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Study skills > Module 5 > Page 2

 

Structuring your work

Writing is a process

Writing essays, no matter the topic, is a process:

1. Establish, narrow, and define your topic.State your thesis or theme in a sentence or two at most.
2. Plan ahead:
• gather resources
• research
• organize your notes with a prewriting exercise
• write your first (rough) draft

Your first paragraph:

• introduce the topic!
• inform the reader of your point of view!
• entice the reader to continue with the rest of the paper!
• focus on three main points to develop

The first paragraph is often the most difficult to write. If you have trouble, just get it down with the intention of re-writing it later, even after you have finished with the rest. But remember this first entry draws your audience into your topic, your perspective, and its importance to continue with the rest.

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