Organizational+Suggestions

1. Begin with an abbreviated introductory paragraph where you grab the reader's attention through one of the following strategies:

 * ==Connect to something they already know, believe, or care about (build common ground).==
 * ==Share a brief, relevant, memorable anecdote (it could be real or fictionalized).==
 * ==Include a philosophical statement or question pertinent to the paper.==
 * ==Present a startling fact or idea.==
 * ==Describe a scene, event, image or place using sensory imagery.==
 * ==Present and interpret a relevant quotation by a famous person.==

==3. The final sentence of the introduction is usually your thesis statement. One of the most crucial decisions a writer makes is how to phrase the overall claim or central idea the entire paper will defend or expound upon. In persuasive papers, the writer typically includes the word //should// or //must (//Ex. Schools should.. School boards must...). In an argumentative essay where the objective is to get at truth and build understanding, the thesis may not contain a should or must. It's up to you how to approach the thesis and how strong of a stance you want to take, but be sure your thesis says something and is not wishy-washy.==

==IMPORTANT: You do NOT need to write a "three part thesis" which outlines three body paragraphs. Instead, capture your main idea in general, leaving yourself free to develop the body in natural way. If you do use a three part thesis, realize that more than one paragraph could support one of the points so that you don't lock yourself into three body paragraphs only.==

You may develop as many paragraphs as you would like.

 * == Make sure every topic sentence clearly and directly supports your thesis. ==
 * == Each paragraph may present one, two, or three strands; you may use multiple examples (middle boxes) per strand. ==
 * == The number of paragraphs will be determined by the support requirements inherent in your thesis. ==
 * == Use evidence. Follow every example or piece of evidence with analysis and interpretation, explaining why that means your thesis is correct. ==
 * == Complete each paragraph with a more general concluding sentence that provides clear thesis support. ==
 * == Use transitions to create a flow from idea to idea and from paragraph to paragraph. ==

1. Start with a rephrased thesis statement.
== 2. The following list presents several options to follow the restated thesis: revisit your main points, explaining how they connect to one another and emphasizing how, together, they prove your thesis; address the broader implication or significance of your topic; give a final example that pulls all the parts of your discussion together; offer a prediction; present your most important point as the culmination of your essay’s development; suggest how the reader can apply the information you have just imparted. == == 3. Your clincher (or final sentence) should broaden, speaking to the idea addressed in your paper when applied outside the specific context. Answer the question: What's the wider implication? You can end with a bit of drama or flourish: tell a final, brief anecdote, offer an appropriate quotation, ask a poignant question, or make a final insightful remark. ==

= NOTE: You may experiment with one of the organizational approaches presented in Chapter 7. See page 173 for the classical approach. See page 176 for the Rogerian approach. =