how to write table of contents in research paper

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How to Structure the Table of Contents for a Research Paper

4-minute read

16th July 2023

So you’ve made it to the important step of writing the table of contents for your paper. Congratulations on making it this far! Whether you’re writing a research paper or a dissertation , the table of contents not only provides the reader with guidance on where to find the sections of your paper, but it also signals that a quality piece of research is to follow. Here, we will provide detailed instructions on how to structure the table of contents for your research paper.

Steps to Create a Table of Contents

Insert the table of contents after the title page.

Within the structure of your research paper , you should place the table of contents after the title page but before the introduction or the beginning of the content. If your research paper includes an abstract or an acknowledgements section , place the table of contents after it.

List all the paper’s sections and subsections in chronological order.

Depending on the complexity of your paper, this list will include chapters (first-level headings), chapter sections (second-level headings), and perhaps subsections (third-level headings). If you have a chapter outline , it will come in handy during this step. You should include the bibliography and all appendices in your table of contents. If you have more than a few charts and figures (more often the case in a dissertation than in a research paper), you should add them to a separate list of charts and figures that immediately follows the table of contents. (Check out our FAQs below for additional guidance on items that should not be in your table of contents.)

Paginate each section.

Label each section and subsection with the page number it begins on. Be sure to do a check after you’ve made your final edits to ensure that you don’t need to update the page numbers.

Format your table of contents.

The way you format your table of contents will depend on the style guide you use for the rest of your paper. For example, there are table of contents formatting guidelines for Turabian/Chicago and MLA styles, and although the APA recommends checking with your instructor for formatting instructions (always a good rule of thumb), you can also create a table of contents for a research paper that follows APA style .

Add hyperlinks if you like.

Depending on the word processing software you’re using, you may also be able to hyperlink the sections of your table of contents for easier navigation through your paper. (Instructions for this feature are available for both Microsoft Word and Google Docs .)

To summarize, the following steps will help you create a clear and concise table of contents to guide readers through your research paper:

1. Insert the table of contents after the title page.

2. List all the sections and subsections in chronological order.

3. Paginate each section.

4. Format the table of contents according to your style guide.

5. Add optional hyperlinks.

If you’d like help formatting and proofreading your research paper , check out some of our services. You can even submit a sample for free . Best of luck writing your research paper table of contents!

What is a table of contents?

A table of contents is a listing of each section of a document in chronological order, accompanied by the page number where the section begins. A table of contents gives the reader an overview of the contents of a document, as well as providing guidance on where to find each section.

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What should I include in my table of contents?

If your paper contains any of the following sections, they should be included in your table of contents:

● Chapters, chapter sections, and subsections

● Introduction

● Conclusion

● Appendices

● Bibliography

Although recommendations may differ among institutions, you generally should not include the following in your table of contents:

● Title page

● Abstract

● Acknowledgements

● Forward or preface

If you have several charts, figures, or tables, consider creating a separate list for them that will immediately follow the table of contents. Also, you don’t need to include the table of contents itself in your table of contents.

Is there more than one way to format a table of contents?

Yes! In addition to following any recommendations from your instructor or institution, you should follow the stipulations of your style guide .

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How to Write a Table of Contents

Last Updated: February 16, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA . Stephanie Wong Ken is a writer based in Canada. Stephanie's writing has appeared in Joyland, Catapult, Pithead Chapel, Cosmonaut's Avenue, and other publications. She holds an MFA in Fiction and Creative Writing from Portland State University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,044,409 times.

The Table of Contents in a document acts as a map for the reader, making it easier for them to find information in the document based on title and page number. A good Table of Contents should be organized, easy to read and simple to use. You can write a Table of Contents manually on your computer or have a word processing tool create it for you. Make sure the Table of Contents is formatted properly in your final document so it is as accurate and accessible as possible.

Sample Tables of Contents

how to write table of contents in research paper

Creating the Table of Contents on a Word Processor

Step 1 Start a new page after the title page.

The Table of Contents should be on its own page. Do not include the introduction or a dedication on the same page as the Table of Contents.

Step 2 List the headings of the document in order.

For example, you may write down main headings like, “Introduction,” “Case Study 1,” or “Conclusion.”

For example, under the main heading “Introduction” you may write the subheading, “Themes and Concepts.” Or under the main heading “Conclusion” you may write, “Final Analysis.”
You can also include sub-subheadings underneath the subheadings, if applicable. For example, under the subheading “Themes and Concepts” you may have the sub-subheading, “Identity.”
Some papers do not have subheadings at all, only main headings. If this is the case, skip this step.

Step 4 Write page numbers for each heading.

For example, if the “Introduction” section begins on page 1, you will attach “page 1” to the Introduction heading. If the “Conclusion” section begins on page 45, attach “page 45” to the Conclusion heading.

Check that the subheadings are located underneath the correct headings, indented to the right.
Make sure there are page numbers for the subheadings listed as well.
You can center the content in the table using the table options if you want the content to appear a few spaces away from the lines of the table. You can also leave the content indented to the left if you'd prefer.

You can put the title above the table or in a separate row on the top of the rest of the content.

Using a Word Processing Tool

Step 1 Confirm the headings and page numbers are correct in the document.

You should also confirm the page numbers are correct in the document. Each page should be numbered in order. Having the correct page numbers will ensure the Table of Contents is created correctly when you use the word processing tool.

If there are subheadings in your document, label them “Heading 2.” Highlight each subheading and click on “Heading 2” in the Styles tab.
If there are sub-subheadings in your document, label them “Heading 3.” Highlight each subheading and click on “Heading 3” in the Styles tab.
The text and font for each main heading may change based on the settings for “Heading 1,” “Heading 2,” and “Heading 3.” You can choose your preferred text and font for each main heading so they appear as you like in the Table of Contents.

Step 4 Start a new page after the title page.

You can choose the built-in Table of Content options, where the tool will automatically choose a font size and style for you.
You can also go for from a list of custom Table of Contents, where you choose the font color and size based on your preferences.

Polishing the Table of Contents

Step 1 Make sure the headings are formatted correctly.

You should also check the subheadings or sub-subheadings in the Table of Contents, if applicable, to ensure they match those in the document.

Step 2 Confirm the page numbers match the document.

If you created the Table of Contents manually, do this by going in and adjusting the headings and/or the page numbers when they change.
If you created the Table of Contents with a word processing tool, update it by clicking the Update option by the Table of Contents option on the Reference tab. You can side clicking on the Table of Contents and choosing “update” that way.

Community Q&A

↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/word-tips/how-to-create-a-table-of-contents-in-word/1/#
↑ https://examples.yourdictionary.com/reference/examples/table-of-content-examples.html
↑ http://bitesizebio.com/21549/using-word-to-write-your-thesis-making-a-table-of-contents-inserting-captions-and-cross-referencing/
↑ https://guides.lib.umich.edu/c.php?g=283073&p=1886010
↑ https://nsufl.libguides.com/c.php?g=413851&p=2820026

About This Article

To write a table of contents, open a new document and list the major headings, titles, or chapters of the project in chronological order. Next, insert subheadings or subtopics if your project has those. Fill in the page number where each heading starts, then format the content in a table with 2 columns. Place the headings and subheadings in order in the first column, then put the page numbers in the second column. Don't forget to add a "Table of Contents" title at the top of the document! To learn more about polishing your Table of Contents, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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A guide to the table of contents page

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1 Definition: Table of Contents
3 Everything for Your Thesis
5 Create in Microsoft Word
6 In a Nutshell

Definition: Table of Contents

The table of contents is an organized listing of your document’s chapters, sections and, often, figures, clearly labelled by page number. Readers should be able to look at your table of contents page and understand immediately how your paper is organized, enabling them to skip to any relevant section or sub-section. The table of contents should list all front matter, main content and back matter, including the headings and page numbers of all chapters and the bibliography . A good table of contents should be easy to read, accurately formatted and completed last so that it is 100% accurate. Although you can complete a table of contents manually, many word processing tools like Microsoft Word enable you to format your table of contents automatically.

