Research Essay Lecture #2: Writing (Essay Guidelines, Checklist)
1. What is a thesis?
a. Central idea or argument to develop in your paper & support with research
b. Answer assignment question, list key points in thesis
c. Gives outline for structure of your paper
2. Writing the introduction
a. Start with interesting block quote or idea/theory/controversy regarding your topic
b. Discuss the quote or develop the idea etc.
c. Guide discussion toward your thesis (increasingly specific)
3. Thesis paragraph: must follow this format
a. First sentence: transition from intro’s ideas
b. Second-third sentences: statement of fact relevant to thesis (if quote, short)
c. Fourth sentence: clear thesis statement in bold: The answer to the thesis question
is this because of a, b, c.
d. Fifth sentence: concluding idea/transition to first main point
4. Body paragraphs
a. Paragraphs follow the same order as key points listed in thesis statement
b. Structure your argument from first to last, weakest to strongest claim, cause to effect
c. Topic sentences clear and connected to thesis as main points
d. Develop main points through explanation and evidence
e. Support thesis argument with evidence, quotes, paraphrases, interpretation
f. Transition into and out of all quotes
g. Provide in-text citations for all quotes, paraphrases, & specific information
h. Transition between each main point; connections between paragraphs should be
obvious and impossible to re-order
5. Concluding paragraph: must follow this format
a. First sentence: transition from last body paragraph
b. Second-third sentences: reminder of key points
c. Fourth sentence: restatement (rephrased, not word for word) of thesis
d. Fifth sentence: wrap-up statement, something to think about, never raise a question
6. Revisions & Editing
a. Proof for spelling, grammar, punctuation, citation
b. Style: avoid “I believe,” “In my opinion,” etc; avoid slang, abbreviations, “txt
splng,” “the world today,” first or second person, open-ended questions, etc.
c. No generalizations, assumptions, speculation
d. Review and respond to my comments/suggestions, ask for help
e. Mechanics: Go over Writing Checklist & Essay Guidelines
f. Attach rough/previous drafts to final draft
7. Most important rule of them all: Assume your reader is an idiot.