English Composition EN104: How do I write my paper?

A thesis statement is a clear statement of your position in an argument essay. It sums up your topic, your position, and a brief "why" for your argument. This sentence generally appears at the end of your introduction.

A strong thesis:

• takes some sort of stand.
• justifies discussion.
• expresses one main idea.
• is specific.

For more on thesis writing, view Grand Prarie Regional College's guide to The Writing Process and these examples and myths about thesis statements.

An argument paper moves from the general to the specific in justifying your thesis statement.

Your paper should include an introduction, body, and conclusion:

1. Tell what you're going to tell them (introduction).
2. Tell them (body).
3. Tell them what you told them (conclusion).

The Introduction...

• Sets the context of the paper.
• States why the main idea is important.
• States your thesis.

The Body should have four elements (TTEB)

• Transition leading from previous paragraph.
• Topic sentence for the paragraph.
• Evidence supporting your topic.
• Brief wrap-up detailing how and why the information is important.

The Conclusion...

• Restates your topic and why it's important
• Restates your thesis.
• Addresses opposing viewpoints.
• Includes a call to action for the future.

See the Purdue Online Writing Lab for more about building an argument paper.

• Library Tutorials: video tutorials useful in research and writing.
• Introduction to Library Research: basic information on starting research at Trexler Library.
• Citing Your Sources: details about when and how to cite in your papers.
• Plagiarism: tips on avoiding plagiarism.