1. Choose a topic (or use the topic assigned by the instructor)
2. Analyze the topic (this is where you read about the topic)
- Read about the topic until you have the knowledge and understanding to write the paper.
- Think! What questions do you want/need to answer about the topic?
- Think! What patterns do you notice in the literature?
- Think! What are your own reactions and observations?
3. Develop a thesis statement (short, one or two sentences)
- Touch on all the points you will make in your paper
- Explain the significance of your argument
- Be logically sound
- Appear at the end (or somewhere within) the introduction portion of your paper
- Answer who, what, when, where, why, and how about your topic
4. Make an outline
- List the points you want to make in your paper
- Determine a logical method for presenting the points you want to make. You may use one of these methods or develop your own method.
- Process
- Chronology
- Cause and Effect
- Classification
5. Write your paper
Information adapted from Bowen, N. (2010 Summer). How to write great papers. Retrieved from http://ssw.unc.edu/files/web/pdf/How_to_write_great_papers_handout.pdf