How would I got about writing a six page paper?

Question

For my history class I have to write a six page paper over Lutheranism and Calvinism. I have to compare and contrast the two positions toward the Catholic Church. How would I go about doing this? I have never written a paper this long and I am lost as to how I am going to break this down.

Thank you so much to whoever can help me.

Answer 1

Preparation:
Double space and stick to 12pt font.
If you're using Microsoft word (which is best) then you will have to click on File>Page Setup and then adjust the margins to 1" all around. So, top, bottom, left and right should all have 1". After that, click ok and then on the tool bar click on Format>Paragraph. In Paragraph there is a section called Spacing. Farther to the right side there's a little drop down menu that says Line Spacing. Set that to double space (so that bewteen each sentences there will be double spaces). Then click on the font button at the top (if there isnt one click on Format>Font) and adjust the Pt size to 12.

Essay development:
Indent the first line of every paragraph and do not press enter ever to form a new paragraph. The only indication that new paragraph is beginning is the indentation at the beginning of the first sentence of a new paragraph (which you can do by pressing the tab key at the very beginning of the first sentence of the new paragraph). Next start with your Intro and thesis statement (thesis statement is the whole point of your essay http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml) After you've made your thesis statement then go into the topics you are going to discuss. Next go to the second paragraph and give a brief introduction to Lutheranism. Talk about the history of lutheranism and introduce terms or whatever etc and then on the second paragraph talk about calvinism doing the same. http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/comparcontrast.html after you've finished introcucing both go into talking about how lutheranism and calvinism are similar and then how they are different. Compare - similar and contrast - different. After you've finished you move on to the conclusion which is where you restate your thesis (in a different way, never put the same sentence twice within an essay) and then summarize your findings. Also, don't forget paragraph transitions http://www.writing.ucsb.edu/faculty/donelan/para.html. Trasitional phrases keep the essay flowing so that there isn't any abrupt stops or starts in ideas.

To make the essay writing process easier you should write up an outline.

http://www.efl.arts.gla.ac.uk/writing/Arts/15web.htm

http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/outlines.shtml

Outline should look sort of like this

Introduction:
Thesis
Introduction to topic (calvinism and lutheranism)
Point A.
Point B.
Point C.

Second Paragraph
Introduce Lutheranism
Talk about history etc
(second paragraph could push into a third paragraph)
(if you're allowed to quote or paraphrase then include 1-2 and cite)

Third Paragraph
Introduce Calvinism
Talk about history
(third paragraph could push into fourth)
(if you're allowed to quote or paraphrase then add 1-2 then cite and do the same for the rest)

Fourth (or fifth) paragraph
Discuss the different (contrast) ways these two have impacted the church.
(could move into a sixth paragraph)

Fifth (or sixth)
Explain the similaries in they way they have impacted the church
(possible 7th)

Conclusion
Restate your thesis (in a different sentence)
and summarize your findings.

Some places you can search for information

the internet, library databases, journals, periodicals. Go to your local library and ask for assistance and they will make the job a whole lot easier for you. Plus you will find many reliable sources.
Also, if you're allowed to cite don't forget to make a works cited page (page 7) http://www.lib.duke.edu/libguide/cite/works_cited.htm

Hope that's hepful and sorry for the length

Answer 2

The key to a longer paper is organization. Write your introduction first, explaining the basics of each church for a few paragraphs without discussing them in relation to each other. Then you will begin a section about their similarities. Try to find at least three and write a paragraph about each. Then do the same for differences. Then you can do a conclusion. Now that gives you at least three pages. You can add some fluff here and there. Some historical perspective and other details etc. Then hand it to someone to review and see what questions they have. Then go back in and answer the questions. That might get ya close. Hope it helps.

Answer 3

Personally, and I’m speaking from experience, I will start out by telling you not to fret! That is one of the worst things you can do. Worrying about what to do instead of doing it. Now for the report…if you have several days to do it, take all the time you have. Spread it out. Now I’m not saying to procrastinate…because that would be the absolute worst thing to do. Just take small and easy steps toward finishing.

For instance… do page one and two either today or tomorrow. (depending on how long you have to finish) On page one write an intro to your report. Page 2 write about one of the topics. Explain in great detail…that way you’ll take more space. And possibly a better grade. Page three write about the other topic. On page 4 write about their similarities. Page 5 write about their differences. Page 6 write your conclusion.

Trust me…get started right away. You don’t want to be running around in a panic trying to meet your deadline! Don’t worry about the number (6). Really that isn’t that big of a number. If you still can’t seem to fit 6 pages worth of details into your report you might want to consider double spacing and a bigger font. (also double spacing looks more professional)

GOOD LUCK!


Also try googleing!

Answer 4

I'd chart it out first. On a sheet per each, write down all the main topics and what they each believe, time happened of break from Catholics, sacraments, all the important bits. Do the same for the Catholic Church beliefs.

Then put them side by side and find the same and different ways they go against Catholic Church.

Hope this helps, been a long time since I had to write a paper. Luckilly you have the internet to help with your research.

Answer 5

Use the internet and books to gather your information. Once you have an idea of what you want to compare and contrast, make an outline. Once you have the outline complete, you should be able to fill in the outline with information. This expands the outline into a paper.

Don't forget to follow the requirements for the paper about Margins, font, font size, and spacing. If you are not sure just ask your teacher about what the standard they are expecting.

Answer 6

Go to library and look up comparative theology or just theology. Basically, Luther believed that you are saved by faith alone and Calvinism believes in 5 major points Total depravity of man, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace and Perseverance of the saints. Go to Wikipedia for a start.

Answer 7

Just a suggestion ...
page :
1 intro
2 explain first one
3 explain 2nd one
4 explain similarities
5 explain differences
6 conclusion

Answer 8

i wrote really big and in the middle