Not sure where to start? This section helps you break down your assignment, find your thesis, and build a strong outline—step by step. With clear tips and tools, you’ll feel more confident and organized from the first word to the final draft.

Following the Instructions

Before you start, make sure you understand the instructions of your assignment:

  • What is your paper’s goal?
  • What is the required format?
  • What is the evaluation criteria - is there a checklist to follow?
  • How much of your overall grade is this paper worth?
  • When is the paper due? are there penalties for late submission?

Then, set up a writing schedule with smaller tasks to accomplish each week

Establishing the Thesis

Before writing a paper, make sure that you narrow down the topic so that you can find a unique way to address it. By defining a broad topic into a specific statement or question, you will progressively be establishing the thesis of the paper, i.e. its central idea.

Making an Outline

Making an outline facilitates writing, as it is a first attempt at structuring your paper. If your ideas are organized in a clear and coherent way, a detailed outline can act as a first draft that is not only less time-consuming to write, but also easier to restructure.

Contact us

Academic Writing Help Centre

110 University Private
Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5
[email protected]

Office hours

The AWHC is open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. between May 1 and August 29, 2025.