When adding the finishing touches to your dissertation, the table of contents is one of the most crucial elements. It helps the reader navigate (like a map) through your argument and topic points. Adding a table of contents is simple and it can be inserted easily after you have finished writing your paper. In this guide, we look at the do’s and don’ts of a table of contents; this will help you process and format your dissertation in a professional way.

When adding the finishing touches to your dissertation, the table of contents is one of the most crucial elements. It helps the reader navigate (like a map) through your argument and topic points. Adding a table of contents is simple and can be inserted easily after you have finished writing your paper. In this guide, we look at the do’s and don’ts of a table of contents; this will help you process and format your dissertation in a professional way.

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What is a table of contents?

A table of contents is a list, usually on a page at the beginning of a piece of academic writing , which outlines the chapters or sections names with their corresponding page numbers. In addition to chapter names, it includes bullet points of the sub-chapter headings or subsection headings. It usually comes right after the title page of a research paper.

How do you write a table of contents

To write a table of contents, you first write the title or chapter names of your research paper in chronological order. Secondly, you write the subheadings or subtitles, if you have them in your paper. After that, you write the page numbers for the corresponding headings and subheadings. You can also very easily set up a table of contents in Microsoft Word.

Where do you put a table of contents?

The table of contents is found on a page right at the beginning of an academic writing project. It comes specifically after the title page and acknowledgements, but before the introductory page of a writing project. This position at the beginning of an academic piece of writing is universal for all academic projects.

What to include in a table of contents?

A sample table of contents includes the title of the paper at the very top, followed by the chapter names and subtitles in chronological order. At the end of each line, is the page number of the corresponding headings. Examples of chapter names can be: executive summary, introduction, project description, marketing plan, summary and conclusion. The abstract and acknowledgments are usually not included in the table of contents, however this could depend on the formatting that is required by your institution. Scroll down to see some examples.

How important is a table of contents?

A table of contents is very important at the beginning of a writing project for two important reasons. Firstly, it helps the reader easily locate contents of particular topics itemized as chapters or subtitles. Secondly, it helps the writer arrange their work and organize their thoughts so that important sections of an academic project are not left out. This has the extra effect of helping to manage the reader’s expectation of any academic essay or thesis right from the beginning.

Everything for Your Thesis

A table of contents is a crucial component of an academic thesis. Whether you’re completing a Bachelor’s or a postgraduate degree, the table of contents is a requirement for dissertation submissions. As a rule of thumb, your table of contents will usually come after your title page , abstract, acknowledgement or preface. Although it’s not necessary to include a reference to this front matter in your table of contents, different universities have different policies and guidelines.

Although the table of contents is best completed after you have finished your thesis, it’s a good idea to draw up a mock table of contents in the early stages of writing. This allows you to formulate a structure and think through your topic and how you are going to research, answer and make your argument. Think of this as a form of “reverse engineering”. Knowing how your chapters are going to be ordered and what topics or research questions are included in each will help immensely when it comes to your writing.

The table of contents is not just an academic formality, it allows your examiner to quickly get a feel for your topic and understand how your dissertation will be presented. An unclear or sloppy table of contents may even have an adverse effect on your grade because the dissertation is difficult to follow.

Examiners are readers, after all, and a dissertation is an exercise in producing an argument. A clear table of contents will give both a good impression and provide an accurate roadmap to make the examiner’s job easier and your argument more persuasive.

Your table of contents section will come after your acknowledgements and before your introduction. It includes a list of all your headers and their respective pages and will also contain a sub-section listing your tables, figures or illustrations (if you are using them). In general, your thesis can be ordered like this:

1. Title Page 2. Copyright / Statement of Originality 3. Abstract 4. Acknowledgement, Dedication and Preface (optional) 5. Table of Contents 6. List of Figures/Tables/Illustrations 7. Chapters 8. Appendices 9. Endnotes (depending on your formatting) 10. Bibliography / References

The formatting of your table of contents will depend on your academic field and thesis length. Some disciplines, like the sciences, have a methodical structure which includes recommended subheadings on methodology, data results, discussion and conclusion. Humanities subjects, on the other hand, are far more varied. Whichever discipline you are working in, you need to create an organized list of all chapters in their order of appearance, with chapter subheadings clearly labelled.

Sample table of contents for a short dissertation:

Abstract ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ii Acknowledgements ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. iii Dedication ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. iv List of Tables ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. x List of Figures ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. xi Chapter 1: Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1 Chapter 2: Literature Survey ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13 Chapter 3: Methodology ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 42 Chapter 4: Analysis ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 100 Chapter 5: Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 129 Appendices ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 169 References ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 172

When producing a more significant and longer dissertation, say for a Master’s degree or even a PhD, your chapter descriptions should contain all subheadings. These are listed with the chapter number, followed by a decimal point and the subheading number.

Sample table of contents for a PhD dissertation:

Chapter 1 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Literature Review 1.3 Data 1.4 Findings 1.5 Conclusion

Chapter 2, and so on.

The key to writing a good table of contents is consistency and accuracy. You cannot list subheadings for one chapter and forget them for another. Subheadings are not always required but they can be very helpful if you are dealing with a detailed topic. The page numbers in the table of contents must match with the respective pages in your thesis or manuscript.

What’s more, chapter titles and subheading titles must match their corresponding pages. If your first chapter is called “Chapter 1: The Beginning”, it must be written as such on both the table of contents and first chapter page. So long as you remain both accurate and consistent, your table of contents will be perfect.

Create in Microsoft Word

Fortunately, the days of manually writing a contents page are over. You can still produce a contents page manually with Microsoft Word, but consider using their automatic feature to guarantee accuracy and save time.

To produce an automatically-generated table of contents, you must first work with heading styles. These can be found in the home tab under “Styles”. Select top-level headings (your chapter titles) and apply the Heading 1 style. This ensures that they will be formatted as main headings. Second-level headings (subheadings) can be applied with the Heading 2 style. This will place them underneath and within each main heading.

Once you have worked with heading styles, simply click on the “References” tab and select “Table of Contents”. This option will allow you to automatically produce a page with accurate page links to your document. To customize the format and style applied to your table of contents, select “Custom Table of Contents” at the bottom of the tab. Remember to update your table of contents by selecting the table and choosing “Update” from the drop-down menu. This will ensure that your headings, sub-headings and page numbers all add up.

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In a Nutshell

The table of contents is a vital part of any academic thesis or extensive paper.
It is an accurate map of your manuscript’s content – its headings, sub-headings and page numbers.
It shows how you have divided your thesis into more manageable chunks through the use of chapters.
By breaking apart your thesis into discrete sections, you make your argument both more persuasive and easier to follow.
What’s more, your contents page should produce an accurate map of your thesis’ references, bibliography, illustrations and figures.
It is an accurate map of the chapters, references, bibliography, illustrations and figures in your thesis.

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How to Write a Table of Contents for Different Formats With Examples

11 December 2023

last updated

Rules that guide academic writing are specific to each paper format. However, some rules apply to all styles – APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard. Basically, one of these rules is the inclusion of a Table of Contents (TOC) in an academic text, particularly long ones, like theses, dissertations, and research papers. When writing a TOC, students or researchers should observe some practices regardless of paper formats. Also, it includes writing the TOC on a new page after the title page, numbering the first-level and corresponding second-level headings, and indicating the page number of each entry. Hence, scholars need to learn how to write a table of contents in APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard styles.

