As you begin drafting Writing Project One, remember the assignment requires you to make an argument. In other words, you’ll make a claim and support that claim with reasons. A claim is a stance on an issue that’s not a question of fact. We argue with topics about which reasonable people can disagree. Of course, in the real world unreasonable people “argue” about topics all the time. Think of “argue” as “debate.” When you make an argument, you should offer reasons to support your stance. Why should someone agree with you?
How do you do this?
Start with a clear, concise thesis statement. A thesis statement is just a sentence the describes the purpose of your text. Since this assignment requires you to make an argument, your thesis should be your paper’s claim. Many of you already have a thesis in your Blackboard Discussion Forum posts. For example, one of you is going to argue that offensive linemen in football deserve more respect. What does that look like as a thesis? Like this, “Offensive linemen deserve more respect.” It really is that simple. You can see that this isn’t an issue one can just consult a source for an answer. Other players might argue that the corner position is more worthy of respect.
Next, you’ll support your thesis with reasons. Reasons provide answers to the question “Why” asked of your thesis. Why do offensive linemen deserve more respect? Why is cheerleading more difficult than being on a dance team? Why is hunting a good hobby? You should think of four to five answers for the “why” question. The answers will be your supporting reasons and act as topic sentences for your paper’s body paragraphs.
What are topic sentences? Topic sentences are the first sentences in a paragraph, and they should announce that paragraph’s purpose. They do heavy lifting in a paper. Along with keeping your paper focused on its task, they help you stay organized. For example, consider this sentence, “The main reason cheerleading is more difficult than dancing is the pom-poms.” This sentence signals what reason is being discussed, what the reason supports, and where the paragraph belongs in the paper as it’s the “main” reason. (The whole “pom-poms make cheer difficult” may not be true, but I don’t know anything about cheerleading.) Strong topic sentences can help you in any writing task—work on them.
Finally, as you’re drafting the paper, RELAX. The only thing that really matters about your initial draft is that you’ve made an attempt. In writing instruction, there’s a famous article that reminds us that it’s okay to have a “shitty first draft.” Just do the best that you’re able to, even if that’s not the best possible. You’ll spend next week revising your draft. We’ll discuss it in our conference.
As always, email me with any questions or if you’re having any difficulties.
