How did your research make you think what you think about your topic? o How did your research lead you to the thesis you chose?

Introduction, 250-350 words
This should mostly follow your Topic Summary
− Include the following:
o An explanation of your topic
o Your reasons for choosing this topic
o Your area of focus within this topic (Bankston et al.) o Most importantly, your thesis statement
− Remember
o Topic is the overall subject you’re looking at (Kneeskern)
o Focus is the specific area you’re researching for the paper
o and Thesis is your point, what you’ve decided about your area of focus.
o Example: Topic: Social Media. Focus: Psychological effects of Social Media on
adolescents.Thesis: Teenagers need more monitoring and protection on social media.
Literature Review 500-750 words
− Summarize your research as it pertains to your thesis
− You don’t have to go over every single thing you read in your research
− Stick to things you found in your research that support your thesis
− Explain which resources led you to the idea in your thesis; how did your research change your mind, help you make up your mind, and/or affect your thinking on your topic. What was the impact of the sources you looked at in your research process?
− What did you learn that surprised you Your Conclusions, 750-1000 words
− Conclusions are things you’ve made up your mind about. “Studying Social Media has led me to the conclusion that Social Media is bad for adolescents and it needs to be regulated.” I don’t mean it in the sense of the conclusion of your essay.
− Explain in detail the things that support your thesis; this is where your subtopics and sub-sub topics will be very helpful.
− Prove your case. Remember, this doesn’t have to be persuasive, but you do have to show how your thesis is valid and true based on your research.
o Show clearly how you got from topic to thesis to conclusions.
o Explain your thought process and logic
o How did your research make you think what you think about your topic? o How did your research lead you to the thesis you chose?
− Examples, personal anecdotes, etc. belong in this part of your paper. Many of you have personal stories that got you interested in your topic, which you can share as they relate to your thesis.
o Even if you don’t have a personal story, show how your thesis relates to the specific examples
− Most importantly: SO WHAT? Why is your thesis important?
o Why should someone care? Don’t assume it’s obvious!!! Spell it out; explain it!
o Why are your thesis and your conclusions important? What difference do they make to
your reader? How do your conclusions make a difference to your reader? Spell it out!
Explain it!
o This is kind of the make or break factor of your paper. There needs to be a point that you get across, a reason that your topic is important. Make sure you get this across to your reader.
− Bottom line, this is where you present and explain your ideas about your topic and focus, and how your ideas are supported by the research you did.
Essay Closing, 150-250 words
− Summarize what you’ve written.
− Give your reader a takeaway; what are the things you most want your reader to remember?

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