General Guidelines

When writing academic texts, such as theses, dissertations, and other research papers, students observe academic writing rules as applicable. Generally, the different paper formats – APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard – have specific standards that students must follow in their writing. In this case, one of the rules is the inclusion of a Table of Contents (TOC) in the document. By definition, a TOC is a roadmap that scholars provide in their writing, outlining each portion of a paper. In other words, a TOC enables readers to locate specific information in documents or revisit favorite parts within written texts. Moreover, this part of academic papers provides readers with a preview of the paper’s contents.

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Difference Between a Table of Contents and an Outline

In essence, a TOC is a description of first-level headings (topics) and second-level headings (subtopics) within the paper’s body. For a longer document, writers may also include third-level titles to make the text palatable to read. Ideally, the length of papers determines the depth that authors go into detailing their writing in TOCs. Basically, this feature means that shorter texts may not require third-level headings. In contrast, an essay outline is a summary of the paper’s main ideas with a hierarchical or logical structuring of the content. Unlike a TOC that only lists headings and subheadings, outlines capture these headings and then describe the content briefly under each one. As such, an outline provides a more in-depth summary of essay papers compared to a TOC.

How to Write a Table of Contents in APA

When writing a TOC in the APA format , writers should capture all the headings in the paper – first-level, second-level, and even third-level. Besides this information, they should also include an abstract, references, and appendices. Notably, while a TOC in the APA style has an abstract, this section is not necessary for the other formats, like MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard. Hence, an example of a Table of Contents written in the APA format is indicated below:

How to Write a Table of Contents in MLA

Unlike papers written in the APA style, MLA papers do not require a Table of Contents unless they are long enough. In this case, documents, like theses, dissertations, and books written in the MLA format should have a TOC. Even where a TOC is necessary, there is no specific method that a writer should use when writing it. In turn, the structure of the TOC is left to the writer’s discretion. However, when students have to include a TOC in their papers, the information they capture should be much more than what would appear in the APA paper . Hence, an example of writing a Table of Contents in MLA format is:

In the case of writing a research paper, an example of a Table of Contents should be:

Example of a table of contents for a research paper in MLA

How to Write a Table of Contents in Chicago/Turabian

Like the MLA style, a Chicago/Turabian paper does not require writing a Table of Contents unless it is long enough. When a TOC is necessary, writers should capitalize on major headings. Additionally, authors do not need to add a row of periods (. . . . . . . .) between the heading entry and the page number. Moreover, the arrangement of the content should start with the first-level heading, then the second-level heading, and, finally, the third-level title, just like in the APA paper. In turn, all the information that precedes the introduction part should have lowercase Roman numerals. Also, the row of periods is only used for major headings. Hence, an example of writing a Table of Contents in a Chicago/Turabian paper is:

Example of a table of contents in Chicago/Turabian

How to Write a Table of Contents in Harvard

Like in the other formats, writing a Table of Contents in the Harvard style is captured by having the title “Table of Contents” at the center of the page, in the first line. Basically, it comes after the title page and captures all the sections and subsections of Harvard papers. In other words, writers must indicate first-level headings in a numbered list. Also, scholars should align titles to the left side and capitalize them. In turn, if there is a need to show second-level headings, authors should list them under corresponding first-level headings by using bullet points. However, it is essential for students not to disrupt the numbering of first-level headings. Moreover, writers should align second-level headings to the left side and indent them by half an inch and capitalize on this content. Hence, an example of writing a Table of Contents in a Harvard paper should appear as below:

Example of a table of contents in Harvard

A Table of Content (TOC) is an essential component of an academic paper , particularly for long documents, like theses, dissertations, and research papers. When students are writing a TOC, they should be careful to follow the applicable format’s rules and standards. Regardless of the format, writers should master the following tips when writing a TOC:

Write the TOC on a new page after the title page.
Indicate first-level headings of the document in a numbered list.
Indicate second-level headings under the corresponding first-level heading.
If applicable, indicate third-level headings under the corresponding second-level heading.
Write the page number for each heading.
Put the content in a two-column table.
Title the page with “Table of Contents.”

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How to Effectively Create a Table of Contents for Your Research Paper?

Creating a table of contents (TOC) for a research paper might seem straightforward, but it’s a crucial part of your document that requires careful consideration. A well-organized TOC not only guides your readers through your paper but also reflects the depth and thoroughness of your research. So, how do you craft a TOC that enhances the readability and professionalism of your research paper?

Understanding the Basics of a Table of Contents

Before diving into the specifics, let’s understand what a TOC is. Essentially, it’s an organized listing of the chapters and major sections of your document. It’s like a roadmap, allowing readers to quickly navigate to sections that are most relevant to them. A clear, concise, and well-formatted TOC is more than just a list; it’s an integral part of your paper’s structure.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your TOC

Identify the Key Sections : Start by listing down all the chapters, sections, and significant sub-sections of your paper. This includes your introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
Use Consistent Formatting : Consistency is key in a TOC. Use the same font style and size as your main text, but you can bold or italicize the headings for emphasis. Remember, your TOC should be easy to read and navigate.
Leverage Word Processing Tools : Most word processors, like Microsoft Word, have built-in features to create a TOC automatically. Utilize these tools to ensure accuracy and ease of updating your TOC as your paper evolves.
Page Numbering : Each entry in your TOC should have a corresponding page number. This is crucial for guiding your readers directly to the content they’re interested in.
Update Regularly : As your research paper develops, so should your TOC. Regular updates ensure that the TOC accurately reflects the content of your paper.

While the basics of creating a TOC are universal, different research fields and styles might have specific requirements or preferences. For instance, APA style papers have particular guidelines for TOC formatting, including how to handle different levels of headings and page numbers. Here are some insights gathered from various online sources to help you tailor your TOC to your paper’s needs:

APA Style Specifics : If you’re writing in APA style, pay attention to how you format the different levels of headings in your TOC. The APA guidelines provide clear instructions on this, ensuring that your TOC aligns with the rest of your document’s formatting.
The Role of a TOC in Navigation : A TOC is more than just a list; it’s a navigational tool. It should provide a clear and concise overview of your paper’s structure, allowing readers to easily locate specific sections or topics.
Customizing Your TOC : Depending on your research paper’s complexity, you might want to customize your TOC. This could involve including or excluding certain elements, such as figures or tables, based on their relevance to your paper’s overall structure.
Automating Page Numbers : Modern word processors can automatically update page numbers in your TOC. This feature is incredibly useful, especially when you’re making significant edits to your paper that might affect its pagination.
Clarity and Readability : Above all, your TOC should be clear and easy to read. Avoid cluttering it with unnecessary details. Stick to the main sections and headings that provide a straightforward overview of your paper’s content.

Remember, your TOC is often one of the first elements your readers will interact with. Make it engaging and reflective of the depth of your research. Use it to showcase the organization and thoroughness of your work. A well-crafted TOC not only aids in navigation but also sets the tone for the rest of your paper. It’s an opportunity to make a strong first impression, indicating to your readers that your research is well-structured and thoughtfully presented.

To illustrate the importance of a well-structured TOC, consider the case of a complex research paper covering multiple interconnected topics. A clear TOC allows readers to easily navigate between these topics, understanding how they interrelate and contribute to the overall thesis of the paper. This not only enhances the reader’s experience but also underscores the researcher’s ability to organize complex information effectively.

