2. INTRODUCTION
• Remember, this is an argumentative paper, so your argument, and the
strength of it is what you want to emphasize.
• Make sure you’ve revised your thesis based on peer, and teacher feedback.
• Put your thesis first in your introduction.
• Your introduction should outline your entire paper.
• A strong introduction will ensure a strong paper.
• Lay out your argument in its entirety.
• Mention each sub topic/argument you will explore.
• I advise you to stay away from “cutesy” writing, but instead focus on clear, and
concise, as we do with the essays.
• Please make sure you participate in a timely manner in the wiki.
• This is valuable feedback

3. FROM OUTLINE TO ROUGH DRAFT
• If you use your revised outline to write your introduction, you have a clear
idea of where your paper will go.
• As you start to write, be sure you’re using MLA format.
• Use the resources provided to ensure you set up your paper in this format
• Use the suggestion of making each Roman numeral a new page, this will help
you to organize your thoughts
• Be sure to cite as you write
• This will avoid “accidental” plagiarism and make sure you’re not searching for
sources later
• Make sure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that tells me what the
paragraph is about, and what your argument is

4. WRITING
• For this first draft, there are a couple of tips:
• At first, just focus on getting your thoughts down.
• If you’ve used your outline, this will ensure good organization.
• Once you’ve gotten a very rough draft, I suggest that you leave it for a day or
so.
• Then come back to it (I suggest printing out a hard copy), sit down with a
pen, and read it out loud.
• You will often catch mistakes read out loud, you might not reading
silently
• This will also let you see if the argument flows, or makes sense
• Make notes in the margins, and on the paper as you go
• Then, go in and correct these notes
• You want this to be the best first draft possible