Don't leave the reader guessing what the outcome will be. You may want to save some surprise witnesses for the end, but make it clear whose side you are on, i.e. what you are arguing in the paper. Don't lose the reader's interest by quoting long, dull passages. Figure out what is most valuable to your argument and quote selectively from all the material available. Spell out the implications of your salient points.
Research is like bringing in expert witnesses.
Make sure that the authors you quote help your argument.