Actionable Steps

For those looking to create their own TOC, here are some actionable steps:

Review Your Document’s Structure : Before creating your TOC, ensure that your document is well-organized with clearly defined sections and headings.
Utilize Built-in TOC Features : Use the TOC features of your word processor to automatically generate and update your TOC.
Customize According to Style Guides : If your paper must adhere to a specific style guide (like APA), customize your TOC to meet these requirements.
Regularly Update Your TOC : As your paper evolves, regularly update your TOC to reflect any changes in structure or page numbers.
Keep It Simple and Clear : Your TOC should be easy to navigate. Avoid overcomplicating it with too many sub-levels or unnecessary information.

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How To Write a Table of Contents for Academic Papers

Posted by Rene Tetzner | Mar 17, 2021 | How To Get Published | 0 |

How To Write a Table of Contents for Academic Papers Although every author begins a writing project with the best of intentions and an ideal outline in mind, it often proves difficult to stick to one’s initial plans as the text begins to unfold and its complexities grow in number and depth. Sometimes a document quickly exceeds the word limits for a project, and at others certain important aspects are neglected or turn out a good deal shorter than intended. Drafting a working table of contents for your writing project can provide an excellent tool for keeping your discussion on track and your text within length requirements as you write.

A working table of contents should begin with a title. This title may change as you draft your text, but a working title will help you focus your thoughts as you devise the headings and plan the content for the main parts, chapters, sections and subsections that should be added beneath it. All headings, whether numbered or not, should be formatted in effective and consistent ways that distinguish section levels and clearly indicate the overall structure of the text. These headings can also be altered as your writing advances, but they will provide an effective outline of what you need to discuss and the order in which you think the main topics should be presented. At this initial stage, it is also a good idea to write under each heading a brief summary of or rough notes about what you hope to include in that part of the document, and you can continue to add, adjust and move material around within and among the sections as your table of contents and ultimately your text progresses. Reminders of how long (measured in words, paragraphs or pages) the entire text and each of its parts should ideally be may also prove helpful.

Once you have your annotated table of contents drafted, it will serve as an informative list of both content and order that can be productively consulted as you write. Assuming you construct your working table of contents as a computer file in the same program you intend to use for writing the entire document, you can also use the table of contents as a template for composing the text as a whole, replacing your rough notes under each heading with the formal text as you draft it. This practice lends an immediate physical presence to the guidance provided by your table of contents because you are literally working within that outline, which can be especially wise if you tend to run on or become distracted by new ideas as you write.

Finally, your working table of contents can become your final table of contents if one is required for your project. If you would like to use the working table of contents in this way and are also using it as a template, be sure to rename the file and save a separate copy before you begin adding the formal text of your document. Then you can simply delete your summaries and rough notes from the original table of contents to make your final one, leaving only the headings, to which you can add relevant page numbers as required.

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Home » Research Paper – Structure, Examples and Writing Guide

Research Paper – Structure, Examples and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

Research Paper

Definition:

Research Paper is a written document that presents the author’s original research, analysis, and interpretation of a specific topic or issue.

It is typically based on Empirical Evidence, and may involve qualitative or quantitative research methods, or a combination of both. The purpose of a research paper is to contribute new knowledge or insights to a particular field of study, and to demonstrate the author’s understanding of the existing literature and theories related to the topic.

Structure of Research Paper

The structure of a research paper typically follows a standard format, consisting of several sections that convey specific information about the research study. The following is a detailed explanation of the structure of a research paper:

The title page contains the title of the paper, the name(s) of the author(s), and the affiliation(s) of the author(s). It also includes the date of submission and possibly, the name of the journal or conference where the paper is to be published.

The abstract is a brief summary of the research paper, typically ranging from 100 to 250 words. It should include the research question, the methods used, the key findings, and the implications of the results. The abstract should be written in a concise and clear manner to allow readers to quickly grasp the essence of the research.

Introduction

The introduction section of a research paper provides background information about the research problem, the research question, and the research objectives. It also outlines the significance of the research, the research gap that it aims to fill, and the approach taken to address the research question. Finally, the introduction section ends with a clear statement of the research hypothesis or research question.

Literature Review

The literature review section of a research paper provides an overview of the existing literature on the topic of study. It includes a critical analysis and synthesis of the literature, highlighting the key concepts, themes, and debates. The literature review should also demonstrate the research gap and how the current study seeks to address it.

The methods section of a research paper describes the research design, the sample selection, the data collection and analysis procedures, and the statistical methods used to analyze the data. This section should provide sufficient detail for other researchers to replicate the study.

The results section presents the findings of the research, using tables, graphs, and figures to illustrate the data. The findings should be presented in a clear and concise manner, with reference to the research question and hypothesis.

The discussion section of a research paper interprets the findings and discusses their implications for the research question, the literature review, and the field of study. It should also address the limitations of the study and suggest future research directions.

The conclusion section summarizes the main findings of the study, restates the research question and hypothesis, and provides a final reflection on the significance of the research.

The references section provides a list of all the sources cited in the paper, following a specific citation style such as APA, MLA or Chicago.

How to Write Research Paper

You can write Research Paper by the following guide:

Choose a Topic: The first step is to select a topic that interests you and is relevant to your field of study. Brainstorm ideas and narrow down to a research question that is specific and researchable.
Conduct a Literature Review: The literature review helps you identify the gap in the existing research and provides a basis for your research question. It also helps you to develop a theoretical framework and research hypothesis.
Develop a Thesis Statement : The thesis statement is the main argument of your research paper. It should be clear, concise and specific to your research question.
Plan your Research: Develop a research plan that outlines the methods, data sources, and data analysis procedures. This will help you to collect and analyze data effectively.
Collect and Analyze Data: Collect data using various methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments. Analyze data using statistical tools or other qualitative methods.
Organize your Paper : Organize your paper into sections such as Introduction, Literature Review, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion. Ensure that each section is coherent and follows a logical flow.
Write your Paper : Start by writing the introduction, followed by the literature review, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. Ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and follows the required formatting and citation styles.
Edit and Proofread your Paper: Review your paper for grammar and spelling errors, and ensure that it is well-structured and easy to read. Ask someone else to review your paper to get feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Cite your Sources: Ensure that you properly cite all sources used in your research paper. This is essential for giving credit to the original authors and avoiding plagiarism.

Research Paper Example

Note : The below example research paper is for illustrative purposes only and is not an actual research paper. Actual research papers may have different structures, contents, and formats depending on the field of study, research question, data collection and analysis methods, and other factors. Students should always consult with their professors or supervisors for specific guidelines and expectations for their research papers.

Research Paper Example sample for Students:

Title: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health among Young Adults

Abstract: This study aims to investigate the impact of social media use on the mental health of young adults. A literature review was conducted to examine the existing research on the topic. A survey was then administered to 200 university students to collect data on their social media use, mental health status, and perceived impact of social media on their mental health. The results showed that social media use is positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. The study also found that social comparison, cyberbullying, and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) are significant predictors of mental health problems among young adults.

Introduction: Social media has become an integral part of modern life, particularly among young adults. While social media has many benefits, including increased communication and social connectivity, it has also been associated with negative outcomes, such as addiction, cyberbullying, and mental health problems. This study aims to investigate the impact of social media use on the mental health of young adults.

Literature Review: The literature review highlights the existing research on the impact of social media use on mental health. The review shows that social media use is associated with depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health problems. The review also identifies the factors that contribute to the negative impact of social media, including social comparison, cyberbullying, and FOMO.

Methods : A survey was administered to 200 university students to collect data on their social media use, mental health status, and perceived impact of social media on their mental health. The survey included questions on social media use, mental health status (measured using the DASS-21), and perceived impact of social media on their mental health. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis.

