Hitchhiker's Guide to Writing a Paper


The two most important steps in writing a paper are:

  1. Make and Follow a Plan
  2. Pre-Grade Your Own Paper

Make and Follow a Plan

There are 6 steps to writing a paper (these steps are taken from How to Get Better Grades and Have More Fun by Steve Douglass):

  1. Concept
  2. Research
  3. Outline
  4. First Draft
  5. Major Edit
  6. Final Draft
Each of steps must be completed before you can do the next step. So, begin at the end and think backwards in time.

For example, suppose you want to turn in the paper on November 1. Write this date next to "Final Draft", like this:

  1. Concept
  2. Research
  3. Outline
  4. First Draft
  5. Major Edit
  6. Final Draft - (.eg)November 1
Next, decide how long it will take to correct all the mistakes you find in the "Major Edit" step, for example, a week. Count back from "Final Draft" and write that date next to "Major Edit", like this:

  1. Concept
  2. Research
  3. Outline
  4. First Draft
  5. Major Edit - (.eg)October 25
  6. Final Draft - (.eg)November 1
Repeat this process until you have dates next to each of the steps.

Now, you have a plan for writing your paper. Stick to the plan and you will get your paper done on time.

Pre-Grade Your Own Paper

Pre-grade your paper in the "Major Edit" step. The reader of your paper should be able to skim your paper and learn everything in the checklist below. Skimming means read the entire "thesis" section, the first sentence of every paragraph in the "introduction" and "discussion" sections, and the entire "conclusion" section.

Thesis - answer the questions:

  1. What is the issue?
  2. Why is it controversial?
  3. What is your goal (thesis) in writing the paper?

Introduction - answer the questions:

  1. What are the general arguments for both sides of the issue?
  2. How will you accomplish your goal (i.e. prove your thesis)?

Discussion of Research - make sure you:

  1. Give a detailed explanation of the arguments for both sides of the issue.
  2. Identify the positive and negative effects of the issue.
  3. Argue that one side is right.
  4. Do 1, 2, and 3 in an organized way. A simple and effective way of organizing the discussion section is to use sub-headings to clarify what you are trying to communicate.

Conclusion - make sure you:

  1. Summarize your arguments why one particular view of the issue is correct.

Accept constructive criticism. Have someone else (for example, a friend or TA) read and critique your paper in light of the above guidelines. A 'disinterested' proof-reader will often find many obvious errors that you, the author, would otherwise overlook.

If you pre-grade your own paper like this, you will avoid 90% of the common mistakes people make in writing papers. Thus, your paper will get a good grade!



Please send comments to CGS3063 STAFF