The thesis statement is the focus of a paper. It sets forth（阐明）the main point of view the paper is going to prove or discuss. It should be argumentative（论证性的）but not descriptive（叙述性的）and usually in one sentence.

The thesis statement is followed by an outline. The thesis statement and the outline will guide the writer in writing the paper and will enable the reader to grasp the main points at a glance.

The introduction usually explains the writer’s intention or purpose in discussing the topic, and its scope（范围）and focus. It also provides the background or the situation the reader may need to know. In other words, the introduction should make clear why the writer chooses to write on such a topic and how much he or she intends to cover. It may raise some questions the paper is going to answer, or put forward the view it is going to elaborate（详细描述）. It may also make clear the method of research the writer intends to adopt in the paper.

The introduction need not be too long: one or two paragraphs should be enough to present some rough ideas of the paper and at the same time arouse the reader’s interest.

The body, the biggest and most important part of the paper, is where the writer elaborates his or her ideas. It is advisable to divide the body into several sections with or without headings or subheadings（标题或次标题）. But the writer should take care not to use too many headings or different kinds of numerals before sections and paragraphs, for they may confuse rather than help the reader.

The conclusion should in some way be connected with the introduction. It is a summary or restatement of the point of view put forward, or an answer to the question posed, in the introduction.

In-text notes can also be called parenthetical documentation（括号内引文）. That is to indicate the use of a source by putting the necessary information in parentheses right after where it occurs in the paper.

Works cited is placed at the end of the research paper on a separate sheet or sheets.