertions.
Finding information to back up the concepts offered is the most difficult component. The next most difficult step is to connect that proof to the writer’s claim.
This formula becomes easier to employ with practice. Once the writer has mastered it, they can branch out into more complicated plans (such as using multiple pieces of evidence to support the claim).
Start using this fundamental formula if you’re new to research. Then, continue to improve your writing skills so that you can publish compelling pieces that are backed up by evidence.
5. Make a final statement/Conclusion
The conclusion of the piece should summarise the material offered. The claim and significant points should be thoroughly examined. What is the relationship between all of the points in order to support the claim?
The final statement should be convincing to the reader. This means you must create a benchmark so that the reader can never forget your approach.
This is the time for the writer to shine. Your content is ready to publish once your argument has been well-explained and well-supported by your perspective.
6. Sections of your paper should be stocked
Keep relevant material in folders labeled – Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion as you think about your paper.
Doing so will save your time and prevent you from getting frustrated when you start writing. Figures, references, and ideas are examples of stored objects.
7. Add tables and graphs
Yes, make numbers and tables before you start writing! The data you’ll offer should be the focus of the entire paper.
You will be certain of your results if you prepare the tables and figures (together with their legends and relevant statistical analysis) before you worry too much about their interpretation.
You could also be able to figure out if you have all of the information you require. You may not incorporate any data that you have already released unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Concluding words…
Composing a thought-provoking article yet with a strong research work takes a lot of effort and dedication. But, once you figure out where to begin, you can write a well-tailored article with no hurdle.
So, start writing your pending articles with these effective tips, and you will see the differences in your reader’s faces!
Author Bio –
Raymond M. Fernandez has a PhD in Linguistics and is a professor hailing from the USA. He is also associated with the academic brand MyAssignmenthelp.com where he provides writing services to students. Joseph loves to read books and blog in his free time.
