1. Writing the Research Paper: Organization Plan B Every Good Plan A has a Plan B

2. Introduction A. Attention getter –Ask a question –Make a reference –Make a startling statement –Use a quotation –Tell a story

3. Introduction B. The link –The link is the statement that comes between the attention getter and the thesis statement. It logically connects the two.

4. Introduction C. The Thesis Statement –The thesis statement or sentence will tell the readers what you will be writing about. D. The Preview Statement - The preview statement is usually one sentence at the end of the introduction that gives the readers an overview of the major areas that will be discussed in the body of the composition. The preview statement makes it easier for the readers to follow the body of the composition.

5. The Body A. Purpose statement –The purpose statement is closely associated with the thesis given at the end of the introduction. B. Main Headings The main headings in the body of your composition might read as follows: I. Smoking can lead to significant health problems for the smoker.

6. The Body C. Supporting Material –Supporting materials provide reinforcement for the main headings. I. Smoking can lead to significant health problems for the smoker. –A. Lung disease often results. –Thousands die each year.

7. The Body D. Details –Details narrow the outline further, providing information that breaks down the supporting material to pinpoint accuracy. I. Smoking can lead to significant health problems for the smoker. –A. Lung disease often results 1. Men are at a 40% greater risk than women. 2. Smoking is the most serious threat

8. The Body B. Thousands die each year –1. 390,000 annually –2. Over 100,000 are under the age of fifty –3. 20% are teenagers

9. Organizational Patterns A. Chronological Pattern –This pattern of organization puts things in a time sequence, or in order in which they happen. B. Climatic Pattern - This pattern of organization puts your main headings in order of importance

10. Organizational Patterns C. Spatial Pattern –This pattern of organization divides your topics on the basis of space relationships The World of Drugs –I. North American Involvement –II. South American Involvement –III. Asian Involvement

11. Organizational Patterns D. Cause- Effect Pattern –In this pattern of organization you are saying to the reader, because of that, this happened. Anorexia –I. Causes »A. Media influences »B. Low self- esteem -II. Effects A. Physical problems B. Emotional problems

12. Organizational Patterns Problem- Solution Pattern –This pattern of organization presents a problem and then provides ideas about how the problem can be solved. People need to recycle –I. Problems »A. Lack of knowledge »B. Economics »C. Lack of incentives

13. Organizational Patterns II. Solutions A. Education in schools and in the media B. Government encouragement C. Personal commitment

14. The Conclusion The conclusion effectively summarizes the major points of the composition. Just as it is important to make a good first impression, it is important to make a solid final impression. The ending should bring some finality to your composition, so that the reader realizes the composition is finished.