1. Thesis Statement An effective thesis statement express your argument in a clear, concise manner. It’s the most important part of your seminar paper, as it forms the foundation upon which your all your research and analysis will rest. Remember: a thesis statement should be no more than one sentence. Your thesis statement should incorporate: * An argument that makes an original contribution to existing scholarship * A research question that focuses and guides your paper. Example: In order to solve the mystery of human consciousness, we should begin by examining the ways in which social media algorithms mimic the patterns of a developing human brain. 2. Introduction Begin discussing your topic right away, and explain why your arguments matter. The introduction is your chance to create a framework for the rest of your paper. Hook The first sentence of your introduction should be engaging enough to keep your readers interested and wanting to learn more. Research topic Hook The novels of Ann Radcliffe Sir Walter Scott famously spoke of Ann Radcliffe as a writer whose “prose was poetry and whose poetry was prose.” Queen of Hawaii On a chilly morning in early 1895, Liliuokalani, last queen of Hawaii, gazed calmly at the men sent to arrest her for treason. Background information Providing context will help familiarize your readers with the subject material, and will ultimately allow them to understand your point of view. Subject area Background information to include Sciences * Previous research/findings conducted on this topic * Explanation of potentially unfamiliar theories and ideas * Common methodologies applied to this topic History * Previous research/findings conducted on this topic * Historical context * Brief description of main actors Literature * Previous research/findings conducted on this topic * Historical context * Description of subject matter/genre * Relevant anecdote or biographical information about author(s) Current events * Previous research/findings conducted on this topic * Historical context * Brief description of main actors 3. Body paragraphs Each paragraph should focus on a single claim and must always refer back to your thesis. Follow the template below when constructing your body paragraphs: 1. Claim: Introduce the focus of your paragraph 2. Evidence: Introduce the source(s) that will support your claim 3. Explanation: Tell your readers why your source(s) support your claim 4. Conclusion: Explain how this paragraph relates to your argument as a whole 4. Conclusion Good conclusions tie the paper together. Reflect upon the ways in which the different parts of your argument relate to each other, or perhaps demonstrate gaps in existing research or knowledge. Other questions to consider when writing a conclusion include: * How might your argument change the way others view the topic of your paper? * Why does this topic matter? * What are the broader implications of this topic? * How may your audience be affected? 5. Bibliography Make sure you are citing each and every source you use in order to avoid accidental plagiarism. Your instructor will inform you of which formatting style to use. If you are not sure about the correct way to format your Works Cited page or in-text citations, visit your school’s Writing Center.