Assignment 2: Moving from One Instrument to a Symphony Orchestra
marshalldeshun
OrganizingYourResearchPaperInformationneedforweek6.docOrganizing Your Argumentative Research Paper
I have taught for many years now, and one of the things my students always have difficulty with is organizing their research papers. Here is a possible organizational structure to help you out ((Note: You do not have to follow this pattern; however, your thesis statement must be the last sentence of your introduction, and your ideas must flow in a clear, logical pattern).
Introduction:
The introduction should be designed to attract the reader's attention and give her an idea of the essay's focus.
1. Begin with an attention grabber.
The attention grabber you use is up to you, but here are some ideas:
· Startling information This information must be true and verifiable, and it doesn't need to be totally new to your readers. It could simply be a pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point you wish to make. If you use a piece of startling information, follow it with a sentence or two of elaboration.
· Anecdote An anecdote is a story that illustrates a point. Be sure your anecdote is short, to the point, and relevant to your topic. This can be a very effective opener for your essay, but use it carefully.
· Dialogue An appropriate dialogue does not have to identify the speakers, but the reader must understand the point you are trying to convey. Use only two or three exchanges between speakers to make your point. Follow dialogue with a sentence or two of elaboration.
· Summary Information A few sentences explaining your topic in general terms can lead the reader gently to your thesis. Each sentence should become gradually more specific, until you reach your thesis.
2. If the attention grabber was only a sentence or two, add one or two more sentences that will lead the reader from your opening to your thesis statement.
3. Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement.
Body Paragraphs (All Body Paragraphs Should Be in the Same Format as this Paragraph, so I will only type this once ( ):
For each body paragraph, you need a topic sentence. A topic sentence is the first sentence of the paragraph. It serves two functions: (1) It lets your reader know that you are moving on to discuss another topic (or that you are talking about a different aspect of the same topic). (2) It lets your reader know what you are going to discuss in the paragraph.
Let’s say I am writing an argumentative essay about why dogs are better than cats. One of my topic sentences is as follows:
To begin with, dogs are better than cats because they are easier to train.
Every idea in this paragraph must tie back to training. I cannot discuss how they like to play, how they are more loving, or any other idea that does not tie into training. I must also support this idea fully. Why are they easier to train? What do I mean by this? In other words, this is an argumentative essay. I must support more claims in detail.
I will also support my claims with scholarly sources. I won’t simply put in quotes or paraphrases, however. I will show HOW this information supports what I am saying. It’s important to remember that every person reads ideas differently; as the writer, then, you must show your reader how outside source information fits into your paper.
You also need to address counter-arguments in each paragraph. We often see politicians fail at this part, when they are engaged in public debates. As the writer and arguer, you must be able to illustrate why the other side is incorrect in its beliefs. It’s important that this is done respectfully! Please remember that the other side doesn’t have to be totally “wrong.” You might consider compromising, if there are any ideas you can find to compromise on.
Conclusion:
The conclusion is one of the most important parts of an essay because it is the last thing people will read. This is your “so what” moment. What do you want to leave the reader thinking about? Oftentimes, my students simply repeat what they have already said in their essays. This seems a bit unnecessary since your reader will have already read your body paragraphs. For different ideas for conclusions, please visit the following websites:
