Soft Characteristics of Research Papers

Research papers have, in a way, always been a part of a student�s academic writing. Since in the elementary grade, pupils are asked to write essays about a certain topic that requires information to be sought out; and some of these topics were also intrapersonal. As their level of education increases, the topic and the use of language code become more and more broad and demanding as they approach their first high level research paper. There are more criteria students have to follow. There should be more examples illustrated. And the writer must clearly identify what is his main goal in writing. Is it to deliver information? Express feelings and emotions? Or describe and defend perspectives? These things must be decided before writing any research paper.

Among all essays done in the school, research essays are most interesting. All outputs done by a college student not only reflects what was taught to him, but also reflects his full knowledge and understanding of the subject. Research essay writing is indeed more brave and more critical, but nevertheless, also creative.

Critical thinking is specially attributed to research paper writing. In the college level of education, the student has the ability to differentiate and discriminate ideas, and the ability to isolate them so that he would be arriving at a narrower topic he intends to discuss. This is the part where the student writer analyzes which idea he needs to elaborate and which he needs to omit. His ability in writing is becoming more comprehensive, and thus he is able to produce output that has carefully chosen words, well-constructed form and thoroughly emphasized function.

Another characteristic of research papers is their braveness. Some essays are not only intended to convey information or share experiences about last season�s summer like in the elementary and secondary grades. College students write essays not merely for having a grade or a story to tell. They write because they want to convey their perspectives, their beliefs. They want to express, and they want to be heard. Their outputs are not just for the teacher. Their essays are significantly written for an intended audience, to people who either have the same or contrary beliefs with them.

It would be absurd however if we regard research essays as only critical and brave. Of course, they are creative as well. Students in the tertiary level do not write in an uninteresting manner. They know how to manipulate words in order to create the targeted imagery to an audience. They know what words to use in order to bring out the emotions of the readers. They know how to integrate facts, experiences and opinions in order to produce an essay in a fashionable but realistic manner. In short, research essays are mutually intelligible to all intended readers.

Research paper writing, therefore, is a critical, brave and creative process. It is an effective way of delivering information, expressing perspectives and describing different points of view. Research paper writing is inherently connected with effective essay writing: how students integrate everything they have learned and experienced in a well-organized, well-constructed and properly emphasized output in an academic concept. It reflects a student�s linguistic, sociolinguistic, discourse, and strategic competencies. Follow these processes and you will always have impressive research papers.