Organization

1) The Introduction Provides the foundation/map for the reader. Should Provide: Hook : brings the reader into the essay Necessary/Contextual background information A thesis statement : needs to be arguable, specific, and striking. By end of intro, reader should know what the paper is about and what will be argued!

The Thesis Statement This is an assertion, not a fact or observation! Tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter discussed Is a road map for the paper; tells the reader what to expect Directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. Is it arguable, specific, clear, and supported?

2) The Body Paragraphs The body paragraphs do most of the work. Realistically, the content here is what is most critical.

Function of a Paragraph To organize thoughts by controlling idea. To enable the reader to follow the author's point/purpose. To categorize the information/arguments for a smoother read. To combine/connect sentences that belong together!

What a Paragraph Should Be. Every paragraph should be: Unified : The sentences in a single paragraph should be related to a single controlling idea. Clearly Related to Thesis Coherent : They should be arranged in a logical order and follow a definite plan. Well-Developed : Every idea discussed should be fully explained through support and evidence !

Outlining Your Paper Outline: The writer’s map Gives form and direction to the paper Lets you know where you've been, where you are, and where you're going. Few people can follow a haphazardly thrown together paper. Format for an Outline: Thesis Statement I.Main heading (Roman Numeral) A.Supporting Material (Capital Letter) 1.Detail (Number)

Main Headings The major divisions, areas, or arguments of your thesis. They represent the main ideas that you wish to address/to analyze. Ex: Th: Due to the harmful effects on both individuals and groups of people, smoking has no place in American society. MH: I.Smoking can lead to significant health problems for the smoker. II.Smoking can even effect the health of others innocently in the vicinity. III.Smoking can contribute to economic problems.

Supporting Materials Provide intensification and reinforcement for the main headings. Must be logically narrower and more specific than MH. Should link back to the thesis statement. I. Smoking can lead to significant health problems for the smoker. A.Lung disease often results. B.Thousands die each year. C.Members of my family are among the victims.

Details Break down the supporting material into pinpoint accuracy. SPECIFICS! Consist of: exact dates, names, events, numbers, personal accounts, etc. A. Lung disease often results. 1.Men are at 40% greater risk than women. 2.Smoking causes over 60% of all lung problems.

Proper Outlining Form Each part of the outline should contain at least two items. If you have an A, you need a B. If you have a 1, you need a 2. Outlining provides much needed structure and organization to the paper!

Arranging Your MHs PUT YOUR IDEAS IN AN ORDER THAT MAKES LOGICAL SENSE! One paragraph should logically yield to the next. 1) Smoking hurts the individual through health. 2) Smoking hurts others through health. 3) Smoking hurts everyone economically.

Bibliography My Brain / / Glencoe’s Speech Textbook