What Now?

Now, that you are done with your outline, how should you get started?

Basic Format

MLA paper format (look at your assignment sheet)

Times New Roman 12 pt. FontDouble SpacedWorks Cited Page (follow the model I gave you)

No I/you/our/we/us/my/me etc.

Drafting

Thesis: Be sure that you have a clear thesis before

you start your draft. You need to know what you are arguing before you can start to argue it!

Be sure your thesis is as broad or narrow as it needs to be. Make sure it encompasses all your points – but isn’t too vague or general.

If you have a thesis but don’t like the exact wording – that is OK. You may be inspired as you write.

Introduction

Draws the reader in and gets his/her attention

Introduces the main topic and leads up to the thesis Usually written AFTER your body

paragraphs

Supporting Paragraphs

You don’t have to write your body paragraphs in the order they appear on your outline. Choose the paragraph you feel you can write the best and do that one first. Then, work your way around to all the others.

Present your arguments in a logical order. Choose an order that is appropriate for your book and thesis.

Transition between your ideas smoothly.

Evidence

Critical to the success of your paragraphsUse quotes from your research to

support your argumentsYou should be using 3-5 quotes per

page (depending on length)Focus on using more shorter quotes

instead of 1 or 2 longer quotes.

Evidence (cont.)

Sandwich your quotes(1) State your point in your own words(2) Provide the quote (3) Analyze the quote and how it connects to your main point.

Evidence (cont).

Your sandwich should NOT look like this. Your quote should not be the longest part of the paragraph. The quote is only there to support your main point.

Quotations

All secondary material—whether quoted or paraphrased—must be attributed to a source.

Use MLA in-text citations. (Author’s last name #) (Author’s last name NA) (“First word in the title” #)

Conclusion

Should do more than simply restate the main points.

Leave the reader with something to think about Use a provocative quote Create an image in the reader’s mind Return to the image/story from your

into

Conferences

Your draft is due THE DAY YOU’RE ASSIGNED. I need a day to read your paper before we can talk about it.

The next day we’ll discuss it so you understand all the items I’ve marked. Please make sure you know your due date!