Academic writing is one of the most important skills you will use in college and in your future career. Good writing helps you show your knowledge, present your ideas clearly, and build strong arguments. It also shows respect for your reader because it makes your message easy to follow. Many students, especially those who speak English as a second language, find academic writing difficult at first. The rules may feel strict, and the style may seem different from everyday speaking or writing online.

This guide create by AssignmentGeek writers together with the staff of St. Raymond Academy will give you step by step help to improve your writing. You will learn how to understand assignments, plan and organize ideas, use sources correctly, and check grammar and style. Each section includes examples so you can see what works and what does not. The goal is not just to finish one paper but to build habits that will help you write better in all classes.

Clear academic writing is more than grammar. It includes thinking carefully, asking questions, and supporting your points with evidence. By practicing these skills, you will become more confident and independent as a student. Good writing will also prepare you for jobs where reports, proposals, and professional communication are required.

Keep this guide with you as you study. Use it when you start a new assignment, when you draft your paper, and when you make your final edits. Improvement takes time, but each paper you write is a chance to grow. With patience and practice, academic writing will become a tool that helps you succeed.

What is an academic paper?

An academic paper is a factual essay that draws on previously published material to support its numerous claims. These essays frequently focus on an issue within the student’s field of study to gauge their ability to apply learned concepts to a specific challenge. 

Unlike blogs, academic papers have a set format with chapters that each contribute to the analysis of a particular topic. 

What is academic research?

Academic research is the term used to describe the methods used to investigate to verify a hypothesis. Depending on your topic of study, this research could be qualitative or quantitative. Academic research is common in master’s theses and doctoral dissertations. 

Types of academic papers

Throughout your studies, you may encounter a variety of academic paper forms. Opinion essays, case studies, argumentative essays, research papers, and brief reports are a few of the most popular kinds of writing. 

As the name implies, opinion essays showcase your position on a given subject. To avoid emotive reasons that are likely to be critiqued by your tutor, each point in this article should, however, be backed up by a substantial number of academic sources. 

Guide to Types of Academic Papers
Type of paper Purpose in simple words Typical parts Short example
Argumentative essay Take a clear side on a topic and support it with reasons and evidence Intro with thesis, body paragraphs, counterargument, conclusion Argue that public transport should be free for students
Persuasive essay Try to convince the reader to agree or to act Hook, thesis, appeals to logic and emotion, call to action Ask the city to build more bike lanes near campus
Expository essay Explain a concept in a clear and balanced way Intro, body with facts and examples, conclusion Explain how photosynthesis works
Compare and contrast essay Show similarities and differences between two things Intro, criteria sections, side by side points, conclusion Compare online classes and face to face classes
Cause and effect essay Explain why something happens and what results follow Intro, causes, effects, links between them, conclusion Causes and effects of exam stress in college
Descriptive essay Describe a person, place, object, or event with vivid detail Intro, sensory details, strong images, conclusion Describe the campus library during finals week
Narrative essay Tell a true story with a lesson Setting, characters, conflict, events, reflection First day in a new country and what you learned
Definition essay Give a deep meaning of a term with examples and limits Term, background, examples, what it is and what it is not What academic integrity really means
Research paper Study a question using sources and your analysis Title, abstract, intro, methods, results, discussion, references How sleep length affects memory in first year students
Term paper Large course paper that shows what you learned Intro, literature overview, analysis, conclusion, references History of renewable energy policy in the EU
Literature review Summarize and evaluate what other scholars wrote Scope, themes, compare studies, gaps, conclusion What research says about social media and anxiety
Systematic review Use a strict method to collect and assess studies on one question Protocol, search strategy, inclusion rules, synthesis Review of trials on apps for language learning
Meta analysis Combine data from many studies to find an overall effect Systematic review parts plus statistics across studies Do tutoring programs raise grades across subjects
Annotated bibliography List of sources with a short note for each Citation, summary, evaluation, how you will use it Five sources on climate migration with notes
Book review Summarize a book and judge its value Summary, strengths, limits, examples, recommendation Review of a sociology monograph for a theory class
Article review Summarize and evaluate a journal article Key question, methods, results, critique, takeaway Review a study on bilingual education outcomes
Critical analysis Study a text, film, or idea and present your interpretation Thesis, close reading or evidence, discussion, conclusion Analyze symbolism in a short story
Reflection paper Connect a reading or experience to your own thinking Summary, personal response, lessons, future action Reflect on a service learning project
Response paper Give a brief view on a text and support your points Summary, reaction points with quotes, conclusion Response to a TED Talk on AI in education
Position paper State your position on a policy and support it with sources Issue background, stance, evidence, counterpoints, conclusion Position on campus mental health funding
Policy brief Give short advice for decision makers Issue, why it matters, options, clear recommendation Brief on plastic use in the cafeteria
Case study Examine one case in depth to learn lessons Case background, problem, analysis, solutions Case study of a startup that failed to scale
Lab report Present a science experiment and what you found Title, abstract, intro, methods, results, discussion Report on enzyme activity at different temperatures
Technical report Share methods and results for an applied project Executive summary, methods, results, discussion, appendices Report on building an app for campus maps
Project report Explain goals, process, and results of a course project Background, goals, tasks, timeline, outcomes, next steps Report on a marketing plan for a local cafe
Research proposal Show what you plan to study and how you will do it Question, background, methods, plan, expected results Proposal to study screen time and sleep
Prospectus Early plan for a thesis or project to get approval Topic, rationale, key sources, method, schedule Prospectus for a senior thesis on food waste
Conference paper Short paper prepared for a talk at a conference Abstract, brief literature, method, key results, slides Paper on a new survey of study habits
White paper Teach readers about a problem and offer a solution Problem, analysis, solution, benefits, evidence White paper on open textbooks to cut costs
Commentary or opinion Give a short expert view on a current issue Context, main argument, support, implications Comment on new grading policies
Short communication Share a brief new finding that is important Intro, key result, short discussion Note on a new enzyme behavior
Data paper Describe a dataset so others can reuse it Data source, methods, fields, limits, access info Campus survey dataset with codebook
Practice based report Explain what you did in a real setting and what worked Context, actions, results, lessons Report on a tutoring pilot in the writing center
Reflective journal Track your learning over time with regular entries Entries with events, thoughts, lessons, next steps Weekly reflections during an internship
Thesis Long study for a bachelor or master degree Proposal, chapters, methods, results, discussion, references Master thesis on bilingual education outcomes
Dissertation Original research for a doctoral degree Proposal, literature, methods, results, discussion, defense PhD study on machine learning for health data

Tip for ESL students: before you start, ask your teacher which type they expect. Check the parts in this table. Use clear topic sentences and simple words. Add citations when you use ideas from sources. Proofread at the end.

Case studies examine a phenomenon to educate the reader about a new development. These essays frequently investigate different facets of a problem to provide the reader with a thorough understanding of the issue at hand. 

Similar to opinion essays, argumentative essays are prepared in favor of or in opposition to a particular position. Your opinions are not allowed in these articles, though, and each assertion must be supported by solid research. Last but not least, research papers use several academic research methods to test a hypothesis and showcase the data obtained on a specific subject. 

How to Write an Academic Paper Step by Step

This guide shows clear steps from first idea to final paper. Each step has examples.

1. Understand the assignment

  • Read the prompt two times. Highlight task words like analyze, compare, argue, evaluate.
  • Note the type of paper, length, style guide, due date, required sources.

Example prompt: Analyze how social media affects sleep in first year students. Use at least five peer reviewed sources. 1500 words. APA style.

2. Choose and narrow your topic

  • Start broad, then make it focused and clear.

