A research essay is a form of academic writing that requires the student to investigate a topic, collect and analyze evidence, and present their findings in a clear and concise manner. In order to write a successful research essay, it is important to follow a clear and organized outline.
Here is a brief outline for a research essay:
I. Introduction
- Introduce the topic and provide some background information
- State the purpose of the essay and the research question or thesis statement
- Outline the structure of the essay
II. Literature Review
- Summarize the existing research on the topic
- Identify gaps in the literature and areas for further investigation
- Explain how the current study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge
III. Methodology
- Describe the research design and methodology used to collect and analyze data
- Explain how the research question will be answered or the hypothesis tested
- Outline any limitations or biases in the study
IV. Results
- Present the findings of the study in a clear and concise manner
- Use tables, graphs, and other visual aids to illustrate the results
- Explain the implications of the findings
V. Discussion
- Interpret the results in relation to the research question or hypothesis
- Discuss the limitations of the study and the implications of the findings
- Provide recommendations for future research
VI. Conclusion
- Summarize the main points of the essay
- Restate the research question or thesis statement
- Conclude with a statement about the implications of the study
By following this outline, you can ensure that your research essay is well-organized and effectively communicates your findings to your readers. It is also important to remember to properly cite all sources and use a consistent citation style throughout your essay.
In "Two Kinds," Amy Tan explores the complex and strained relationship between a Chinese immigrant mother and her American-born daughter. The daughter, Jing-mei, struggles to reconcile her mother's expectations for her to become a prodigy with her own desires to forge her own path in life. The mother, Suyuan, is driven by a fierce determination to give her daughter every opportunity for success, fueled by the belief that American culture is superior to Chinese culture and that being successful in America will bring her daughter respect and acceptance.
Through the use of flashbacks, Tan delves into the history of Suyuan's past in China and how she lost everything in the war, including her twin daughters. Suyuan's experiences have shaped her belief that Jing-mei must succeed at all costs, and she pushes her daughter to be a prodigy in piano, math, and other subjects. Jing-mei, on the other hand, resists her mother's expectations and ultimately rebels by refusing to continue with the piano lessons.
The conflict between Suyuan and Jing-mei ultimately comes to a head when Jing-mei discovers that she has a half-sister in China, a revelation that forces her to confront the fact that her mother has been keeping secrets from her and that her own identity is more complex than she had previously thought. Through this revelation, Jing-mei begins to understand her mother's motivations and the sacrifices that Suyuan has made for her daughter's future.
The thesis statement for "Two Kinds" could be: In "Two Kinds," Amy Tan uses the strained relationship between a Chinese immigrant mother and her American-born daughter to explore the complexities of identity, expectations, and cultural differences.
