Types of Research Papers allowed for KASB entry:
Argumentative
An argumentative paper is a good structure for writers to present a debated topic. The writer must first clearly explain and present two popular, but opposite, opinions on the issue at hand. The writer is expected to have an opinion, or strong view, for one side of the topic and take a position in the paper. They are not just exploring a topic. This position is clearly articulated in the thesis. The writer then present facts, data and authoritative opinions in support of their position to persuade and convince the audience and argue against any contradictions.
Compare and Contrast
This type of paper is used to compare two different subjects, or concepts, and how they relate to one another in both similarities and differences. The thesis helps provide clarity on the contrasting and comparison throughout the paper. The goal is not to persuade the reader, but to enlighten them toward the philosophical distinctions between varying viewpoints of related topics or genres. The most common mistake here is that often students just describe the selected topics without any comparison.
Analytical
The concept of this paper encourages the writer to focus on facts instead of opinions. It is informational in nature and uses large variety of viewpoints and sources on a subject without a specific opinion. The thesis of the paper will clearly articulate the scope of the information explored and the methods and scope of the analysis. The writer provides the reader with as much information as possible, but allows the audience to draw their own conclusions. However, instead of merely presenting the information, the writer must be able to conduct factual analysis of the data he or she presents. Do not confuse analysis with description. Presentation of bold facts has nothing to do with analysis. Present each view equally and with supplemental documentation to support each claim. End your paper with a summary of the facts based on your analysis.
Report
Report papers are merely an organized and detailed list of facts about a topic. In many cases the report works to outline details related to a case study or process. The thesis of the paper will clearly describe the subject being explored and the scope of the report. They can describe writer’s experience related to the topic under consideration. Choose a subject, research it, and convey the evidence to the reader using quotes, graphs, tables, interviews, experiments, a summary and appendix. The goal is not to persuade, but to give as much detail on a subject as possible. This form of academic writing is close to journalistic style. You can combine facts, theory and your own thoughts in one paper.
Cause and Effect
These papers guide the reader through a series of “chain of event” scenarios. Such papers work to study results considered expected or probable in relation to an action that follows. The thesis of this type of paper makes clear the scope of the study and the expected results. Data is provided to increase the validity of the statement that choosing A will cause B and so forth. It is important to remember that cause and effect papers are not written based on opinion, but on quantifiable evidence with supporting documentation. If supporting evidence can be found, this format can be both informational and intriguing for the reader. For example, it is very interesting to investigate a historic event in the context of its influence on future events in the country. It is also possible to study what caused certain events in the history. Of course, cause and effect research papers may be related to other issues of science, society, etc.