creating a first draft (research paper)

How to Write Term Papers and Reports

L. Sue Baugh

Revise Thesis Statement

Choose the Best Structure – Create an Outline

Complete the First Draft

Revise Your First Draft

Type Final Paper

As you investigated your topic, you may have changed your mind about your thesis in light of the information you uncovered.

You discover that your topic is too narrow.

Who is your audience?

◦ Imagine your report or term paper might be

published in a magazine or journal.

Three Part Structure of Reports and Term Papers ◦ 3 fundamental steps,

Introduction (general statement about your topic, objectives, end with thesis)

Middle or body (analysis, argument or exposition)

Conclusion (restatement of your thesis, to a summary of main points, and end with a broad, general statement on the topic again)

Thesis statement – introduction I. Background of the topic

II. Arguments against the writer’s position

A. First argument, with evidence, examples B. Second argument, with evidence, examples C. Etc.

III. Arguments for the writer’s position

A. First argument, with evidence, examples B. Second argument, with evidence, examples C. Etc.

IV. Conclusion restating writer’s arguments and main points.

Thesis statement – introduction I. Background information

II. Arguments against the writer’s position,

argument for writer’s position.

III. Arguments against the writer’s position, argument for writer’s position, etc.

IV. Arguments for writer’s position

A. First point, with supporting evidence, examples B. Second point, with supporting evidence, examples C. Etc.

V. Conclusion restating writer’s arguments and main points.

Thesis statement – introduction

I. Background information (if appropriate)

II. Mention of opposing viewpoint

III. Points that support your position

A. First point, with supporting evidence, examples

B. Second point, with supporting evidence, examples

C. Etc.

IV. Conclusion restating your main position

**Newspapers, magazines. Expressing point of view. Not debating.

The purposes of an outline are:

◦ To organize the information you have collected.

◦ To detect any gaps in data you may have overlooked or missed during your research.

Although, it takes come thought, the good news is that once the outline is completed, you have basically written

your paper.

Determining Main Points

◦ Begin with the thesis statement

Selecting Supporting Evidence and Examples

Creating the outline

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When you complete your outline look at it critically.

◦ Is your thesis statement fully supported by your

outline?

◦ Do the ideas flow logically?

◦ Have you stated your most important point last?

◦ Do your main points have enough support and examples to convince the reader?

◦ Have you developed a sound concluding point?

Drafting on the computer

Selecting illustrations

◦ Graphics

Remember your audience

Maintain an objective point of view

Mark your resources

Keep writing until the end