My Subject: What the paper is about in general

My Audience: Description of the people to whom I want to appeal

My Persona: How I choose to present myself in this paper

My Purpose: What I want to accomplish [For this assignment, your purpose is narrative.]

Step 2: Choosing an organizational strategy

The Structure: Which organizational strategy will work best for this subject and purpose?
 

Step 3: Drafting the thesis and topic sentences

THESIS: The thesis statement--a complete sentence that states the point you want to make this paper. What do you want your readers to think, feel, or do differently as a result of your story?

I. A Topic Sentence that introduces your first main point. Remember, it has to have some of the "stock language" of topic sentences. (First of all, The first, To begin with, An important . . ., One of the, One important example, One major reason, One of the best ways to . . .) Also, be sure that it supports the thesis by reminding the reader of the case you are making.

II. A Topic Sentence that introduces your second main point. Remember, it has to have some of the "stock language" of "next" topic sentences. (Next, Second, The second . . ., Another major . . ., Perhaps even more importantly, Another example, Another reason, Another way to . . .) Also, be sure that it supports the thesis by reminding the reader of the case you are making.

III. A Topic Sentence that introduces your last main point. Remember, it has to have some of the "stock language" of "next" topic sentences. (Last, Third, The third . . ., One final major . . ., Most importantly, One final example, One last reason, Perhaps the best way . . .) Also, be sure that it supports the thesis by reminding the reader of the case you are making.

Step 4: Drafting the Introduction

Indent the paragraph five (5) spaces.

This paragraph has a minimum of three (3) sentences, including your thesis statement and a preview. Remember, the thesis and preview can be in the same sentence, but the preview must be subordinated to the thesis.

#1 Opener--an attention getter that grabs the readers and lets them know what the general subject of the paper will be. [Types--a quotation, a question, a startling statement.] 

#2 + Background information--material that narrows the subject and provides more information.

The preview--a mini-outline that gives your readers a clear hint of the three main points you will make.

#3 The thesis statement--Copy your thesis statement here.

Step 5: Drafting the First Discussion Paragraph

Indent the paragraph 5 spaces.

Copy your first Topic Sentence here. 

The first set of evidence. Five (5) to ten (10) sentences that explain how this main point supports your thesis. This is your first opportunity to convince your readers that your thesis statement is correct, and that they should change their minds.

Step 6: Drafting the Second Discussion Paragraph

Indent the paragraph 5 spaces.

Copy your second Topic Sentence here. 

The second set of evidence. Five (5) to ten (10) sentences that explain how this main point supports your thesis. This is your next opportunity to convince your readers that your thesis statement is correct, and that they should change their minds.

Step 7: Drafting the Final Discussion Paragraph

Indent the paragraph 5 spaces.

Copy your third Topic Sentence here. 

The third set of evidence. Five (5) to ten (10) sentences that explain how this main point supports your thesis. This is your last opportunity to convince your readers that your thesis statement is correct, and that they should change their minds. It's usually best to save the best for last, so give it your all here.

Step 8: Drafting the Conclusion

Indent the paragraph 5 spaces.

Contains two (2) to five (5) sentences.

A sentence that restates your thesis (in different words), reminding the readers of your purpose.

A sentence or two that wrap up the paper in a memorable way, adding a "last word" of some kind: a plea, a question, a declaration, a challenge, a call to action, a personal reflection on the importance of the choice you are asking for.

When you're ready to format your first draft, click here.

Your browser will open a new window from which you can copy and paste the text of your paper.  Create a new word processing file, paste this text into it, and divide your paper into indented, double-spaced paragraphs.  Then you can revise for content and conventions.  For help with conventions of grammar and mechanics, visit the Rio OWL (online writing lab).