If given a choice, select a subject of interest, one that can be treated within the assigned limits of time and space.

Determine the purpose of writing the paper.  For example, are you writing the paper to describe something, argue against an issue, or persuade the reader to agree with you?

Consider you audience for which the paper is being written. Is the reader a specialist or a non-specialist on the subject, someone likely to agree or disagree?

Develop a clear thesis statement expressing the central idea of the paper. A thesis statement is an “umbrella statement”—everything you write pertains to that one statement.

Brainstorm ideas and gather information on your narrowed topic.

Arrange materials in an order appropriate to the aims of the paper and decide on the method or methods to use in developing the ideas (e.g. definition, analysis, comparison and contrast).

 Make a detailed outline to help you stay focused.

Write a preliminary draft with a clear-cut introduction, body, and conclusion.

Create a topic sentence per paragraph and be sure to support each one.

Critique the preliminary draft. Try to improve it: revise,    rearrange, add, and eliminate words, phrases, and sentences to make the writing more effective.

Proofread the final draft, making all necessary corrections.

Double-space your entire document and works cited page.

All citations on the works cited page should be in alphabetical order.