Results : The results showed that social media use is positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. The study also found that social comparison, cyberbullying, and FOMO are significant predictors of mental health problems among young adults.

Discussion : The study’s findings suggest that social media use has a negative impact on the mental health of young adults. The study highlights the need for interventions that address the factors contributing to the negative impact of social media, such as social comparison, cyberbullying, and FOMO.

Conclusion : In conclusion, social media use has a significant impact on the mental health of young adults. The study’s findings underscore the need for interventions that promote healthy social media use and address the negative outcomes associated with social media use. Future research can explore the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing the negative impact of social media on mental health. Additionally, longitudinal studies can investigate the long-term effects of social media use on mental health.

Limitations : The study has some limitations, including the use of self-report measures and a cross-sectional design. The use of self-report measures may result in biased responses, and a cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causality.

Implications: The study’s findings have implications for mental health professionals, educators, and policymakers. Mental health professionals can use the findings to develop interventions that address the negative impact of social media use on mental health. Educators can incorporate social media literacy into their curriculum to promote healthy social media use among young adults. Policymakers can use the findings to develop policies that protect young adults from the negative outcomes associated with social media use.

References :

Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2019). Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study. Preventive medicine reports, 15, 100918.
Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Escobar-Viera, C. G., Barrett, E. L., Sidani, J. E., Colditz, J. B., … & James, A. E. (2017). Use of multiple social media platforms and symptoms of depression and anxiety: A nationally-representative study among US young adults. Computers in Human Behavior, 69, 1-9.
Van der Meer, T. G., & Verhoeven, J. W. (2017). Social media and its impact on academic performance of students. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 16, 383-398.

Appendix : The survey used in this study is provided below.

Social Media and Mental Health Survey

How often do you use social media per day?
Less than 30 minutes
30 minutes to 1 hour
1 to 2 hours
2 to 4 hours
More than 4 hours
Which social media platforms do you use?
Others (Please specify)
How often do you experience the following on social media?
Social comparison (comparing yourself to others)
Cyberbullying
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
Have you ever experienced any of the following mental health problems in the past month?
Do you think social media use has a positive or negative impact on your mental health?
Very positive
Somewhat positive
Somewhat negative
Very negative
In your opinion, which factors contribute to the negative impact of social media on mental health?
Social comparison
In your opinion, what interventions could be effective in reducing the negative impact of social media on mental health?
Education on healthy social media use
Counseling for mental health problems caused by social media
Social media detox programs
Regulation of social media use

Thank you for your participation!

Applications of Research Paper

Research papers have several applications in various fields, including:

Advancing knowledge: Research papers contribute to the advancement of knowledge by generating new insights, theories, and findings that can inform future research and practice. They help to answer important questions, clarify existing knowledge, and identify areas that require further investigation.
Informing policy: Research papers can inform policy decisions by providing evidence-based recommendations for policymakers. They can help to identify gaps in current policies, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and inform the development of new policies and regulations.
Improving practice: Research papers can improve practice by providing evidence-based guidance for professionals in various fields, including medicine, education, business, and psychology. They can inform the development of best practices, guidelines, and standards of care that can improve outcomes for individuals and organizations.
Educating students : Research papers are often used as teaching tools in universities and colleges to educate students about research methods, data analysis, and academic writing. They help students to develop critical thinking skills, research skills, and communication skills that are essential for success in many careers.
Fostering collaboration: Research papers can foster collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers by providing a platform for sharing knowledge and ideas. They can facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships that can lead to innovative solutions to complex problems.

When to Write Research Paper

Research papers are typically written when a person has completed a research project or when they have conducted a study and have obtained data or findings that they want to share with the academic or professional community. Research papers are usually written in academic settings, such as universities, but they can also be written in professional settings, such as research organizations, government agencies, or private companies.

Here are some common situations where a person might need to write a research paper:

For academic purposes: Students in universities and colleges are often required to write research papers as part of their coursework, particularly in the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. Writing research papers helps students to develop research skills, critical thinking skills, and academic writing skills.
For publication: Researchers often write research papers to publish their findings in academic journals or to present their work at academic conferences. Publishing research papers is an important way to disseminate research findings to the academic community and to establish oneself as an expert in a particular field.
To inform policy or practice : Researchers may write research papers to inform policy decisions or to improve practice in various fields. Research findings can be used to inform the development of policies, guidelines, and best practices that can improve outcomes for individuals and organizations.
To share new insights or ideas: Researchers may write research papers to share new insights or ideas with the academic or professional community. They may present new theories, propose new research methods, or challenge existing paradigms in their field.

Purpose of Research Paper

The purpose of a research paper is to present the results of a study or investigation in a clear, concise, and structured manner. Research papers are written to communicate new knowledge, ideas, or findings to a specific audience, such as researchers, scholars, practitioners, or policymakers. The primary purposes of a research paper are:

To contribute to the body of knowledge : Research papers aim to add new knowledge or insights to a particular field or discipline. They do this by reporting the results of empirical studies, reviewing and synthesizing existing literature, proposing new theories, or providing new perspectives on a topic.
To inform or persuade: Research papers are written to inform or persuade the reader about a particular issue, topic, or phenomenon. They present evidence and arguments to support their claims and seek to persuade the reader of the validity of their findings or recommendations.
To advance the field: Research papers seek to advance the field or discipline by identifying gaps in knowledge, proposing new research questions or approaches, or challenging existing assumptions or paradigms. They aim to contribute to ongoing debates and discussions within a field and to stimulate further research and inquiry.
To demonstrate research skills: Research papers demonstrate the author’s research skills, including their ability to design and conduct a study, collect and analyze data, and interpret and communicate findings. They also demonstrate the author’s ability to critically evaluate existing literature, synthesize information from multiple sources, and write in a clear and structured manner.

Characteristics of Research Paper

Research papers have several characteristics that distinguish them from other forms of academic or professional writing. Here are some common characteristics of research papers:

Evidence-based: Research papers are based on empirical evidence, which is collected through rigorous research methods such as experiments, surveys, observations, or interviews. They rely on objective data and facts to support their claims and conclusions.
Structured and organized: Research papers have a clear and logical structure, with sections such as introduction, literature review, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. They are organized in a way that helps the reader to follow the argument and understand the findings.
Formal and objective: Research papers are written in a formal and objective tone, with an emphasis on clarity, precision, and accuracy. They avoid subjective language or personal opinions and instead rely on objective data and analysis to support their arguments.
Citations and references: Research papers include citations and references to acknowledge the sources of information and ideas used in the paper. They use a specific citation style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Peer-reviewed: Research papers are often peer-reviewed, which means they are evaluated by other experts in the field before they are published. Peer-review ensures that the research is of high quality, meets ethical standards, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
Objective and unbiased: Research papers strive to be objective and unbiased in their presentation of the findings. They avoid personal biases or preconceptions and instead rely on the data and analysis to draw conclusions.

Advantages of Research Paper

Research papers have many advantages, both for the individual researcher and for the broader academic and professional community. Here are some advantages of research papers:

Contribution to knowledge: Research papers contribute to the body of knowledge in a particular field or discipline. They add new information, insights, and perspectives to existing literature and help advance the understanding of a particular phenomenon or issue.
Opportunity for intellectual growth: Research papers provide an opportunity for intellectual growth for the researcher. They require critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, which can help develop the researcher’s skills and knowledge.
Career advancement: Research papers can help advance the researcher’s career by demonstrating their expertise and contributions to the field. They can also lead to new research opportunities, collaborations, and funding.
Academic recognition: Research papers can lead to academic recognition in the form of awards, grants, or invitations to speak at conferences or events. They can also contribute to the researcher’s reputation and standing in the field.
Impact on policy and practice: Research papers can have a significant impact on policy and practice. They can inform policy decisions, guide practice, and lead to changes in laws, regulations, or procedures.
Advancement of society: Research papers can contribute to the advancement of society by addressing important issues, identifying solutions to problems, and promoting social justice and equality.

