The paper should be about an intriguing concept or aspect you are interested in. You need to dissect something intriguing about the topic. Remember, the more focused you are, the more impactful/powerful your paper will be.

– At least six outside sources should be included in your paper with in-text citations.
The sources cannot include Wikipedia or any unreliable Internet sources.

There should be a strong, solid thesis statement (the argument that ties your paper together). The thesis CANNOT be an obvious statement. There is no point in writing a paper if you are merely reiterating common facts. You need to be intriguing and insightful in your paper.

There should be strong development of your thesis as well as strong and solid claims.
You should conduct a careful and focused examination of your topic as well as maintain fluid transitions between paragraphs.

Think of the questions: Who? What? When? Where? How? Why? Could? And Should? Answer them! Make your research paper as objective as possible. Eliminate pronouns such as I, me, or you as these will make you stray toward opinion. This is not a summary of your personal opinion on the topic. Instead, include a focused argument or illustration of your thesis. Also, do not back out of your claims by including phrases such as possibly, probably, I believe, or In my opinion.

A strong conclusion should be present, touching base with the claims you have made and how you have proven your thesis Carefully present with your topic, and analyze the situation in detail. Back up your claims with evidence. Analyze that evidence. Immerse your reader in your topic and research. Your audience wants to hear all about it.