ASSIGNMENT: Outline, Working Thesis Statement, & Starting Draft
Instructions:
Every powerful essay starts with an idea that grows and improves over time, and you are well on your way to discovering the power of your own writing!
Writing Activity 2 has four sections to complete. You will complete them in a Microsoft Word document. These important activities will help you plan a sound essay. They will also help you identify what additional research is needed. By the end of week 5, you'll have your plan in place and will be ready to draft your essay!
Section 1
Outline
Create an outline. The outline is the plan for what will be included in your essay. See your webtext for information on how to create a great outline.
Section 2
Working Thesis Statement
This is a one-sentence statement summarizing the main idea of your essay. It should tell your reader what your topic is, what your position is on the topic, and how you will support it.
Section 3
Starting Draft
This is your opportunity to set up your essay format and write the first two paragraphs. Follow the directions below.
A. Set up your document
a. Create a new Word document
b. Set up the format by creating the following:
- Cover page (Title of the paper, author's name, Strayer University, and course name and professor)
- Page numbers in the header or footer of your document
- Title the second to last page "Sources" - you will build your numbered source list on this page
- Title the last page "Feedback"
- Source list
- Feedback section (add a title)
B. Write the first two paragraphs
a. Introduction paragraph
- Did you grab the reader's attention? (For example, by using statistics, a personal story, a compelling statement, a question, etc.)
- Is your thesis statement one sentence?
- Did you include your thesis statement in the first paragraph? Does your thesis statement tell the reader what your essay is about?
- Did you provide enough background information to help your audience understand the subject matter and your position? Did you define key terms for your audience?
b. First body paragraph
- Make sure you have a topic sentence and supporting points
- Make sure you explain how all ideas or quotes that you take from your research fit your supporting point
Section 4
Feedback Re?ection
a. List the feedback you received from your instructor on Writing Activity 1: Prewriting & Research Packet.
b. Explain how you used the feedback to guide your work.
c. Describe how this feedback will help you with future writing.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also Include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.