Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Introduction Paragraphs
Your intro must grab the reader's attention, but it must also spell out what your essay is going to be
about.
Thesis
Your thesis must be a claim that can be argued (it cannot be -the world is round" or something that
is already established) it 's a statement of your opinion.
Body Paragraphs
Your body paragraphs are where you make your argument. Each paragraph argues one aspect of
your overall thesis. Your paragraphs must be arranged to logically flow from one idea to the next
(think chronological order; what do we need to know next?)
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1. Does each paragraph begin with a topic sentence?
2. Does the topic sentence argue one aspect of your argument? (Note that a
reader should be able to read your thesis and your topic sentences and
have a clear idea of your argument.)
3. Is each topic sentence followed by a discussion (in your own words) of
the argument?
4. Does your paragraph answer how and why? (How is your claim true? Why
is it true?)
5. Do your quotations come in only after you have discussed your argument
in your own words using your own examples?
6. Are your quotations brief and to-the-point?
7. Are your quotes introduced?
8. Are they cited correctly?
9. Could you remove all your quotes and still have a clear argued paper?
Conclusion:
This is where you answer the question "so what?" Make sure you are looking at the bigger picture,
and challenging your readers to do the same.
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