How to Write a Strong, ORGANIZED Paper...Every Time

Summer is long and I'm sure your paper writing is a little rusty, or maybe this is your first time tackling a formal essay. Either way, here is all you need to know for writing a basic, well-structured paper.

Before you start writing ANYTHING you should have a thesis statement and three main points you will be using to back up your thesis. Once you have that jotted down, you are ready to start writing!!

Thesis statement- (topic sentence) Sentence summing up the idea your ENTIRE paper is trying to prove. Every body paragraph should be a reason backing up your thesis!


Should have at least 3 body paragraphs

*Each paragraph should be 6-7 sentences

*Each reason should back up your thesis directly

*Should put 2nd strongest point first, weakest point second, strongest point last



How to Write a Well-Structured Paper: The Set-Up



Intro:
*The hook! Choose something that is going to pull your reader in. Think about what would interest YOU enough to keep reading. For example: an interesting, relatable situation, a famous quote, an "imagine...." experience ("Imagine a world without literature..." etc.)

*Topic/thesis statement

*Blueprint of main points

*Transition


Body Paragraphs:

*Tie in to previous paragraph

*Topic sentence (the readers should know what the focus of the paragraph is)

*Supporting evidence



Conclusion:

*Bring back to the main topic (restate your thesis)

*Re-list your main points

*Leave reader with something to think about/remember