How do you write a good paper for an English class?

Question

I have 2 papers due (1 for each class I am in) and I am graded in these classes by the quality of my papers that I hand in. Both papers have to be in standard 5 paragraph format and I have to argue and prove my point. What is the best way of approaching this assignment? Serious responses only, please.

Answer 1

Five paragraphs are easy - 1st is intro, 2nd is your first reason, 3rd is your 2nd reason, 4th is your 3rd reason and the 5th is your conclusion.
In the Intro you want to lay out the issue - give "both" sides and then, without using "I" or any other reference to 1st person, explain that the side you are writing about is the "only logical conclusion" (or your words) based on the three reasons below. Each body paragraph is a reason, which you tie back to the crux question. You want to give the reason and explain how/why it's an important one. In the conclusion try to avoid simply re-stating what you've said above - but refer to your arguments.
You didn't say if there was to be research involved or if you were to use quotations from texts... I'd still use the same essential format as above, but I would suggest a few modifications.
Just so you know, I've been teaching for 7 years. I completed a couple graduate degrees and always did well on papers, i.e., I'm not talking out of my a**. Good luck!

Answer 2

Getting the format just so is very important to most college teachers and of course things like grammar and spelling need to be perfect.

Go to class and attempt to casually ellicit your instructor's opinions on topics you are considering writing about. If your instructor shows no interest in the topic or has an opinion you can't agree with, choose a different topic. Once you find a topic they like get as much of their opinion as you can without being obvious. Do not take notes in front of them but remember everything they say and write it down at your earliest convenience. Don't choose their area of expertise, just something that interests them and make sure you know their opinions on it.

Do research so you have quotes etc., that will also confirm your instructor's opinions. Quote well and often. The amount of referenced material is less important for an English paper than a scientific one but you should still look for primary references even if none are required or more than the required amount if they are. You don't want to use any secondary sources such as internet and encyclopedia (use them just don't reference them). If you can't find something anywhere else a website may be OK but you NEVER reference an encyclopedia anywhere on a college paper. Newspapers, books and other published materials are all good.

The internet is the best place to start. Use these secondary sources for info then quote the primary sources they use. Never reference anything you couldn't retrieve at a local library, if asked.

Plan ahead and get the paper done long before it is due. This way the instructor is less likely to remember all the stuff they told you. Some will even read over your paper without grading it if you get it done really early and let you know if you need improvement.

Answer 3

Thesis, thesis, thesis. This is the key to any good paper, but especially one that is supposed to be "argumentative." Spend some time thinking about what point you want to make. Then craft one or two well-written sentences that state the point. Be concise. Then, after the your thesis statement lay out what your three points are that establish your point.

Ex: The cause of the fall of Rome was a lack of effective leadership. This fact is demonstrated by the many emperors with very short reigns, the moral decline of the aristocratic class, and the lack of Senate power.

A good conclusion to an argumentative paper will often either raise some objections to your point or demonstrate a greater impact to your point.

So, e.g., While it seems clear that biofuels are the best hope for a sustainable energy future, others have proposed fuel cells, nuclear power, or perpetual motion machines. However, these suggestion do not take into account the technical difficulty involved. Etc.

Or

While the reign of Charlemagne may seem insignificant and obscure to us now, understanding his policies helps us to see a way forward on many pressing contemporary issues in Europe today.

Answer 4

Well, in my experience, I've found that just sitting down and writing often helps get ideas flowing, that is of course after you research a bit and know what you want to write about. Once I have a basic paper done, I have a friend tear the paper apart, figuratively. This gives me a different perspective so I may more clearly express my thoughts and fix mechanical errors. Generally, the more people you can get to criticize your paper, the better off it will be in the end.

Answer 5

I was in the same boat. First, I read the guidelines for the paper thoroughly, then I researched different papers on the Internet to get my started. I paid close attention to the style the paper was written in and went from there. There are lots of sights that have information on various styles of writing. I don't know if this helped, but I ended up with an "A" on both papers because of this.

Answer 6

Approach them simply. I'm not sure what level you're in, but I suggest using Hodges Harbrace Handbook. It has all the mechanics information you'll need. I did well in college English classes and all I did was just state my opinions. Don't try to use such huge words, just make your point.

Answer 7

really saying i was not scoring good in my english class
so my teacher asked me to prepare everything in advance and don't study on the last day before the test.
ya it looked a foolish thought to me but i had nothing else to do so i did it and topped the test and was really amazed to see it
u can try this if u like it but i really works

Answer 8

You could flip threw an encyclopedia and find a subject you are interested in, that you feel you could debate about, and read about it, then put it in your own words.