Broad: Social media and health
Narrow: TikTok use and sleep quality among first year students

3. Write a research question and a working thesis

Research question: What is the effect of late night TikTok use on sleep quality in first year students

Working thesis: Late night TikTok use is linked with shorter sleep and lower morning alertness in first year students because it delays bedtime and increases cognitive arousal.

Tip: The thesis is one clear sentence that answers the question.

4. Plan the structure

Common structures:

  • Humanities essay: Introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion
  • Research paper: Title, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, references

Mini outline example:

I. Introduction  thesis about TikTok and sleep
II. Background  what sleep quality means
III. Evidence  studies that link screen time and sleep
IV. Counterpoint  some students report no change
V. Discussion  why results differ  limits
VI. Conclusion  what to do next

5. Find and judge sources

  • Use library databases, Google Scholar, government and university sites.
  • Check for author, date, method, and bias. Prefer recent peer reviewed work.
  • Save full citation info while you read.

Search string example: “short sleep” AND “screen time” AND students

6. Read and take notes

  • Note three items for each source: key idea, useful quote, how it helps your thesis.
  • Use your own words when you paraphrase.

Paraphrase example:
Source idea: Students who used screens after 23:00 slept less.
Your paraphrase: Students who used screens after 11 pm reported shorter sleep time.

7. Build a detailed outline

  • Write a topic sentence for each paragraph.
  • Add evidence lines under each topic sentence.

PEEL model: Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link to thesis.

8. Draft the introduction

  1. Hook a short fact or question
  2. Context key terms or numbers
  3. Thesis your main claim

Sample introduction:

Many first year students check TikTok before sleep. Late night use can push bedtime later and reduce sleep quality.
This paper argues that late night TikTok use is linked with shorter sleep and lower morning alertness because it delays
bedtime and raises cognitive arousal.

9. Write body paragraphs

  • One main idea per paragraph.
  • Use signal phrases like According to Smith or A recent study found.
  • Explain how the evidence supports your thesis.

Sample body paragraph:

Topic sentence  Late night viewing delays bedtime.
Evidence  A study of 300 first year students found that each extra 30 minutes on TikTok after 23:00
was linked to 12 minutes less total sleep.
Explanation  The platform offers endless short clips that keep attention high.
Link  This supports the idea that late use reduces sleep time.

10. Write the conclusion

  • Restate the thesis in new words.
  • Sum up the strongest points.
  • Add a clear takeaway or next step.

Sample conclusion: Late night TikTok use is linked to less sleep and lower alertness. Students can set a device curfew at 22:30 and use night mode to protect sleep.

11. Use evidence and cite correctly

Match every in text citation with a full reference entry. Here are simple patterns.

  • APA in text: (Author, Year) or Author (Year)
  • MLA in text: (Author Page)
  • Chicago notes: add a footnote number and write the full note below

Examples:

  • APA: Screen time can delay sleep (Chen, 2024).
  • MLA: Screen time can delay sleep (Chen 45).
  • Chicago: Screen time can delay sleep.1

12. Format the paper

  • Use an easy font like Times New Roman 12 or Arial 11. Double space the text.
  • Use 1 inch or 2.54 cm margins. Add page numbers in the header.
  • Follow the heading rules for your style guide.

13. Revise for content and flow

  • Do a reverse outline. Write a short label for each paragraph. Check order and logic.
  • Cut parts that do not support the thesis. Add missing steps in reasoning.
  • Check that every paragraph links back to your main claim.

14. Edit for clarity and grammar

  • Use short sentences where possible.
  • Use active voice when it fits. Example: Researchers tested 50 students.
  • Check common ESL points: articles a an the, subject verb agreement, prepositions.

Clarity example: Weak There are many factors that are important. Better Two factors matter most sleep time and wake time.

15. Build the reference list

Start on a new page. Use hanging indent 0.5 inch. Sort by author surname.

APA examples:

Book
Walker, M. P. (2017). Why we sleep. Scribner.

