Question

what are some differences when writing an exemplification paper versus a research paper?

Answer 1

An exemplification paper is a type of argumentative paper in which focus is only on one side of something. While writing an exemplification paper, writer attempts to prove the point and convince the audience to develop the same view point about the issue or topic being elaborated. The argument is supported with some case studies or examples to prove the point.

For example, if the paper is written on the negative effects of global warming, it is not enough to just say that it is bad for environment. Rather, it is required to convince the audience that global warming is actually dangerous by giving some definite reasons like:

Glaciers are melting and can lead to water shortage.

Changing climate conditions can cause natural calamities.

Several species are at the verge of extinction due to change in ecosystem.

Thus, writing an exemplification paper involves intensive research and finalizing a topic. Further, elaborating on the particular side of an argument as decided, supporting it with the case studies and examples and thus concluding.

On the other hand, a Research paper is based on the writer's own interpretation and evaluation of the argument. It involves usage of factual information based on statistical data collected either through primary or secondary sources or both. The very first step in writing a research paper involves finding out the research question that comes to the writer's mind and then sorting out the objectives to be fulfilled out of the research. Literature review plays the most important part of writing a research paper wherein the writer does an intensive study of the previously written papers relating to the same topic. The research is undertaken on the basis of it and findings that come out of the data analysis are compared with previous studies and interpreted.

For example, while writing a research paper relating to global warming, it is very important to confine the research to a particular geographical area on the basis of limitations of time and cost. The research paper can include various aspects such as the causes, implications, policy actions and much more relating to the topic. In the present example, data must be gathered from authentic sites relating to the objective. If the writer is focusing on causes of global warming, data can be taken for various variables like production, CO2 emissions etc.

Further, statistical or econometric tools are used to analyse the data and thus come with the findings and suggestions.

The basic parts of a research paper includes Background, Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Data Analysis and Findings, Conclusion, References.

References also play a vital part while writing any paper as it is very important to site the sources used to carry the research.

Thus , the basic difference that arise while writing an exemplification paper and a research paper is the writer's intention i.e. whether to shape the reader's view point to a particular side or whether to analyse the situation in a systematic manner and interpret without any particular bias to one side.