1. Where do you even begin? HERO SYNTHESIS PAPER

2.  What central heroic qualities/characteristics do you want to focus on? LIST THEM.  What sources can you use to support each quality/characteristic? LIST THEM NEXT TO EACH QUALITY/CHARACTERISTIC  What requirements do you need to meet? CHECK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU START DRAFTING  At least SIX sources  At least FIVE quotations  At least THREE indirect citations  What should your thesis statement look like? READ ON FIRST STEPS

3.  I think a hero is someone who is brave, strong, and sacrifices something for others. BRAINSTORMING

4.  A hero is brave, strong, and self-sacrificing. BASIC, BARE-BONES THESIS

5.  A hero faces obstacles with bravery, embodies physical and mental strength, and sacrifices himself for the greater good. NOT OUT-AND-OUT STATING THE MAIN POINTS

6.  A hero faces obstacles with bravery, embodies physical and mental strength, and sacrifices himself for the greater good to reinforce humanity’s belief in goodness, justice, and humility. ADDING A SO WHAT?

7.  With or without spandex, cape, and catchy code name, a true hero faces obstacles with bravery, embodies physical and mental strength, and sacrifices himself for the greater good to reinforce humanity’s belief in goodness, justice, and humility. USING A CREATIVE SENTENCE STARTER

8.  Draft your thesis.  Plan your body paragraphs and figure out what sources you want to cite in each paragraph.  Start drafting! WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?

9.  The first time you mention a writer, give his or her full name. Every time after that, only give his or her last name.  The first time you discuss or cite from an article or source, give the full article or source title and a little bit of background about its subject.  Don’t leave quotes “naked” – lead into them with your own writing to give them context.  Create a compelling, creative lead to draw readers into your topic.  Write in present tense.  Write in third person point of view.  Try hard to eliminate “dead words” while you draft, specifically “be” verbs  (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been). RANDOM WRITING “TRIVIA”