Capstone Paper Structure

Capstone Paper Structure
Title page
The Title Page will conform to the APA style and formatting for written papers.
Introduction/Thesis Statement
An introduction is the first paragraph of a written research paper, or the first thing you say in an oral
presentation, or the first thing people see, hear, or experience about your project.
It has two parts:

1. A general introduction to the topic you will be discussing
2. Your Thesis Statement
   A thesis statement takes a position on an issue. Because you must take a position or develop a claim
   about a subject, you need to convey that position or claim in a thesis statement in your paper. NOTE:
   Read the UMC Writing Center Handouts Thesis-Statements document for help on writing your Thesis
   Statement.
   Discussion (Body of Paper)
   The Discussion (Body of paper) explains and develops the points that you made in your introductory
   paragraph and your thesis statement. Here is the structure of the Discussion section.
3. Topic Sentence – Provide the main idea of the paragraph.
4. Supporting Evidence – Include specific textual evidence: cited quotes, paraphrases or summary; or
   evidence that supports your thesis from other sources: anecdotes, first-person interviews or your own
   experience.
5. Analysis – Explain to the reader the significance of the evidence you have provided. Think about why
   you chose to include it. How does the piece of evidence support your thesis?
6. Transition – Connect each paragraph with a sentence or two that demonstrates how each idea leads
   into the next, and how they work together to support your position.

Conclusion and Recommendations
Conclusions sums up the key points of your discussion, findings and significant outcomes of your
investigation. As its function is to round out the story of your project, it should:
• be written to relate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the Introduction
• indicate the extent to which the aims have been achieved
• summarize the key findings, outcomes or information in your report
• acknowledge limitations and make recommendations for future work (where applicable)
• highlight the significance or usefulness of your work.
Recommendations follow conclusions and are opinions supported by the paper’s findings. Keep
recommendations concise, specific, and realistic, with a call to action.
References List
APA style was created by the American Psychological Association. It is a set of rules for publications,
including research papers. In APA, you must “cite” sources that you have paraphrased, quoted or
otherwise used to write your research paper. Cite your sources in two places:

1. In the body of your paper where you add a brief in-text citation.
2. In the Reference list at the end of your paper where you give more complete information for the
   source.