1. establish yourself as an expert on the topic in the introduction. To do this, give background information about the issue you chose in the introductory paragraph(s), so the reader has a well-rounded understanding of the issue. Answer who, what, when, where, why, and how of the topic. This information must introduce and connect to the thesis statement.

2. have a strong, clear thesis that directly answers the research question you have chosen. This one sentence informs the reader as to what they can expect from the entire essay, so it is essential that you answer the research question clearly.

3. include clear topic sentences at the beginning of each body paragraph that elegantly state the main point of the paragraph.

4. use transitions sentences (not just words) to create connections between the ideas in your essay’s paragraphs. Transition sentences helps your reader feel at ease with your writing and feel that there is a natural flow. To create a transition sentence, find a commonality with the idea from the paragraph above and the new idea you will introduce in the paragraph below to create the transition sentence. It is placed in the last sentence in the paragraph above (see the outline example).

5. argue the main points/claims that support your thesis statement. Support those claims with extensive evidence, proof of critical analysis and explanation of how each piece of evidence proves the claim and the thesis statement.

6. use at least 4 reliable sources to support your claim. (DO NOT use Wikipedia, or any other wiki because information can be changed by anyone. Wikis are an excellent jumping off point if you have absolutely no idea about the topic, but you should research and find original sources.)

7. include 1 refutation to prove you are a credible researcher. Take the lawyer approach and address 1 possible objection that the opposing side has by using a direct quotation from an expert on the opposing side and then arguing why your claim is right and their logic is wrong. Attack the words in the quote and tear the meaning apart, not the person. Follow the example from the refutation lecture and include all 6 steps. The refutation is its own paragraph, right before the conclusion.

8. conclude the argument by providing a very brief rewording (not copy and paste) of the thesis statement, providing final thoughts, and investigating the wider implications of the issue. This is your chance to provide the reader with closure on the topic and your final chance to convince them that your point of view is the right one. Take the opportunity seriously and use it to your advantage.

9. have a catchy, creative and relevant title that reflects the tone (feeling) of the essay.

10. have no spelling, grammar, or sentence structure errors in your essay.

11. write 4-6 complete pages. A complete written page goes all the way to the bottom. Don’t mess with the line spacing, margins, or font. That is just annoying.