Library Research Guide |
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The body of the paper is where you expose the reader to the evidence that supports your thesis. You will prove your thesis in this section of the paper. The body of the paper is written in your own words, so be careful not to copy from any of the sources. Like the introduction, each body paragraph has a specific format. Each paragraph needs a topic sentence that outlines what the paragraph contains. Research at this level includes primarily secondary sources and a few primary sources; therefore, you must give credit to the authors of the sources from which you gathered evidence. This is referred to as “citing” sources. There are three ways to cite a source in the body of your paper. If your class assignment sheet does not specify, ask your teacher which type they prefer.
Remember, text citations must correspond to the works cited page at the end of the paper. This is how your teacher will check your sources.
When is it not necessary to include a citation? If information can be found in three different common sources (not three different internet sources), it is considered “common knowledge” and does not need a citation.
Examples:
There are 365 days in a year.
George Washington was the first president of the United States.