Some notes on Writing from discussion of Jefferson

On Theses

• Definition: Single, simple, declarative sentence capturing the claim of the chapter, section, paragraph.
• Purposes
  • Focus the intensity of reading
  • Decide what is relevant and what not
  • Define a successful argument
• Execution
  • Early in chapter, section, paragraph, best
• Generally written first and last n Substitutes are possible: Question to answer

On Structure of Paragraph

All well formed paragraphs have the following:

• Thesis sentence (or theme)
• Explication, if needed
• Proof
• Significance or clinch

On the Structure of Sections

• Opening paragraph should:
  • Capture full idea in interesting way
  • Motivate the section
  • Contain the thesis
  • May contain forecast, or announce partition
• In designing the section you should Partition (tacit or overt)
  • Background info needed to understand thesis
  • Claims necessary to establish thesis
• Development of section follows opening paragraph
• Each Paragraph contributes to movement
• Explication and proof; evidence
• Section ends with Conclusion
  • Returns to motivation; explains how met
• May transition to next section

Back to Paper Assignment