USING THE PROPOSAL AS A

DRAFTING AID

 

1. Write the research paper one step at a time and don’t worry about whether you feel ready to write the whole thing.  View each roman numeral section of your outline as a goal you can complete in 2-3 “sittings.”

2. Use the outline to keep the scope of each section of the outline in mind.  Each roman numeral section might be 1-4 pages long, with a paragraph or more on each A, B, C, or 1, 2, 3 subtopic.

3. Use the outline to put yourself in control of the forward motion of your paper by using topic sentences that indicate your points.  Do not use quotations as topic sentences.  Make sure topic sentences introduce rather than assume the phrases in your outline. 

4. Don’t let your sources pull you off track.  Use the outline to stay focused on your points in your line of reasoning rather than slipping into a summary of all the points in a particular source.  Follow your outline unless you have a good reason to deviate.

5. Write transitions and topic sentences that connect each roman numeral to the next roman numeral section in your outline.