
While the length of each point may vary, each point should be at least a paragraph and should contain three very important parts: Within the argument section, there should be a minimum of three main points supporting the main argument. Readers feel the same disappointment if the argument of a paper isn’t solid. Even if you’ve chosen your favorite bread and toppings for your sandwich, if the chef leaves out the meat or just puts in one slice (not even enough to taste!), you are likely to be disappointed. The bread is the introduction and the conclusion, the toppings are the background information, and the meat is the argument. In a five page paper, the argument should be at least three of the five pages. Because the argument is the meat of the paper, it should be the longest part of the paper. In the argument, the author lays out his/her opinion with strategically organized points that are all well supported by evidence. The argument is the main attraction of the paper. In most cases for a paper no longer than 5-6 pages, the background section will be somewhere between one and three paragraphs. Like an introduction, the length of the background section will vary depending on the length of the paper and the topic. What does your audience already know about the topic? What information is vital for them to understand in order for your argument to be effective? The background information section should be a balance between giving readers too much information and boring them and leaving them feeling completely lost. It’s important, once again, to consider your audience.

For an argument on a controversial issue, you might include a summary of the two sides of the issue. If you are writing a paper on a piece of literature, for example, you would likely include a short summary of the piece and perhaps some information about the author and other context. This information varies depending on the topic of your paper. The background information section tells readers what they need to know to understand the topic. If your map doesn’t match the directions your paper takes, your readers will be as lost as your friend in this example! Section 2: Background Information What would happen if you told someone to turn left on Oyster, right on Fir, right on Aqua, and left on Ducey? They would never find their destination! Your thesis is like a map to your argument.

You know the best way to avoid traffic is to turn left on Pearl, right on Pine, right on Water, and then left on Gouvernour. Imagine you are giving directions from Building 6 on this map to a business on Gouvernour Ln to a friend. Your thesis should include both an arguable opinion about your topic and the main points you will cover in your essay.

The Writing Formula is based upon the idea that every piece of academic writing, from a basic essay to a dissertation, has the same basic parts.

5 The Writing Formula and Outlining The Writing Formula