Limitations of Research Paper

Research papers also have some limitations that should be considered when interpreting their findings or implications. Here are some common limitations of research papers:

Limited generalizability: Research findings may not be generalizable to other populations, settings, or contexts. Studies often use specific samples or conditions that may not reflect the broader population or real-world situations.
Potential for bias : Research papers may be biased due to factors such as sample selection, measurement errors, or researcher biases. It is important to evaluate the quality of the research design and methods used to ensure that the findings are valid and reliable.
Ethical concerns: Research papers may raise ethical concerns, such as the use of vulnerable populations or invasive procedures. Researchers must adhere to ethical guidelines and obtain informed consent from participants to ensure that the research is conducted in a responsible and respectful manner.
Limitations of methodology: Research papers may be limited by the methodology used to collect and analyze data. For example, certain research methods may not capture the complexity or nuance of a particular phenomenon, or may not be appropriate for certain research questions.
Publication bias: Research papers may be subject to publication bias, where positive or significant findings are more likely to be published than negative or non-significant findings. This can skew the overall findings of a particular area of research.
Time and resource constraints: Research papers may be limited by time and resource constraints, which can affect the quality and scope of the research. Researchers may not have access to certain data or resources, or may be unable to conduct long-term studies due to practical limitations.

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Dissertation Table of Contents in Word | Instructions & Examples

Dissertation Table of Contents in Word | Instructions & Examples

Published on 15 May 2022 by Tegan George .

The table of contents is where you list the chapters and major sections of your thesis, dissertation, or research paper, alongside their page numbers. A clear and well-formatted table of contents is essential, as it demonstrates to your reader that a quality paper will follow.

The table of contents (TOC) should be placed between the abstract and the introduction. The maximum length should be two pages. Depending on the nature of your thesis, dissertation, or paper, there are a few formatting options you can choose from.

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What to include in your table of contents, what not to include in your table of contents, creating a table of contents in microsoft word, table of contents examples, updating a table of contents in microsoft word, other lists in your thesis, dissertation, or research paper, frequently asked questions about the table of contents.

Depending on the length of your document, you can choose between a single-level, subdivided, or multi-level table of contents.

A single-level table of contents only includes ‘level 1’ headings, or chapters. This is the simplest option, but it may be too broad for a long document like a dissertation.
A subdivided table of contents includes chapters as well as ‘level 2’ headings, or sections. These show your reader what each chapter contains.
A multi-level table of contents also further divides sections into ‘level 3’ headings. This option can get messy quickly, so proceed with caution. Remember your table of contents should not be longer than 2 pages. A multi-level table is often a good choice for a shorter document like a research paper.

Examples of level 1 headings are Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, and Bibliography. Subsections of each of these would be level 2 headings, further describing the contents of each chapter or large section. Any further subsections would be level 3.

In these introductory sections, less is often more. As you decide which sections to include, narrow it down to only the most essential.

Including appendices and tables

You should include all appendices in your table of contents. Whether or not you include tables and figures depends largely on how many there are in your document.

If there are more than three figures and tables, you might consider listing them on a separate page. Otherwise, you can include each one in the table of contents.

Theses and dissertations often have a separate list of figures and tables.
Research papers generally don’t have a separate list of figures and tables.

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All level 1 and level 2 headings should be included in your table of contents, with level 3 headings used very sparingly.

The following things should never be included in a table of contents:

Your acknowledgements page
Your abstract
The table of contents itself

The acknowledgements and abstract always precede the table of contents, so there’s no need to include them. This goes for any sections that precede the table of contents.

To automatically insert a table of contents in Microsoft Word, be sure to first apply the correct heading styles throughout the document, as shown below.

Choose which headings are heading 1 and which are heading 2 (or 3!
For example, if all level 1 headings should be Times New Roman, 12-point font, and bold, add this formatting to the first level 1 heading.
Highlight the level 1 heading.
Right-click the style that says ‘Heading 1’.
Select ‘Update Heading 1 to Match Selection’.
Allocate the formatting for each heading throughout your document by highlighting the heading in question and clicking the style you wish to apply.

Once that’s all set, follow these steps:

Add a title to your table of contents. Be sure to check if your citation style or university has guidelines for this.
Place your cursor where you would like your table of contents to go.
In the ‘References’ section at the top, locate the Table of Contents group.
Here, you can select which levels of headings you would like to include. You can also make manual adjustments to each level by clicking the Modify button.
When you are ready to insert the table of contents, click ‘OK’ and it will be automatically generated, as shown below.

The key features of a table of contents are:

Clear headings and subheadings
Corresponding page numbers

Check with your educational institution to see if they have any specific formatting or design requirements.

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

Write yourself a reminder to update your table of contents as one of your final tasks before submitting your dissertation or paper. It’s normal for your text to shift a bit as you input your final edits, and it’s crucial that your page numbers correspond correctly.

It’s easy to update your page numbers automatically in Microsoft Word. Simply right-click the table of contents and select ‘Update Field’. You can choose either to update page numbers only or to update all information in your table of contents.

In addition to a table of contents, you might also want to include a list of figures and tables, a list of abbreviations and a glossary in your thesis or dissertation. You can use the following guides to do so:

List of figures and tables
List of abbreviations

It is less common to include these lists in a research paper.

All level 1 and 2 headings should be included in your table of contents . That means the titles of your chapters and the main sections within them.

The contents should also include all appendices and the lists of tables and figures, if applicable, as well as your reference list .

Do not include the acknowledgements or abstract in the table of contents.

To automatically insert a table of contents in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

Apply heading styles throughout the document.
In the references section in the ribbon, locate the Table of Contents group.
Click the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon and select Custom Table of Contents.
Select which levels of headings you would like to include in the table of contents.

Make sure to update your table of contents if you move text or change headings. To update, simply right click and select Update Field.

The table of contents in a thesis or dissertation always goes between your abstract and your introduction.

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Table of Contents for Research Paper: Useful Guide to Writing

Inserting a table of contents in a research paper is challenging for most undergraduate and postgraduate students. So, don’t you know how to develop a table of contents for a research paper? Today we will give you helpful tips on making a table of contents in a research paper.

Therefore, this article will discuss the table of contents and more.

What is a table of contents?

A table of content is a list of topic heading and sub-topics of a research paper. As you understand, a research paper consists of different headings and sub-headings, which must be outlined for a professor to know a synopsis of what you are discussing. Additionally, it will be easy for the readers to find specific information quickly.

How to write a table of contents for a research paper

As a beginner, you might wonder how to write a table of contents for a research paper. It is not daunting as you must write each section’s research topics and sub-topics. The sections of a research paper include the title, introduction, literature review, research methodology, data analysis, conclusion, and reference.

All these parts should appear in the table of contents. Therefore, while writing your report, ensure that you put this section in chapters and highlight each chapter with heading 2. The sub-topics should be in heading three; if there are sub-subtopics, they should be in heading 4.

When you do these, it will become simple for you to generate the table of contents page. Suppose you are using Microsoft Word; you should go to references, click on the table of contents, then choose an automatic or manual table of contents.

What does a table of contents look like for a research paper?

This is a list of chapters and sub-chapters of a research paper. The table of contents paper also has the page number alongside the topic or sub-topic.

What you should not include in a table of contents paper

There are parts of a research paper that you should not include in your table of content. However, you might have seen other papers, including these parts don’t as it is not necessary. These parts include the acknowledgment and abstract. They are not a must but ensure you insert all H1, H2, and H3 topics and sub-topics.

