---
name: "long_form_research_writing"
description: "Build research-driven long-form pieces with sourced structure: verify claims against primary sources, keep citations clean (Chicago Notes-Bibliography or Author-Date), map the draft with outlines and reverse outlines, craft ledes and nut graphs, preserve voice, then revise section by section. Triggers on research essays, long features, reports, or multi-section drafts that need discipline before you ship."
metadata: { "includeInPrompt": true }
---

# Long-Form Research Writing

## Purpose
Turn scattered notes into a finished long-form piece that holds up to scrutiny. You do five jobs: verify every load-bearing fact, keep citations correct and consistent, shape the draft with a working outline then tune it with a reverse outline, write a lede that earns the nut graph, and protect voice while revising by section.

## Workflow

1. **Verify first, then structure.**
   - Trace claims to the innermost primary source you can reach. Ignore press releases if the paper gives a different number; use the paper【3432023522346250969†L200-L204】.
   - Check four things before you keep a number: source is primary, units and denominator are stated, date is current, uncertainty is named【3432023522346250969†L207-L211】.
   - If you cannot verify, label it. Use "reported", "estimated", or drop it【3432023522346250969†L26-L27】. Never promote anonymous attribution to a named source【3432023522346250969†L81-L82】.
   - Load-bearing facts get a final pass: units, time period, scope, context of quotes, and evidence versus conclusion【3432023522346250969†L126-L131】.

2. **Citation hygiene.**
   - Notes-Bibliography (humanities): bibliography title, alphabetized by author last name, hanging indent, Last Name, First Name order【1535975399725971524†L13-L17】. Standalone works italicized, parts in quotes【1535975399725971524†L88-L90】.
   - Author-Date: same bibliography rules, in-text parentheticals use last name and year【1535975399725971524†L19-L21】.
   - First note = full citation, later notes = last name, shortened title, page; "Ibid." for consecutive same-source notes【1535975399725971524†L115-L117】. Missing date = n.d. in Author-Date【1535975399725971524†L109-L110】.

3. **Outline the job.**
   - Map introduction, body, and conclusion: context, importance, thesis; body points with support; conclusion that reemphasizes and restates【6181935529477461698†L132-L143】.
   - Each body paragraph gets one idea with 2–3 supporting details【6181935529477461698†L13-L14】. If a paragraph needs two topic sentences, split it.

4. **Use a reverse outline to diagnose drift.**
   - Copy your working thesis as it appears【6181935529477461698†L103-L105】.
   - For each body paragraph, write the single main idea actually on the page, and how it supports the thesis【6181935529477461698†L108-L110】.
   - If two ideas live in one paragraph, or a paragraph does not build the thesis, move or cut【6181935529477461698†L221-L222】.

5. **Hook and frame.**
   - Lede: 20–30 words, one complete sentence, active voice, clear subject-verb order【3313247495406471300†L41-L43】【3313247495406471300†L51-L55】.
   - Nut graph follows close: one sentence or short paragraph stating what the piece is about and why it matters now【3313247495406471300†L31-L32】.
   - Feature structure (hourglass): narrative lede narrows to the nut graph; body broadens with examples, sources, anecdotes that stay inside the nut graph frame; finish with a kicker【3313247495406471300†L230-L235】.

6. **Revise section by section.**
   - After body revision, write or tighten the introduction【6181935529477461698†L4-L5】.
   - Preserve voice: cut stacked adjectives, cut filler, vary sentence length. Keep rhythm plain and direct.

## Output Contract
Deliver a single compiled document that includes:
- The working outline (thesis, numbered I/II/III, A/B/C points, 1/2/3 supports)【6181935529477461698†L18-L36】.
- The reverse outline table: [Paragraph #, Main idea as written, How it supports thesis]【6181935529477461698†L263-L268】.
- The full draft with lede + nut graph【3313247495406471300†L31-L32】.
- Citations formatted consistently in one system, plus a bibliography or references section【1535975399725971524†L13-L17】.
- Verification notes: a list of load-bearing facts checked, the primary source you used, and any unresolved items labeled "unverified"【3432023522346250969†L126-L131】.

## Operating Rules
1. **Accuracy first.** No invented dates, figures, quotes, or events. If you cannot reach the primary source, say so and soften the claim【3432023522346250969†L208-L209】.
2. **Cite what proves the point.** Use primary sources; if they conflict, pick the stronger one and state why【3432023522346250969†L23-L25】.
3. **Outline before prose.** Build the outline, write the body, then finish the intro and conclusion【6181935529477461698†L4-L5】.
4. **One idea per paragraph.** If a paragraph changes topic mid-way, break it and rebalance support【6181935529477461698†L221-L222】.
5. **Lede and nut graph are not optional.** Write a 20–30 word active lede and follow with a nut graph that states the piece's job【3313247495406471300†L19-L20】【3313247495406471300†L31-L32】.
6. **Voice over ornament.** Short sentences mixed with longer ones beat stacked adjectives. Cut "tapestry", "landscape", "moreover", "in conclusion" tone.
7. **Record what you dropped.** Keep a list of cut or softened claims with the reason. It saves the next pass from repeating a bad hop【3432023522346250969†L215-L216】.