How To Write a Case Study Paper
A case study paper can be written for many things. It could be done to present a new idea, test an old theory, or just provide further insight into something worth exploring. They are not so difficult to write once you understand the basics of what is expected in this type of assignment. The following are some things to think about before sitting down to write your case study paper.
1) Define your topic properly
When writing a case study paper it’s important to state exactly what you are studying within the first paragraph or two. If you change gears too often or wander onto tangents that have nothing to do with the subject at hand then readers will find themselves confused and potentially disengaged from your work.
2) Include anecdotes and examples that support your topic
To help support whatever argument or claim you are making, include anecdotes that show how the idea works in practice. These can be real-life examples from history or current events. They should work to illustrate the topic at hand rather than take away from it by being too complicated. It’s important not to use any material that goes beyond what is needed for this assignment as doing so will make the reader lose focus on what they are currently reading.
3) Remember that this is a formal paper
While no one expects an essay written about a case study to have all of the qualities of Shakespeare’s plays, there are some things to take into consideration when writing it. Try to avoid very casual language and always structure sentences using proper grammar. You may also want to consider going through your draft a second time to make sure there are no errors in punctuation or language.
4) Include references for any quotes, statistics, and paraphrased material
It’s important to acknowledge the sources of any information that is not original to you as the writer. If something has been said by another person then put it into an indirect quote before adding where it came from. Be prepared to list sources at the end of the paper as well just in case your teacher requests them.
5) Keep it concise and focused on what you’re writing about
This isn’t a book so avoid making things seem too complicated at first glance. It’s okay if many things can be drawn from one central idea, but don’t add too many different arguments or you will lose your target audience. The reader should be able to understand everything that is written in one read through and any confusing statements may result in them disregarding the entire paper.
6) Write within a specific format or template
While you are free to choose your own structure, many case study papers follow the same basic pattern. They include an introduction, body paragraphs that consist of two to three sentences each, and a conclusion. You can break up these sections if you’d like but make sure the paper still makes sense in the end. There should be no throwaway sections that do not contribute anything to the assignment’s goals.
7) Make a plan before you begin
To write a good case study paper it’s important to know where you are going from the beginning. Prepare an outline that clearly states what information needs to be included in each section and how your argument is going to be structured. This way when you sit down to actually put words on paper everything will flow better and nothing will be left out.
Take these tips into consideration before sitting down to write a case study paper and you should be off to a good start. Good luck!