Writing The Body of Your Paper Putting It All Together

Writing the Body of the Paper   The hardest part of the entire research paper is done. If you have a complete and organized outline, clear and meaningful notes and correct source cards, writing your paper should be no problem.

All you will be doing as you write the first draft is expanding the basic ideas from your outline by putting them in sentence form.

Each main idea could become the topic sentence for a paragraph in your report; the details under each main idea in your outline would be the sentences or supporting details for that paragraph. You will want to link your ideas in an organized manner.

Remember this is your rough draft and you will be refining it and polishing it later.  

Important Things to Remember

Write out all numbers that are two words or less, i.e. “forty-two.”  Contractions must be written out. Use “do not” instead of “don’t.” Write out all numbers that are two words or less, i.e. “forty-two.” Use strong verbs in your text. It will add interest. Start every sentence within the same paragraph with a new word.

Use your own words. It should sound like it is coming from you. Give credit to the authors whose ideas or words you have used in the report.

MOST IMPORTANTLY…

Your paper must have a heading on the first page. Every page, including the Works Cited, should have a header with your last name and page number. Your paper MUST be typed. Do NOT handwrite anything on your typed paper, even if you forgot something.

Staple your paper. Don’t put it in a report cover. If you follow everything the research paper packet outlines (with the exceptions of the errors on the Works Cited ), your format will be perfect. If you don’t follow the format and guidelines, you will annoy and frustrate me.

POP QUIZ TIME When is your rough draft due? Do you have to submit it to turnitin.com? Will I accept any late drafts?