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Writing Center: Rough Drafting

This is a collection of resources that Writing Center tutors have found helpful. Be sure to visit us in person to meet with a Writing Center tutor and pick up some of our free handouts!

The Essential Elements of a Paper

Every paper must include:

  1. An Introduction: This element should grab the reader's attention, briefly introduce the topic, and state your main claim (thesis statement).
  2. Body: This element includes all your supporting points and evidence. This is where you build your argument to support the thesis statement.
  3. A Conclusion: This element should restate your main claim, summarize your main points, and provide the reader with something to take away. 
Note:

Typically, you need a seperate paragraph for each of these elements. The Body will usually include multiple paragraphs, although it does not have to.

Introduction

An Introduction should grab the reader's attention, briefly introduce the topic, and state your main claim. 

Your thesis statement should be the final sentence in the introductory paragraph. 

Body

What is the body of a paper?

The body of the paper includes all the paragraphs between the introduction and conclusion paragraphs. This can range from one paragraph to as many as you need to make your point. 

Body Paragraph Structure:

  • Every body paragraph should communicate ONE main idea.
  • Body paragraphs include the same elements as the paper overall (See The Essential Elements of a Paper): a topic sentence (introduction), support (body), and a concluding sentence (conclusion)! 

Topic Sentences:

Topic sentences are incredibly important because they help you keep your paper organized and your reader follow your argument. The topic sentence should include the main point of the paragraph (like a mini thesis statement).

See below for more information on Topic Sentences!

Support:

The support in your paper includes both evidence and analysis. You need to provide your readers with reasons for your topic sentence. Often, this includes information from outside sources, such as books, articles, websites, and journals. It is not enough to simply throw infromation at your reader. You must also analyze the information. Tell your reader why your evidence is significant: how it impacts the main point of that paragraph and the thesis statement for the entire paper. 

See below for information on Quote Integration!

Concluding Sentences:

The concluding sentence wraps up the paragraph by reminding the reader about the main claim in that paragraph. Often, this looks like a restatement of your topic sentence. Also, this sentence can work to connect the main point of that paragraph back to the thesis statement. 

Conclusion

A Conclusion should restate your main claim, summarize your main points, and provide the reader with something to take away. 

The Conclusion is the last part of the paper that your reader encounters. If they remember only one thing from your paper, what is that you would want them to remember? Include that in your conclusion. This usually includes why your reader should care about the point you have just made (your thesis statement) and if applicable, what the reader should do now that they have that information. 

Essay Structure Overview

Create an Outline

Before rough drafting, consider creating an outline.

Click here for more information on creating an outline.