Journal article
Chen, L., & Novak, A. (2024). Short videos and sleep in first year students.
Journal of Student Health, 18(3), 210 to 224. https://doi.org/xx.xxx

16. Final checks

  • Title matches the content.
  • Figures and tables have numbers and titles.
  • Every in text citation has a matching reference entry.
  • Word count meets the requirement.
  • Save as PDF unless your teacher asks for DOCX. Use a clear file name.

Simple 7 day timeline

Day Task
Day 1 Read prompt, choose topic, write research question
Day 2 Find sources, skim, save citations
Day 3 Deep reading and notes, build outline
Day 4 Draft introduction and two body sections
Day 5 Draft remaining sections and conclusion
Day 6 Revise content and flow, add visuals if needed
Day 7 Edit grammar and format, final checks, submit

Mini sample page

Title: Late Night TikTok Use and Sleep in First Year Students

Introduction
  Short hook, context, clear thesis.

Methods
  Participants, measures, procedure.

Results
  Main findings in clear language. Include a table if needed.

Discussion
  Meaning of results, limits, next steps.

References
  Full entries in the chosen style.

Final tip: Start early, write in small steps, and ask for feedback from your teacher or writing center. Clear structure and simple language make your ideas strong.

Format of academic paper

Key elements of an academic research report include the following: 

  1. Abstract 

The purpose, methods, and findings of the study are frequently summarized in the abstract. 

Your thesis should be included in this summary, which should also highlight your major discoveries and research findings. 

  1. Introduction 

The background information is necessary to identify a research gap that justifies your study is included in the introduction to the research paper. The primary issue your study seeks to address as well as any additional research goals you want to accomplish through your experiment should be highlighted in this section. 

  1. Methods 

This section outlines the factors in your research and your research methodology so that other researchers can replicate your findings. 

  1. Results 

The findings of your experiment are shown in the results section as summaries and graphs. Results, in contrast to other sections of your research report, do not include any supporting data and instead ask you to discuss your conclusions. 

  1. Discussion 

The discussion is the heart of an academic paper; it connects your findings to the hypothesis and refers to other sources you came across during your literature review. Here, you can make deductions about how the facts relate to one another and how the findings support or refute certain claims. 

  1. Conclusion 

Your research paper’s conclusion summarizes your findings and makes suggestions for further research on the subject. The main points of your case should be emphasized in this chapter, and any novel concepts that weren’t covered throughout your research should be avoided.

Academic Paper Formatting Checklist

Goal: Use this checklist before you submit your paper. It covers general format, headings, citations, tables and figures, and the final review. Simple rules and short examples help you check fast.

1. Document setup

  • Page size is A4 or US Letter as your teacher asks
  • Margins are 1 inch on all sides or 2.54 cm
  • Font is easy to read like Times New Roman 12 or Arial 11
  • Line spacing is double for the main text
  • Paragraphs start with a first line indent 0.5 inch or 1.27 cm
  • Text is left aligned not justified
  • Page numbers appear in the header top right unless your style guide says different
  • File name is clear like Surname_Course_PaperTitle_Date.pdf
  • Save as PDF unless your teacher asks for DOCX

2. Title page and header

  • Title is clear short and informative
  • Include your name course teacher and date if required
  • Running head or short title used only if your style asks for it

Simple title page example:

Paper Title: Effects of Sleep on Memory
Student: Ana Novak
Course: PSY 101
Instructor: Dr. Kranjc
Date: 10 October 2025

3. Headings and structure

  • Use clear levels of headings. Do not skip levels
  • Headings are short. Use nouns or short phrases

Example layout:

H1 Introduction
  H2 Background
  H2 Research Question
H1 Methods
  H2 Participants
  H2 Procedure
H1 Results
H1 Discussion
H1 References

4. Numbers lists and emphasis

  • Use numbered lists for steps and bulleted lists for items
  • Use italics for terms at first use not bold for long parts of text
  • Spell out numbers zero to nine if your style asks for it. Use digits for 10 and above

