The research paper instructions are given in the directive. The directive is the major verb of the question or instruction statement. This directive highlights how the topics within the essay question must be addressed. In the examples below the directive are highlighted in red.
Examples:
• Evaluate care ethics among nurses within the field of oncology.
• Describe a specific situation in which a threat to human life might be tolerated in the pursuit of scientific discovery.
• Explain the differences between diffusion, passive transport, and active transport.
• Discuss the similarities and differences between response generalization and stimulus generalization. Why do we need both concepts?
Below is a chart containing the major categories of directives and basic answer strategies.
The topic is what the essay is generally about. In the examples below the Topic is highlight in green.
Examples:
• Evaluate care ethics among nurses within the field of oncology.
• Describe a specific situation in which a threat to human life might be tolerated in the pursuit of scientific discovery.
• Explain the differences between diffusion, passive transport, and active transport.
• Discuss the similarities and differences between response generalization and stimulus generalization. Why do we need both concepts?
THE FOCUS
The focus is what the research paper is specifically about. It confines your writing to a specific area within the topic. They are parameters that define or limit the scope of your paper. In the examples below the Focus is highlighted in blue.
Examples:
• Evaluate care ethics among nurses within the field of oncology.
• Describe a specific situation in which a threat to human life might be tolerated in the pursuit of scientific discovery.
• Explain the differences between diffusion, passive transport, and active transport.
• Discuss the similarities and differences between response generalization and stimulus generalization. Why do we need both concepts?
PROOFREADER’S CHECKLIST
• Check whether the writer has written about the correct topic and focus by looking at the thesis statement. It should mention both.
• Check whether the writer has followed the directive. This should be evident by examining the first sentence of each body paragraph. These sentences should be of a style that matches the instructions for the correct directive category within the essay structure guide.
• Check for an introduction. The first paragraph should introduce the topic and contain a thesis statement or indicate the major argument or opinion the writer wants to convey.
• Check for a conclusion. The opening sentence of the last paragraph should state the intention to conclude the essay is some way.