How to write an essay paper

The best way to write any paper is to start with an outline and revise, revise, revise.

Proofread and have a friend proofread

Introduction

• Introduce topic
• Tell reader what you will be writing about
• Thesis statement (overall point you will be making/question you want to answer)
• 3 main pts you will be addressing (can be more or less)

Body

• 1) take a position, 2) summarize the researching supporting your position/topic and 3) critique the research (what are the strengths and weaknesses of the argument.
• Do not summarize the books and article.  Instead, use these references to support your arguments. Give specific examples instead.
• Each idea should answer what, why, and how
• Use transitions
• Use headings to reflect the different points

• Each paragraph should focus on one idea
  • If paragraph is a page long it is way too long.
  • A paragraph should be around 5 sentences.
• Each quotes should be introduced and explained
  • Do not just throw a quote into a paragraph, make sure it fits

Conclusion

·         Tell reader what they just read.

·         Sum up

·         Concluding thoughts