Writing & Multiliteracy Center 3 

092019 sl 

 
Exercise 1.  Examining Argumentative Moves of a Body Paragraph in the Research Statement 
 
The following table identifies some of the organizational moves that you might consider in your 
research statement.  A real student sample is on the left.  Use this table to help you with your 
own research statement paragraph. 
 

 

BODY PARA. HIGHLIGHTING 
ACADEMIC SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE 
AND READINESS QUALITIES 
 
Use numbers 1, 2, or 3 to identify 
the following argumentative 
moves: 
 

1. Provides a general 

overview​ of the research 
experiences or 
involvement discussed in 
the paragraph (topic) 
 

2. Describes specific ​details 
of experience ​(connected 
to field skills/knowledge, 
readiness qualities)
research statement