Structure of Formal Papers
We learn from history that we learn nothing from history. - George Bernard Shaw
Introduction:
An introduction has four elements:
Body paragraphs · First sentence transitions from the introduction to your evidence and support of your first reason.
· The first argument is the argument you detailed first in your introduction.
· Always elaborate and use detail when you provide evidence and support – but – STAY ON TOPIC! Do not wander off.
· End with a sentence that refers back to, and emphasizes your thesis or claim.
Using the technique of Acknowledge and Refute (Counterclaim) A powerful way to enhance your argument and your essay is to use the technique of acknowledge and refute. Basically, you are going to bring up evidence that opposes your position, but only so you can rebut the claim, or prove it weak or false. By doing this you show that you understand and have considered the other side of the debate and you have valid evidence to reject the other side. You want to present the other side as weak or wrong-headed. Essentially, you are making your argument look strong by making the other viewpoint look weak.
· Start with a transition word or phrase that shows it’s an opposing viewpoint (On the other hand, Nevertheless, While).
· State a counterclaim (alternate point of view).
· Use a piece of factual evidence (elaboration technique that supports their argument).
· Explain why the counterclaim is not that persuasive using a statistic or a quote from an authoritative source that counters or refutes the alternate point of view.
· You want to have at least two pieces of evidence, each in its own sentence, which counters the alternate point of view.
Conclusion · Revisit your thesis or claim in your conclusion.
· You need to reference each of your three reasons.
· Similar to the introduction, each reason must have at least one sentence of explanation.
· These sentences summarize how you have supported your thesis.
· Lastly, your conclusion should include an extended and deeper summarizing point.
Body paragraphs of a longer essay or term paper In a longer paper, you typically still only have three arguments to support your claim or thesis, however, each of the reasons has more detail, and requires multiple paragraphs. For example, if your thesis is that World War I was the first modern war, your first argument or support might be the use of the airplane. In this case, your first body paragraph might be how the airplane was used for surveillance and to gather information on troop movements, while the next paragraph might be on its use in aerial combat.
· Similar to a five-paragraph essay, your first sentence is a transition from one topic to the next – such as: In addition to its use in gathering information, airplanes were quickly adapted to combat. The first example of …
· Always elaborate and use detail when you provide evidence and support – but – STAY ON TOPIC! Do not wander off.
· End with a sentence that refers back to, and emphasizes your thesis or claim.
Other body paragraphs ·Follow the format detailed above whether it is a five-paragraph essay or a longer piece.
An introduction has four elements:
- First sentence is a lead or a hook to gain the reader’s attention – it is NEVER a question, it is often a quote.
- Introduce your topic by giving background information.
- State your three (usually) arguments that support your thesis or claim. Each argument has at least its own sentence.
- Your claim, or thesis, is the last sentence of the introduction.
Body paragraphs · First sentence transitions from the introduction to your evidence and support of your first reason.
· The first argument is the argument you detailed first in your introduction.
· Always elaborate and use detail when you provide evidence and support – but – STAY ON TOPIC! Do not wander off.
· End with a sentence that refers back to, and emphasizes your thesis or claim.
Using the technique of Acknowledge and Refute (Counterclaim) A powerful way to enhance your argument and your essay is to use the technique of acknowledge and refute. Basically, you are going to bring up evidence that opposes your position, but only so you can rebut the claim, or prove it weak or false. By doing this you show that you understand and have considered the other side of the debate and you have valid evidence to reject the other side. You want to present the other side as weak or wrong-headed. Essentially, you are making your argument look strong by making the other viewpoint look weak.
· Start with a transition word or phrase that shows it’s an opposing viewpoint (On the other hand, Nevertheless, While).
· State a counterclaim (alternate point of view).
· Use a piece of factual evidence (elaboration technique that supports their argument).
· Explain why the counterclaim is not that persuasive using a statistic or a quote from an authoritative source that counters or refutes the alternate point of view.
· You want to have at least two pieces of evidence, each in its own sentence, which counters the alternate point of view.
Conclusion · Revisit your thesis or claim in your conclusion.
· You need to reference each of your three reasons.
· Similar to the introduction, each reason must have at least one sentence of explanation.
· These sentences summarize how you have supported your thesis.
· Lastly, your conclusion should include an extended and deeper summarizing point.
Body paragraphs of a longer essay or term paper In a longer paper, you typically still only have three arguments to support your claim or thesis, however, each of the reasons has more detail, and requires multiple paragraphs. For example, if your thesis is that World War I was the first modern war, your first argument or support might be the use of the airplane. In this case, your first body paragraph might be how the airplane was used for surveillance and to gather information on troop movements, while the next paragraph might be on its use in aerial combat.
· Similar to a five-paragraph essay, your first sentence is a transition from one topic to the next – such as: In addition to its use in gathering information, airplanes were quickly adapted to combat. The first example of …
· Always elaborate and use detail when you provide evidence and support – but – STAY ON TOPIC! Do not wander off.
· End with a sentence that refers back to, and emphasizes your thesis or claim.
Other body paragraphs ·Follow the format detailed above whether it is a five-paragraph essay or a longer piece.