The typical research paper is a highly codified rhetorical form [1, 2]. Knowledge of the rules—some explicit, others implied—goes a long way toward writing a paper that will get accepted in a peer-reviewed journal. Primacy of the research question. A

Rule #1 for writing a good article: minimize your barrier to entry. Make it easy for your reader to be drawn in. A large opening paragraph at the start of an article is a huge barrier to entry.

A research paper is different from a research proposal (also known as a prospectus), although the writing process is similar. Research papers are intended to demonstrate a student’s academic knowledge of a subject.