List example:

  1. Collect data
  2. Analyze results
  3. Write discussion

5. Quotes and block quotes

  • Short quote under 40 words stays inside the paragraph with quotation marks
  • Long quote 40 words or more becomes a block quote. New line. Indent. No quotation marks
  • Always add a citation after the quote

Short quote example APA: Sleep benefits memory consolidation (Walker, 2017, p. 45)

Block quote format:

     This is a long quotation that takes more than one sentence and
     shows the exact words of the author. It is indented from the left
     and right in some styles. No quotation marks are used. Citation goes at the end.

6. Tables and figures

  • Each table and figure has a number and a clear title
  • Place the table or figure close to the first mention in text
  • Add a note with the source if you did not create it
  • Use simple labels and units like cm kg s

Example caption: Table 1. Sample characteristics

Source note example: Note. Data from Smith 2024

7. In text citations quick check

Follow the style your teacher asks for. If not sure ask. Here are simple patterns.

APA 7 in text

  • Paraphrase format: (Author, Year)
  • Quote format: (Author, Year, p. Page)

Examples:

  • Paraphrase: Sleep improves memory consolidation (Walker, 2017)
  • Quote: Sleep is a key factor in learning (Walker, 2017, p. 45)

MLA 9 in text

  • Paraphrase and quote format: (Author Page) no comma

Examples:

  • Paraphrase: Sleep improves memory consolidation (Walker 45)
  • Quote: Sleep is vital for learning (Walker 45)

Chicago notes and bibliography in text

  • Use footnotes. Insert a superscript number after the sentence

Example: Sleep supports memory1

1 Full note appears at the bottom of the page

8. Reference list or Works Cited

  • Start on a new page at the end of the paper
  • Use hanging indent 0.5 inch for each entry
  • Order alphabetically by the first author surname
  • Match every in text citation with a full entry

APA 7 reference examples

Book
Walker, M. P. (2017). Why we sleep. Scribner.

Journal article
Smith, J., & Lee, K. (2024). Sleep and grades in first year students.
Journal of Student Research, 12(2), 100 to 115. https://doi.org/xx.xxx

MLA 9 Works Cited examples

Book
Walker, Matthew P. Why We Sleep. Scribner, 2017.

Journal article
Smith, John, and Kai Lee. "Sleep and Grades in First Year Students."
Journal of Student Research, vol. 12, no. 2, 2024, pp. 100 to 115, doi:xx.xxx.

Chicago bibliography examples

Book
Walker, Matthew P. 2017. Why We Sleep. New York: Scribner.

Journal article
Smith, John, and Kai Lee. 2024. "Sleep and Grades in First Year Students."
Journal of Student Research 12, no. 2: 100 to 115. https://doi.org/xx.xxx

9. Equations and symbols

  • Write variables in italics like n and p
  • Add a legend for symbols the first time you use them
  • Center equations on their own line if long

Example: M = Σxᵢ / n where M is the mean and n is the number of values

10. Appendices

  • Put long items in an appendix like survey questions or raw tables
  • Label as Appendix A Appendix B and so on
  • Refer to the appendix in the text

11. Final review before submit

  • Title matches the content
  • Headings follow a clear order
  • All figures and tables have numbers and titles
  • All citations have matching references
  • Spell check and grammar check complete
  • Word count meets the requirement
  • File opens and the layout looks correct

12. Mini sample page layout

Header right: Page 1

Title: Effects of Sleep on Memory

Introduction
  Topic sentence starts the paragraph. Lines are double spaced.
  First line is indented.

Methods
  Participants
  Procedure

Results

Discussion

References
  Walker, M. P. (2017). Why we sleep. Scribner.

Tip: If any rule is not clear check the style guide that your teacher chose. When in doubt ask early. Small fixes now save points later.

how to write an academic paper