Writing the Paper

Check out the information below for tips on constructing your thesis and writing your paper.

STEP 1: PULLING TOGETHER THE RESEARCH

The first step in writing a paper is reviewing the research you've found and deciding what you think about it.

So, review the research you have found over the course of the semester and work on a response.

For each unit, explain what you agree with and why you agree with it. Explain what you disagree with and why you disagree with it. Write about 150 words for each unit.

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STEP 2: CONSTRUCTING THE THESIS STATEMENT

After you've reviewed the research and decided your thoughts on your topic, write your thesis.

The thesis is also called the thesis statement, central argument, or main point. It's the most important part of your paper. It's the idea you are trying to convince your readers of throughout your paper.

Your thesis should answer the question you've been researching over the semester.

The basic form of this thesis should be something like "I will argue X about topic Y for reason Z."

The thesis could also be formed like this: "Position or Approach A to Topic B is ethical or unethical because of Reasons C, D, and E."

Everything in your paper should be directly connected to your thesis. If something isn't related to your thesis, it doesn't belong in your paper. Once you have your thesis, the paper should be easy to write!

Your thesis is a road map, telling you where to go in your paper.

A thesis is NOT the first sentence of your paper. It isn't the "hook," or attention-grabber.

The hook leads the reader to the thesis, which is in the middle of the introduction.

Once you have written your thesis, develop your reasoning to defend it (back it up). Provide your well-reasoned ideas about why you believe your thesis. Write about 600 words on this.

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STEP 3: ORGANIZING & WRITING YOUR PAPER

Once you've written your thesis and developed your response, it's time to organize your work into an essay.

Your essay should have three main parts: introduction, main body, and conclusion.

It should also have a bibliography and an addendum.

INTRODUCTION

1. Write 1-2 sentences to introduce your question or topic and why it matters.

2. Present your thesis.

3. Give an overview of the structure of the whole paper (For example: First, I will provide an overview of the topic. Then, I explain the sides. Next, I will present my views. Fourth...)

MAIN BODY

Main Body Part 1:

1. Give an overview of the debate surrounding the issue.

2. Discuss the different points of view on the topic (Here is where you can include some of your secondary research).

Main Body Part 2:

1. Explain where you stand on the issue.

2. Explain why you hold the positions you do.

Main Body Part 3:

1. Discuss some resources and theories from the course that can help navigate the contemporary debate.

2. Describe the ways these theories shaped your thinking on the topic.

3. Integrate some of your findings from the secondary literature in this section.

CONCLUSION:

1. Briefly describe how these philosophical theories can help resolve or clarify some part of your argument.

2. Briefly describe the broader implications (conclusions, takeaways) of your findings.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Your bibliography should have 8-10 secondary sources, as well as the primary sources you used. The bibliography is not included in the total word count.

ADDENDUM:

Describe what your learned by engaging in this semester-long writing project. The addendum is not part of the total word count.

Writing Help

Academic Support and Tutoring (AST) provides free tutoring to MCC students (including writing and citation assistance) and free support and tutorials for college-related software.

AST offers in-person support in the Learning Commons, located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Learning Technology Center (LTC). You can also reach out to AST via phone, Zoom, or email.

Use the link above to learn more about AST and locate its contact information and hours.

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MORE WRITING HELP

Librarians are often very good writers. If there is no writing tutor available, or if you feel more comfortable working with a librarian, don't hesitate to ask for help! We can help with all stages: finding research materials, writing the paper, and creating correct citations.

Just need a little help? Visit the Learning Commons' third-floor desk in the Learning Technology Center (LTC), or contact us via live chat or email. You can also call us at 254-299-8325.

Need a lot of help? Schedule a research consultation with one of our research librarians. It's their job to help you succeed!

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Writing Guides

If you need writing assistance, contact Academic Support and Tutoring to meet with a free writing tutor, or use the guides below.

Writing Task Resource List: What Do You Need to Write?
This link leads to Purdue OWL's writing resource list, which asks "What kind of writing task do you need to complete?" and offers to "help you pinpoint ... resources that will be most helpful for you according to the kind of writing you need to accomplish."
Elements of Style
This link leads to Bartleby.com's page on The Elements of Style, a classic book on writing, which explains many of the rules of writing. (If you prefer a hard copy, this book is available for checkout at the MCC library.)
Grammar
This link leads to the introduction page for Purdue OWL's grammar guide. Use the navigation menu on the left of the screen to navigate the guide's subpages.
Punctuation
This link leads to the introduction page for Purdue OWL's punctuation guide. Use the navigation menu on the left of the screen to navigate the guide's subpages.

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