1. Introduction 1. Topic sentence which provides context and topic of subject to be discussed - should “hook” the reader 2. Indicate briefly any additional background information for context - historical source may be useful at this time 3. Thesis statement - must be a defensible argument, supportable by sources provided 4. Brief description of supporting points to be developed in subsequent paragraphs 1. First Paragraph 1. Open with your first (and strongest) supporting argument, which directly relates to the thesis 2. Incorporate and evaluate analyzed sources relating to this point - make sure to respond to any source that is cited (use evidence to support the argument and, if appropriate, respond to and critique any opposing evidence) 3. Concluding statement - summarize point in a new way, and link back to thesis 1. Second Paragraph 1. Make a logical connection from the previous supporting point to the second supporting point, and to the thesis also 2. Incorporate and evaluate analyzed sources relating to this point - make sure to respond to any source that is cited (use evidence to support the argument and, if appropriate, respond to and critique any opposing evidence) 3. Concluding statement - summarize point in a new way, and link back to thesis 1. Third Paragraph 1. Make a logical connection from the previous supporting point to the second supporting point, and to the thesis also 2. Incorporate and evaluate analyzed sources relating to this point - make sure to respond to any source that is cited (use evidence to support the argument and, if appropriate, respond to and critique any opposing evidence) 3. Concluding statement - summarize point in a new way, and link back to thesis 1. Conclusion 1. Summarize argument in a fresh way so as not to be repetitive 2. Highlight any particularly provocative or interesting key ideas or source info 3. Posit a good question or challenge to the opposing point of view to end