Writing Process

Plan your paper according to the type of paper that you must write and according to the topic that you must explore.

• Must you write an annotated bibliography, a critical review, an essay, a lab report, a literature review, an oral presentation, a research proposal, a summary, or another type of academic paper?
• Must you find your own topic, choose from a list of topics, or follow a given topic?
• How many sources are required?

Pay attention to the verbs that are used in the instructions.

• Argumentation: analyze, assess, debate, discuss, consider, evaluate, prove, reflect, show, etc.
• Description: classify, define, demonstrate, enumerate, explain, identify, illustrate, outline, show, etc.
• Relation: apply, compare, connect, contrast, differentiate, distinguish, link, relate, show, etc.

Make a list of all the formatting requirements—these are easy points to collect.

• What is the length of the paper? (This is an important clue concerning the scope of the topic.)
• What are the professor's preferences regarding font, margins, and spacing?
• What are the professor's preferences regarding page numbers, headers, and headings?
• What is the expected format for the title page and bibliography?
• Which referencing style must you use?

Brainstorming helps to collect information and organize ideas at each step of the writing process. As you narrow down the topic, write down all the ideas that come to mind in order to transform a broad topic into a specific thesis statement or question. If there is too much information to cover, you may need to define the topic further; if there is not enough information available, you may need to find another topic. Try the following strategies:

• Bulleted Lists
• Highlighted Words
• Mind Maps
• Sticky Notes

The initial topic of the paper is often too broad to be fully explored in the required number of pages; it is up to you to define it and make it your own. Think of this as a funnel!

Use critical thinking to narrow down the topic.

• What is my topic? What are my goals? (What)
• Does it focus on a community, on a group or on a person? (Who)
• Does it focus on a continent, on a country or on an area? (Where)
• Does it focus on the past, on the present or on the future? (When)
• What is the targeted event or process? (How)
• What are its possible causes and consequences? (Why)

The thesis of a paper is the idea on which the entire paper is based. Therefore, it must be the result of a comprehensive reflection. If it is formulated as a statement, the paper must prove its validity; if it is formulated as a question, the paper must answer it. Whether it is expressed in the form of a statement or question, a strong thesis has three qualities: it is specific, argumentative, and explanatory.

Use critical thinking to formulate a clear thesis.

• What are the different aspects of the topic? Which ones will I study? (Specific)
• What is the debate surrounding the topic? Which position will I take? (Argumentative)
• Why do I want to take this position? How will I defend it? (Explanatory)

Ex.: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (Topic) 

First attempt…In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley portrays an interesting cast of characters.

• Is it specific? No, this thesis does not specify which characters will be discussed in the paper. Who is interesting?
• Is it argumentative? No, this thesis does not take a position. How can it be backed-up?
• Is it explanatory? No, this thesis does not explain what makes the characters interesting.
• Why will the paper discuss them?

Second attempt… In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley establishes an important contrast between Victor and the monster.

• Is it specific? Not quite. This thesis now mentions two characters, but what opposes them?
• Is it argumentative? Not quite. This thesis does not take a strong position. How can it be reinforced?
• Is it explanatory? Not quite. This thesis now mentions a contrast, but why is it important?

Third attempt… In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the contrast in attitude between Victor and the monster shows that the true horror is not the monster itself, but the selfishness that made Victor abandon him.

• Is it specific? Yes, the thesis specifies the nature of the contrast between the two characters.
• Is it argumentative? Yes, this thesis offers an interpretation of the novel that can be challenged and discussed.
• Is it explanatory? Yes, this thesis explains the effect of the contrast between the two characters.

Brainstorming helps to collect information and organize ideas at each step of the writing process. As you make an outline, group similar ideas, eliminate irrelevant ideas, and identify the main and supporting ideas in order to transform your arguments into a structured paper. Always keep the thesis in mind. Try the following strategies:

• Bulleted Lists
• Highlighted Words
• Mind Maps
• Sticky Notes

The outline is the framework for the paper. In point form or in complete sentences, it lists your main and supporting ideas as well as your evidence or examples in the order in which they will appear in the body. Organize your ideas before writing your paper in order to have a clear and coherent overview of each of its sections.

The introduction constitutes the first 10% of a paper and consists of three sections:

• The context gives background information or important details about the topic.
• The thesis is the clear formulation of the central idea.
• The outline briefly presents the main ideas.

The body constitutes 80% of a paper. It has an equivalent number of sections and main ideas. The main ideas are the backbone of the argumentation; the supporting ideas are the more focused arguments that bolster the main ideas; and the evidence or examples are the words, ideas, and facts borrowed from other sources in order to strengthen the arguments in a more concrete way.

The conclusion constitutes the last 10% of a paper and consists of two sections:

• The summary clearly restates the main ideas in relation to the thesis.
• The final thought shows the significance of the thesis within the field of study.

Use critical thinking to structure the content of your paper in a coherent way.

• Is your thesis clear and easy to find? Is it well supported?
• Do your ideas support the thesis? How are they connected?