HOW TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE ACADEMIC PAPER

12 Things to Remember 

1.    Determine what it is that you wish to write about. How can you write if you do not have a focus or specific topic in mind?
2.     Brainstorm or mind map ideas that pertain to your topic.
3.     Look for connections in your ideas.
4.     Research the topic to gather credible information that supports your ideas.
5.     Develop a thesis or clear topic statement. Your topic statement or thesis statement should have exactly your topic and the areas that you wish to discuss in order to support your idea.
6.   Make an outline of your paper.
7.   Make an introduction from general to specific. Start off by attracting the readers and end with a good topic statement or thesis statement.
8.   Develop supporting paragraphs that relate to specific topics from your thesis or topic statement.
9.   Use examples and details to support any ideas and opinions. Don’t forget to cite sources.
10.  Never use someone else’s idea as your own. Again remember to cite sources.
11. Use transitions to add flow and cohesion to your ideas.
12.  Your conclusion should be the opposite of your introduction in that you should go from specific to general. Try to finish with a thought provoking statement.