Create a bullet point for each point you choose to make in your paper. Your first point should include the introduction, statement of facts, and thesis. You should break up the “proof” or body paragraphs into however many points you laid out in your thesis. If you promised three points, create three bullet points. If you promised four points, create four bullet points. Remember that the body paragraphs must follow the exact order of the thesis. Create a point for the statement of the counterargument. You can either create a new point/paragraph for your refutation of it, or keep it all in one paragraph by making the refutation a subpoint. Create a point for the conclusion.
If you’re using external sources, you should include them in your outline. You don’t want to accidentally leave out a great source because you got caught up in the writing and forgot about it.
Use transition words like furthermore, similarly, or indeed to transition between agreeing ideas. [4] X Research source Use “conflict” transition words and phrases to transition between conflicting ideas — like the counterargument and your refutation of it. Examples include however, in contrast, on the other hand, or conversely.
Make sure to refer back to your outline repeatedly during the writing process. This is the roadmap of your answer. Don’t wander away from it and get off-course.
If you’re being graded primarily on the content of your argument, leave grammar and spelling editing for your last step. If you’re being graded primarily on your grammar and spelling, by all means, correct your errors as you go! In most cases, you won’t be graded on one or the other. Keep your specific teacher or standardized test in mind. Have a strategy for when you plan to correct your errors before you take the test.
If you’re in an isolated room, read the essay aloud to yourself to look for grammar errors that sound wrong. It’s easier to hear mistakes than see them on the page. [5] X Research source Read your sentences backwards to look for spelling errors you might skim over if you were reading the sentences normally. [6] X Research source
Introduction (exordium) Statement of Facts (narratio) Thesis (partitio) Proof (confirmatio) Refutation (refutatio) Conclusion (peroratio) The introduction, statement of facts, and thesis are often grouped together in the first paragraph of the answer.
Another way to think of the exordium is to consider where the word “introduction” comes from. The prefix “intro” means “inward,” as in introspection (looking inward). “Duction” comes from the Latin root “ducere,” which means “to lead. " This is where we get the modern words duke (one who leads) and orchestra conductor (one who leads together). [8] X Research source [9] X Research source In the introduction, you want to intro + duce, or lead the reader inward, further into your argument.
If your reader already knows the background information, you may be able to skip this section. In Cicero’s Latin, this section was called the “narratio,” which is where we get the modern word “narrator. " The narrator is the voice in a book that gives readers information that can’t be delivered through dialogue or action. The word “knowledge” itself shares a root with narration: gnoscere. [11] X Research source In this section, you give the readers the knowledge they need to follow your argument.
Cicero’s Latin word, partitio, shares a root with the modern word “partition,” which means division or separation. When Beyonce sings “Driver roll up the partition, please,” she’s asking the driver to roll up the window that separates him from the passengers in the back. So the thesis is where you list out the different parts of your argument — your X, Y, and Z — in list form, separately.
Note that it’s not enough to just list a bunch of quotes and statistics from sources. That’s not making an argument — it’s restating someone else’s information or argument. The sources you use should only be used to support your own argument. Most of what you write in the body paragraphs should be your own thoughts on the subject. [14] X Expert Source Tristen BonacciLicensed English Teacher Expert Interview. 21 December 2021.
Don’t include a counterargument without refuting it. To refute means to “beat back. “[15] X Research source The only reason you include the opposing point of view is to beat it back and strengthen your own position.
Do not transition into your conclusion with a signal phrase like “in conclusion” or “in summary. " Find a less obvious, more sophisticated transition.
