Set the stage: Your first paragraph (and title) should grab the reader’s attention and provide some context for your reader. What does my reader need to know before we start investigating? You should also have a thesis. It should make clear what central question you’re exploring.
Your body paragraphs should be organized logically, integrating credible research around talking points. Here are some options:
Consider the biggest patterns/ideas that are repeated in your research findings and make those your main paragraph topics, comparing how different sources tackle them. For instance, if the guiding question for Essay 2 I’m exploring is “How do grades affect student learning and motivation?”, I may choose 3 different angles (such as positive effects on students, negative effects on students, and potential solutions to challenges) and focus my findings around those.
You can also organize your paragraphs around your own interests — that is, what takeaways from your research are most intriguing or important to you? Though this essay should not be about you, per se, your own curiosity is an excellent guide for what main ideas to offer your reader.
Most importantly, it’s your topic sentences and transitions in each paragraph that will help your reader follow along and understand what you’re doing in each part of the essay. Do not underestimate the importance of clear organization!
The conclusion shouldn’t provide any simplified answers to your question. Instead, think about what’s at stake. Why is your question so important to ask and explore, not only for people within your career field, but for society in general?
Goals of this project
To engage your reader(s)
To explore a question related to your future career
To find and integrate credible research
To have fun!
Things to consider
Audience
Purpose / desired outcomes of this writing
Don’t forget about the Writing Center! Using this resource is not required, but strongly recommended.
