This document provides guidance on writing a basic research paper with 5 parts: an introduction, three main body points, and a conclusion. The introduction should answer what the paper is about, how it will be organized, and what will be proved. Each main body point is its own paragraph that introduces the point, provides evidence, and explains how the point relates to the thesis. The conclusion restates the introduction by revisiting the three introductory questions and tracing the argument made in the essay. The document recommends envisioning each essay component as a separate section to help plan and structure the paper.