Nobody likes arguing, which could explain why many students find it challenging to write discussion papers, often known as argumentative essays. Are you looking for tips for writing a perfect discussion paper? You are right; this article explains all you need to know about the paper.
Writing a discussion paper is an excellent approach to arguing in written words. You select a contentious subject to consider, choose a side in the debate, and then explain your position persuading throughout your essay. How to do that? Let’s proceed by learning how to write a discussion for a research paper.
What is a discussion paper?
A discussion paper is a genre of academic writing that involves choosing a topic and taking a side. It involves arguing an issue using research and supporting facts. A discussion paper is also known as an argumentative essay.
Writing a discussion paper step by step
Plan your discussion paper
- Read and understand the question
Take the assignment your instructor presents to you and read it carefully. Try looking up phrases or words you don’t understand to comprehend the question better. Determine what the problem is. Never be reluctant to speak with the professor if you need help learning the question. In case you do not understand the question, always feel free to consult your professor or instructor.
- Research your topic
If you are unfamiliar with the subject, study it to understand it better. If your textbook covers the subject, start there. Alternatively, conduct this section’s research online using reputable sources on all sides of the debate.
Ask your instructor if you can use the lecture notes as a primary source if your paper is centered on a conversation that took place in class. Look for reputable news outlets and “. Edu” and “.gov”-ended websites.
To further comprehend the subject, you might need to do some research. You don’t need to take in-depth notes for this section because you’re just attempting to acquire a feeling for the topic.
- Take a side on the topic of discussion
After reading about all sides attentively, select what position you wish to adopt. Write your stance at the beginning of a paper page or at the beginning of a word processor document to begin writing your outline.
If your instructor has provided a book to draw your discussion research paper upon, ensure the text has adequate evidence to support your selected perspective.
- Highlight the main points
Consider your original reading after picking a side. What key arguments helped you come to that conclusion? These can serve as your paper’s significant points. Mark your primary thoughts on the paper with the number system. By each number, put a central idea. In a reasonably short article, such as one with 3 to 5 pages, you may only discuss 3 to 4 primary themes.
- Research to support your points
It’s time to get serious about your research paper discussion now. Go to the library or access the academic resources available at your institution. Look for reliable sources that you may utilize to support your claims. Publications or eBooks, scholarly journal articles, and trustworthy websites should be your primary sources. You may use exceptional news and pieces if they relate to your subject.
- Take notes, including citation
You can do this by taking written notes or by using a computer. Make notes as you study from pertinent sources and go forward. Add the reference number next to each part you take notes on or cite, if appropriate, and the title of the book or article information in the page’s header.
When referencing a book, you must mention the full name, the author’s name (if relevant), the author’s title, city, the year, and the version it was published in, as well as the title of the chapter if it was part of an anthology by several authors.
- Fill in the outline
After taking notes, add 3 to 4 key points to the bottom of each significant concept. Add supporting details and research notes to the core concept to let it stand independently. This forms the purpose for discussion in a research paper.
If one of your primary claims is “Uncontrolled migration increases diversity,” for instance, some of your supporting reasons could be “Tends to bring in new cultures” and “Tends to bring in contemporary designs.” Find examples from your investigation to further explain each concept and take notes.
Writing your discussion section of a research paper
- How to start a discussion paper
Use an anecdote or a quotation as your opening to draw readers in. A hook is a device used to pique a reader’s interest in an essay. You may, for instance, utilize a quote from an individual whose position you concur with in a debate essay.
Start by presenting a brief tale about anything related to your topic before telling a story or anecdote. For an assignment on Immigration, you could write something like this: “My mum told us we were heading on a long trip when I was four. My dad carried me for most of the trip as we walked at midnight after taking the bus. We passed a river someday. Our very first day in our unified republic was that particular day.”
- Introduce your topic
After giving an anecdote or a short story, bring up your essay’s central theme to let your readers know where you’re going. Before introducing your thesis, you should reasonably offer all sides of the argument.
You could say, for instance, “Immigration is a contentious topic. It is contentious because some people worry about how it would affect the resources of the nation the immigrants are moving to, while others think it will enhance the standard of living for immigrants.”
- Write the thesis statement
After your transitional sentences, you should include a much more focused thesis statement, which explains to the audience what you intend to argue. You might wish to add a few sentences that will clarify for the reader what your major arguments will be.
Your topic sentence might read something like this: “Mass migration should be welcomed with a few fundamental precautions in place since it fosters variety, enriches the nation with talented individuals, and expands the nation’s perspective.” you can check an example of discussion in a research paper to understand more on introduction.
Writing the body of your discussion paper
- Ensure each paragraph addresses one idea
Create your paragraphs based on your outline to assist you in concentrating on your essay. One section can be used to support each primary topic in a brief essay. Try drafting one paragraph for every bullet point under the critical themes if your paper is lengthy.
When learning how to write the discussion section of a research paper, for example, your central thesis could be “Mass migration promotes diversity,” and you might cover all of your main points within the paragraph. If you want to go deeper, you could make a section regarding diversity and utilize a paragraph to discuss how it “helps to bring in new cultures,” “helps to bring in artwork,” and so forth.
- Discuss the other side of your stand
Discussing the opposing viewpoint and demonstrating how it differs from your stance is the most excellent method to present your case. Use a counterclaim to introduce the opposite view, then elaborate on why you believe your perspective is superior. You can decide how much space and time, like a short statement or an entire paragraph, to give to the opposing viewpoint.
Avoid using a “straw man” defense that denies the opposite point of view a fair opportunity to respond. You ought to be able to defend your stance without purposely undermining the other side’s arguments. Check the research paper discussion example online to understand more.
- Support your ideas
Cite references in your comments as you support the discussion part of a research paper. Not every sentence needs to be cited, but you must do so for each one that contains a key idea you obtained from a different source. You can rephrase other concepts or use direct quotations, but only when the author makes an exciting statement. If not, state it in your language.
Consider starting each body section with a quotation from a pertinent source. Then, describe or remark on the quotation and demonstrate how it backs up your argument. Statistics is another tool you can use to support your research. Use facts, for example, to keep your claim that mass migration doesn’t cause an increase in terrorism.
Concluding your discussion paper
After writing the introduction and the body paragraphs, you can conclude your discussion in a research paper. Conclude your discussion essay by summarizing all you have discussed in the body paragraphs. Restate the thesis statement and ensure you do not include any new information in the conclusion.
Your essay should conclude with a recommendation, a call to action, or another concluding statement. In some circumstances, you might revise your opening statement in light of all the claims and supporting data.
Proofread and edit your discussion paper
After completing your first draft, carefully review your essay. Check to see whether it makes sense after reading it once. Does one thought lead to the next? Spend some time fixing it by inserting transitioning if it doesn’t.
Once you get the flow down, reread it to look for errors and grammatical mistakes. Reading it out loud can be beneficial since it makes you take your time and concentrate on each word.
In a nutshell
Writing a discussion paper is another way of arguing a topic in writing. Read the instructions provided for your paper. Plan your essay, and write the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. After writing, edit your discussion paper to ensure it flows smoothly.
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