Paper Writing Proper Format

Before You Write: What type of essay are you writing? Research Analytical (Critical Thinking) Opinion Combination What is your thesis question? What are you going to argue? What is the purpose of writing this essay? How specific or general is the thesis question?

Before You Write Cont’d Creating an outline Should have your thesis statement Three main arguments Supporting points for each of the arguments

Writing Your Thesis Statement Definition: A thesis is a statement of the main idea of an essay or paper. The thesis is usually stated in the opening paragraph, and the topic sentence of each paragraph that follows enlarges upon or supports the idea it expresses. A good thesis statement should do the following: Be specific Take a stand Express a main idea about a subject

Examples: Bad Thesis Statements:  At one point in our evolution we stood up  Slavery affected the Americas in negative and positive ways.  Kennedy handled the Cuban Missile Crisis well.  The fur trade was an important industry in Canada.  The Roman Empire fell in 476 A.D. Good Thesis Statements:  The ability to walk upright was the defining moment in the origin of our human species.  Slavery affected the Americas politically, economically, socially and culturally.  President Kennedy’s handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis was a successful political move.  The fur trade was a key element in the development of Canada as a nation.  The Western Roman Empire collapsed as a result of poor leadership, mercenaries and the rise of Christianity.

Writing the Essay Introduction Attracting the readings attention Introduce the topic Thesis statement- Underline Thesis Things not to do: Do not say “In this paper I will…” or “The purpose of this essay…” Do not use a dictionary or encyclopedia definition to start your essay. Body of the Essay Three main arguments Supporting points Transition Sentences Conclusion Summarize main points Restate your thesis Bring closure to paper (wrap-up sentence)

Citing When to cite Direct quotes or paraphrasing Two for each argument Support your main argument How to cite APA format (sheet provided) Quotation marks only around direct quotes (Author, Year, Page)

Finishing Your Essay Editing Should have rough and good copies Reread, edit yourself first Have someone else read over your paper (edit) Finishing Touches Make sure to have a reference page Title page Remember the small things: double-space, indent paragraphs, number pages, etc.