Those studying Literature will sooner or later have to write literary research papers. If you struggle with this particular assignment, and you do not know how to write literary research papers, this article is just for you. Here you will find reliable guidelines for writing literary research papers.
Literary research papers: what are they about?
You have definitely heard about projects done based on literary critique. Such kind of papers requires your knowledge of a plot and analysis of critical responses to the book. This is exactly the kind of paper you have to make.
Literary research papers: writing steps
- Choose a topic
- Find a couple of works of literary critics
- Formulate your thesis statement
- Arrange your ideas
- Introduction;
- Historical Background;
- Data Presentation;
- Discussion;
- Conclusions.
- Write and edit the first draft
- Approximately 1000-1500 words;
- Double-spacing, 10-12 point font;
- MLA citation style required (use our tips for writing MLA term paper).
If your tutor did not specify a topic, you can get lost in all the variety of available options. What should you write about? What topic is better and easier to investigate? Well, first, pick an idea, theme, character, conflict, image, symbol, or something else. Then, narrow it down (naturally, if not specified).
Usually, tutors do not require too many sources to be used for writing literary research papers, especially if you are a beginner. Some of them consider that 2 works are enough, others require more materials and sources. Ask your tutor about the number of sources you have to use for writing literary research papers.
Remember that a thesis statement is not a statement of events or facts from the book chosen. It is your opinion on some idea/character/theme that you will be supporting throughout your literary research paper.
Literary research papers should be organized according to the standard structure:
Mind your language. It should be formal – no slang, jargons, tautology and other shortcomings. Use ‘bridges” between the sentences, paragraphs, and chapters.
Literary research papers: the final paper
If you want to find more ideas for literary research papers, read our article about research papers on Frankenstein.