What are the examples of table of contents in research paper?

We have two examples of tables of contents that you can use for your research paper. They include automatic and manual. Under the automatic table of contents, you should have labeled the heading and sub-headings using H1, H2, or H3. This will give you a simple time to generate the table of content automatically.

The second is the manual table of content. When you choose this table of contents format, you will enter each heading manually and the page number. We recommend you use the automatic table of contents as it is simple and not prone to mistakes such as wrong topics or page numbers.

How to update table of contents in microsoft word

You have written a new topic or sub-topic that is not on the table of contents you generated. Suppose you experience such, don’t panic or generate a new table of contents.

All you need to do is to go to the top-left corner of your table of content and click update table. By so doing, you will have updated your table of contents paper.

Frequently asked questions

1. where to place table of contents for a research paper.

The table of contents should be after the title page, acknowledgment, and abstract. Immediately before the introduction or chapter one.

2. Importance of table of contents

Inserting a table of contents in your research paper is essential. This is because it enables a reader to locate specific information quickly. Also, it shows the organization of your work, creating an excellent perception for a professor assessing your paper.

We hope you have learned how to write a table of contents for a research paper. These insightful tips are best for you and will enable you to write an exceptional paper. Please, share this content with your colleagues, and if you have any questions, leave a comment, and we will give you an answer.

How do I format a table of contents in MLA style?

Note: This post relates to content in the eighth edition of the MLA Handbook . For up-to-date guidance, see the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

Tables of contents may be formatted in a number of ways. In our publications, we sometimes list chapter numbers before chapter titles and sometimes list the chapter titles alone. We also sometimes list section heads beneath the chapter titles. After each chapter or heading title, the page number on which the chapter or section begins is provided. The following show examples from three of the MLA’s books.

From Elizabeth Brookbank and H. Faye Christenberry’s MLA Guide to Undergraduate Research in Literature (Modern Language Association of America, 2019):

From Approaches to Teaching Bechdel’s Fun Home, edited by Judith Kegan Gardiner (Modern Language Association of America, 2018):

From the MLA Handbook , 8th ed. (Modern Language Association of America, 2016):

Need more information? Read about where to place a table of contents in your paper .

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Types of table of contents, what sections should be included in a table of contents, tables, figures, and appendices in toc, what shouldn't be included in a table of contents, how to create a table of contents for a research paper or dissertation in word, updating your table of contents in ms word, table of contents examples, tips on creating a table of contents, bottom line on making table of contents for dissertations/ papers.

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What is Academic Writing: Tips for Students

Students and early career researchers need to distinguish clearly between academic and general or non-academic writing. Both types of writing have their respective styles, structures, and basic guidelines that writers use depending on the matter and the audience they are intended for. It’s crucial to understand the implications of mixing these two styles, as it can lead to confusion and a lack of clarity in your writing. In this article, we will explain the difference between general and academic writing, explain the nuances of academic writing and share some valuable tips for students and early career researchers to follow while undertaking formal academic writing assignments.

Critical characteristics of academic writing

Research paper

Literature review, lab reports.

Do’s
Don’ts

Critical characteristics of academic writing

Academic writing can be defined as a formal style of writing which is typically bound by strict scholarly conventions and is based on extensive research and analysis to support arguments. The main aim of academic writing is to contribute to new knowledge or insights within a specific field of study. Academic writing has its distinct characteristics and purpose. Some key characteristics of academic writing are:

It takes a formal approach and an impersonal tone.
It is usually written in the third person.
The sentences are well-structured and consist of arguments and evidence.
It is well-referenced, citing scholarly sources.
It is evidence-based.
The focus will be on a well-formulated and apparent research problem.
There is an appropriate choice of words.
The terminology used will be academic and discipline specific.
It is usually intended for a scholarly audience.

Hence, academic writing is not:

Informal
Personal
Conversational
Long-winded
Emotional

Types of academic writing

There are different types and categories of academic writing. Some key ones include:

On a topic or question provided by the instructor, students are expected to write a short and focused text consisting of a central idea supporting evidence that is properly cited and share researched analysis and interpretation. Sometimes, students are allowed to write an essay on a topic of their choice.

Unlike essays, research papers are more detailed, scholarly, and based on independent research. They should demonstrate their knowledge of the topic, employ analytical rigour, and demonstrate strength in dealing with a variety of sources. Your study and investigation should be able to make an original contribution to the existing body of knowledge in a specific discipline. This means that your research should add something new to the field, whether it’s a new perspective, a new method, or new data. It’s not enough to summarize what others have said; you need to bring something new to the table.

A literature review is a comprehensive and critical review of published literature on a particular topic. It provides an overview of the current knowledge in the field and helps situate your work within the larger body of knowledge. A literature review is not just a summary of what others have said about your topic; it’s a critical analysis that identifies gaps in the existing literature and provides context for your study. It’s an essential part of academic writing, as it shows that you’re familiar with the current state of research in your field and that your work is building on that knowledge.

A lab report communicates the aim, method, results, and conclusions of a scientific experiment. It is usually used in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Dos and don’ts for students who are starting with academic writing

For practical academic writing skills, focus on developing a habit of writing clearly. Spend sufficient time planning your work, creating an outline, organizing your thoughts, and managing your time.
Depending upon your institutional or discipline-specific guidelines, you have the power to choose one style manual, such as the MLA, APA, or the Chicago Manual of Style. This choice is yours, and it’s essential to use the chosen style consistently. Each manual style has its own rules regarding how to write numbers, footnotes or endnotes, citations, and references. The choice of words is essential for clear and effective writing. Be concise and avoid confusing language.
While the use of discipline-specific terminology is essential, make sure to use it appropriately and accurately.
Structure your writing well so that the information is presented logically and straightforwardly so that the reader can quickly understand it. Make sure that your text is divided into chapters or sections. Structure your paragraphs so that each one presents a central point or idea and there is a clear link between the paragraphs. The thread of your research paper’s central argument should run throughout the text.
Citing sources: Follow academic conventions and accurately cite any quoted text, data, findings, or arguments from other studies used in your text.
Always make sure to proofread and edit your work before submitting it.

Don’ts

As mentioned earlier, academic writing adopts a formal tone. Therefore, it should altogether avoid conversational language and the use of regional dialects or slang.
Avoid overusing complex jargon just for the sake of using it.
Vague terms or statements that can confuse the reader should not be used.
Avoid plagiarism by following proper citation styles.

Academic writing requires a formal approach, an impersonal tone, and evidence-based arguments to support a well-formulated research problem. It is a distinct type of writing with its characteristics, structure, and purpose. To excel in academic writing, students need to understand the nuances of academic writing and differentiate it from general writing. They also need to structure their writing well, use appropriate terminology, and follow academic conventions. By following these tips, students can produce transparent, concise, and well-referenced academic papers that contribute to new knowledge and insights within their respective fields.

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How to Find Research Papers Effectively: 25 Best Academic Websites

Struggling with how to find research papers for your study? Discover the effective ways to access academic resources with these academic websites.

