research paper template

A current event essay will address the historical context and long term effects of a given aspect of current happenings in the world. Usually, such a topic will stem from the realm of politics, law, international relations, or some other controversial issue. For instance, The United States presidential election of 2008. More often than not you will have to argue or present some sort of point about the given current event. This will require research and critical thinking skills. A current events essay provides the unique challenge of presenting a modern-day issue in the context of history. If, again, your topic is the U.S. Presidential election 08, you should be able to provide good analysis of possible outcomes of the election and its long-term effects over the social, political, and economical situation in the United States and the rest of the world.

A definition paper is one that is purely factual and simply explains a situation or topic in a relatively un-emotive manner. Although a definition paper can support a thesis and does reach a conclusion the information contained in the paper does not reflect the writer's opinion on the subject matter.

An analytical paper contains primary source material that is compared within a theoretical framework devised either by the author or by an established expert in a field.

A cause and effect paper is one that starts with a significant event or action and then traces the effects of this action on interested parties.