Parts of a Paper

A draft is an early version of written work. A first draft should include:

title - engaging, descriptive, and concise

thesis statement (or lead sentence) - a statement introducing your main argument 

introduction and background - information to put your argument in context

body - the main part of your paper between the introduction and conclusion

• topic sentences - describe the main point of each paragraph throughout the body of your paper

• facts and evidence from appropriate sources - examples, facts, statistics, theories, or knowledge from experts on the topic you are writing about

• your analysis - a description and examination of why the evidence and sources support your thesis or paper topic

• transitions - words or phrases that connect two paragraphs and help lead your reader from one idea to the next

conclusion - a summary of your main points in support of your thesis statement