Writing Papers

Students often put off a written assignment, considering it a chore too formidable to approach until the last minute. As a result, grades inevitably suffer. Writing is not a talent reserved for a select few, it is a skill that can be learned. Planning and organization are its essentials. Students can improve their writing abilities through learning about these tools and putting effort into practicing them.

Below is a guide to organized writing. Use this outline in writing class assignments, test essays, and term papers.

Introduction – Opening Paragraph

• Begin with a general statement.
• Narrow it down to the controlling idea (for thesis statement).

Body – Three Developing Paragraphs

In each paragraph:

• Use transitions (repetition of key words and ideas) to connect paragraphs together.
• Develop the topic sentence with details, definitions, illustrations, comparisons, and contrasts.
• Conclude the paragraph with a summary of the main idea.

Conclusion – Finishing Paragraph

• Restate the thesis.
• End with a general statement finalizing the discussion.