2.  As you draft your paper, keep the outline next to you as a guide. Write the paper and add your sources. Keep in mind the following:

3.  Vocabulary: Write in a mature and professional manner. Practice using higher-level vocabulary by consulting a thesaurus, and use a variety of sentences to make your writing fresh and interesting to read.

4.  Details: Include descriptive, concrete details as opposed to abstract language that is vague and unclear.  Vague: Data shows…  Detailed: A study by the American Heart Institute revealed....  Vague: Some researchers think…  Detailed: Researcher Jan Smith (2005) pointed out....  Vague: There are contaminants in the water that can cause diseases....  Detailed: The water contains minerals, such as mercury and lead, which can cause diseases.

5.  White space: A paragraph needs to be at least three to five sentences long. Divide extremely long paragraphs into shorter paragraphs.

6.  Positive language: Be positive in your statements. Sometimes, it is easy to become negative or to write overly opinionated or emotional statements, rather than logical statements supported by evidence, when discussing controversial issues. Consider the following example:  Too negative: Many Americans are angry because the Iraqi War has been going on for years and many soldiers are continuing to die.  Improved: The American government should focus on a solution and timely plan to pull troops out of Iraq before any more lives are lost.

7.  Transitions: words or phrases that connect one point to the next, one sentence to the next, or one paragraph to the next.  include transitions to make your information flow so the reader might easily follow your arguments and examples.

8.  Categories Time Frequency Order Location Addition Opposition/Contrast Comparison Causation Clarification Qualification Conclusion Illustration  Transitions In addition In other words In this context In conclusion Often now Then Outside First Furthermore Frequently In summary Next Nearby However Likewise Because For example

9. Body Paragraphs DUE 07/26(TTH) 7/30(MW) MUST BE TYPED!!!  construct only the body of your essay. This first draft of your paper must be complete enough (at least 900 words) for constructive feedback. Use MLA style standards to format in-text citations and references. Resources:  Use your outline as a guide to develop topic sentences and appropriate types of supporting paragraphs for the body of your essay.  Include appropriate transitions within and between paragraphs.  Consult the Little, Brown handbook for grammar rules.

10.  Please work on the Transition worksheet. You may work with a partner!  Turn the worksheet in when you are done.  PLEASE REMEMBER TO WRITE YOUR DRAFT!!!