Table of Contents

How To Identify A Research Paper

Complete guide on how to find research papers effectively, the importance of using multiple search engines, the significance of using effective commands for better search results, use ai tools for automatic research, fetching research papers by dates, using specialized academic sources, enhancing reading and writing efficiency with ai-powered assistance, related reading, how to find research papers through academic sources: 25 best research paper databases, 1. google scholar - the ultimate academic search engine, 2. unriddle - unraveling the mystery of academic research, 3. jstor - your gateway to scholarly content, 4. core - connecting researchers to academic content, 5. microsoft academic - research discovery made simple, 6. worldwidescience - your gateway to global science, 7. pubmed central - your source for biomedical research, 8. library of congress - your source for historical research, 9. science.gov - your gateway to federal science information, 10. refseek - your search engine for academic information, 11. research gate - your professional network for research, 12. baidu scholar - your gateway to chinese research, 13. digital commons network - your source for open access scholarship, 14. semantic scholar - your ai-powered research tool, 15. base - your source for open access content, 16. ieee explore digital library - your source for engineering research, 17. directory of open access journals - your source for open access journals, 18. scopus - your source for abstracts and citations, 19. biomed central - your source for biomedical research, 20. eric - your source for educational research, 21. nature research journals - your source for scientific research, 22. wiley online library - your source for multidisciplinary content, 23. research gate - your professional network for research, 24. ssrn - your source for social science research, 25. science direct - your source for scientific research, read faster & write better with unriddle for free today, ai assistant for writing suggestions, automatic research paper fetching, seamless citing with unriddle.

How to Find Research Papers Effectively: 25 Best Academic Websites

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Apa Format Research Paper Table Of Contents
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️ Example of table of contents research paper. How to Write a Table of Contents (with Examples

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How to Create a Table of Contents in Word
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How to Write a Research Paper (Steps & Examples)
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Create TABLE of CONTENTS in Microsoft Word (save time and impress your readers)

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How to Create an APA Table of Contents
Now you can generate your table of contents. First write the title "Contents" (in the style of a level 1 heading). Then place your cursor two lines below this and go to the References tab. Click on Table of Contents and select Custom Table of Contents…. In the popup window, select how many levels of heading you wish to include (at least ...
Table of Contents
In Research, A Table of Contents (TOC) is a structured list of the main sections or chapters of a research paper, Thesis and Dissertation. It provides readers with an overview of the organization and structure of the document, allowing them to quickly locate specific information and navigate through the document.
How to Structure the Table of Contents for a Research Paper
To summarize, the following steps will help you create a clear and concise table of contents to guide readers through your research paper: 1. Insert the table of contents after the title page. 2. List all the sections and subsections in chronological order. 3. Paginate each section. 4. Format the table of contents according to your style guide. 5.
APA Table of Contents
Now you need to format your headings to be included in the table of contents. Select the heading you want to include in your table of contents. Click on the "Styles" option in the top menu bar. Choose the appropriate heading style from the drop-down menu that appears. You can choose from "Heading 1," "Heading 2," "Heading 3," etc.
PDF Student Paper Setup Guide, APA Style 7th Edition
Indent the first line of every paragraph of text 0.5 in. using the tab key or the paragraph-formatting function of your word-processing program. Page numbers: Put a page number in the top right corner of every page, including the title page or cover page, which is page 1. Student papers do not require a running head on any page.
4 Ways to Write a Table of Contents
Make a table with two columns. Then, place the headings and subheadings in the first column in order. Put the applicable page numbers in the second column. Check that the subheadings are located underneath the correct headings, indented to the right. Make sure there are page numbers for the subheadings listed as well.
Table of contents for research papers
The table of contents forms an essential part of any academic paper. Through the use of headings, sub-headings, and page numbers, we can construct an accurate road map to assist reviewers, evaluators, tutors, and general readers. The table of contents shows how effective the writer is at dividing the thesis into relevant and manageable sections.
How do I create a table of contents?
To automatically insert a table of contents in Microsoft Word, follow these steps: Apply heading styles throughout the document. In the references section in the ribbon, locate the Table of Contents group. Click the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon and select Custom Table of Contents.
Table of Contents
A table of contents is a list, usually on a page at the beginning of a piece of academic writing, which outlines the chapters or sections names with their corresponding page numbers. In addition to chapter names, it includes bullet points of the sub-chapter headings or subsection headings. It usually comes right after the title page of a ...
How to Write a Table of Contents for Different Formats With Examples
If applicable, indicate third-level headings under the corresponding second-level heading. Write the page number for each heading. Put the content in a two-column table. Title the page with "Table of Contents.". How to insert Table of Contents in Word (Step by Step) | Microsoft Word Tutorial: Table of content. Watch on.
How to Effectively Create a Table of Contents for Your Research Paper
A table of contents in a research paper serves as a structured guide, allowing readers to easily navigate and locate specific sections or chapters. It provides an overview of the paper's organization and helps in understanding the flow of information. 2. How detailed should a table of contents be in a research paper? The level of detail in a ...
How To Write a Table of Contents for Academic Papers
A working table of contents should begin with a title. This title may change as you draft your text, but a working title will help you focus your thoughts as you devise the headings and plan the content for the main parts, chapters, sections and subsections that should be added beneath it. All headings, whether numbered or not, should be ...
Research Paper
Definition: Research Paper is a written document that presents the author's original research, analysis, and interpretation of a specific topic or issue. It is typically based on Empirical Evidence, and may involve qualitative or quantitative research methods, or a combination of both. The purpose of a research paper is to contribute new ...
Dissertation Table of Contents in Word
In the 'References' section at the top, locate the Table of Contents group. Click the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon and select 'Custom Table of Contents'. Here, you can select which levels of headings you would like to include. You can also make manual adjustments to each level by clicking the Modify button.
Table of Contents for Research Paper: Useful Guide to Writing
All these parts should appear in the table of contents. Therefore, while writing your report, ensure that you put this section in chapters and highlight each chapter with heading 2. The sub-topics should be in heading three; if there are sub-subtopics, they should be in heading 4. When you do these, it will become simple for you to generate the ...
How do I format a table of contents in MLA style?
Tables of contents may be formatted in a number of ways. In our publications, we sometimes list chapter numbers before chapter titles and sometimes list the chapter titles alone. We also sometimes list section heads beneath the chapter titles. After each chapter or heading title, the page number on which the chapter or section begins is provided.
Table of Contents for Dissertation/ Research Paper & Example
Open Home tab and choose the style for your table of contents (ToC next). Apply heading 1 to your chapters, heading 2 to the subheading, and if needed heading 3 to the level 3 heading. Next, you are going to create a research paper or PhD dissertation table of contents. Open References and choose ToC.
How to create a table of contents for a research paper
Once you have created a table of contents, you can insert it into your research paper by following these steps:1. Open your research paper in Microsoft Word....
How to Create Table of Contents for Research Paper
#tableofcontent #msword #researchpaper #createtable #howto In this video, we will learn how to create table of contents for research paper and learn what to ...
What is Academic Writing: Tips for Students
The main aim of academic writing is to contribute to new knowledge or insights within a specific field of study. Academic writing has its distinct characteristics and purpose. Some key characteristics of academic writing are: It takes a formal approach and an impersonal tone. It is usually written in the third person.
Writing a Research Paper Introduction (with 3 Examples)
1-) Start with a Catchy Hook. Your first sentence is one of the factors that most influence a reader's decision to read your paper. This sentence determines the tone of your paper and attracts the reader's attention. For this reason, we recommend that you start your introduction paragraph with a strong and catchy hook sentence.
How to Cite a Quote
When you cite a direct quote in MLA, the parenthetical format is (author's last name page number) or (Smith 7). The narrative format includes the author's name in the sentence, with the page number after the quote in parentheses. There is no punctuation within a set of parentheses. As in APA style, the final punctuation is placed after the ...
How to Find Research Papers Effectively: 25 Best Academic Websites
1. Google Scholar - The Ultimate Academic Search Engine. Google Scholar is a free-to-use search engine that indexes scholarly articles and other academic materials across disciplines. Users can access a wide range of research papers, articles, theses, and books through Google Scholar.

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