Instructions on Structural Formatting
This is the outline model you will be using during this tutorial. The object of this exercise is not to ensure that you be able to write about the subject of language, but that you be able to write about any subject using this one as a starter example. For that reason, follow the outline closely, as it is the basic unit of all papers you will ever write and can be adapted to fit any type of academic essay for which you will ever be assigned, up to and including a 300-page dissertation. (In fact, print this page so you'll have it in front of you as you write.) Now, to better understand what each paragraph does, click on each one of these three groupings below.
I. Introduce the topic by definition.
Provide background information here so that the reader can hit the thesis with some knowledge of the history of the subject matter.X. Place the thesis statement here, which makes the specific point the paper will intend to prove.
PARAGRAPH BREAK--HIT RETURN, TAB, AND CONTINUE ON
1. Introduce a developmental idea here that develops the supporting idea above.
2. Introduce another developmental idea here that develops the supporting idea above.
X. Bring closure to the supporting idea by stating its significance to the associated idea.
B. Introduce a second supporting idea here that supports the associated idea above.
1. Introduce a developmental idea here that develops the supporting idea above.
2. Introduce another developmental idea here that develops the supporting idea above.
X. Bring closure to the supporting idea by stating
its significance to the associated idea.
X. Bring closure to the associated idea by stating
its significance and relevance to proving the thesis statement.
PARAGRAPH BREAK--HIT RETURN, TAB, AND CONTINUE ON
C. Introduce this paragraph by telling me the significance of the thesis
State the impact of this issue may have or should have on society in the body of this paragraph.
X. Bring closure to the paper by telling me the value of the first sentence of this paragraph
That's pretty much it. If you have gone through all of these instructional pages, then you should be ready to begin work on your paper. I will be evaluating it not only on content, but on how closely you have been able to maintain the structural integrity of the work. That means, if you are missing any of the elements in this outline, you will be asked to rework the paper. For questions on this format that have not been answered by clicking on the various parts, go to the message board to see if anything has been posted concerning that query, or email me at sebsteph@sbcglobal.net for clarification.
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