Research Paper Organization

Graphics (charts, graphs, diagrams, and tables) increase readability, if used properly.Also consider using case studies and examples in addition to theoretical concepts and models. Because the white paper is a genre, you can find examples and look for commonalities in them in order to understand the genre conventions more fully.You can always come back later to fill in details that the example skims over.

I haven't read the whole thing carefully, but the parts I have read are very sensible. Williams, which is a comprehensive guide to research writing, from formulating a question to writing up your results. The abstract is one area where I think the Peyton Jones slides (above) are not great; his description of what goes in the abstract is both too rigid and too vague; Koopman's advice seems much more helpful.

Parts of this page also draw on material from The Craft of Research by Wayne C. Very informally, your introduction should answer the reader's questions What did you do and why should I care?

This page is a constant work in progress containing advice that I find myself giving repeatedly to students.

I intend to add to it as I find more examples of common mistakes, but it isn't currently organized in any particular way, or complete.

The following are general guidelines on organizing a white paper.

It is a good idea to provide a summary at the beginning of the paper in order to have busy readers quickly grasp the main point.

After explaining the background and problems, propose your solution.

If you write a white paper for a commercial purpose, mention your products/services last to ensure that your readers read the whole paper.

Learn the strengths and weaknesses of those white papers to help improve your own writing.

You can use any form of this example to write your outline.