How are high school research papers commonly formatted?

So, I've got this major research paper coming up in my English class. What's the most common format for it in high school? Is there a standard structure to follow?

The most common format for high school research papers follows the Modern Language Association (MLA) guidelines, though your teacher may specify a different format such as the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS). I would suggest confirming with your teacher to make sure. However, since you asked for the common format, I'll outline the MLA structure for you.

Your paper should generally follow this structure:

- Title page: Not typically required in MLA format, but check with your teacher. The title of your paper should be centered on the first page, with your name and the course information underneath.

- Abstract: While not always required in high school, an abstract is a brief summary of your paper. Check with your instructor if this is necessary.

- Introduction: This should introduce your topic, provide some background, and clearly state your thesis.

- Body: This part of your paper is where you present your arguments and evidence. Generally, each paragraph should explore a single idea related to your thesis.

- Conclusion: This where you restate your thesis and summarize your main points.

- Works Cited: List full bibliographic information for any sources you used in your research.

Each page should have a header in the top right corner with your last name and the page number. When citing sources within the text, you should use parenthetical citation (author's last name and the page number of the reference). Be sure to double space your text and use Times New Roman, 12-point font.

Remember to provide a strong argument in your thesis statement and clearly frame your ideas within each paragraph in the body of your research paper. Evidence from your sources should be properly cited and used to support your arguments. Most importantly, ensure your conclusion effectively summarizes your findings and provides closure to your research.