Last week I explained how to get started on your paper and write an excellent opening. Here’s a recap of what to do in the opening paragraphs: First, catch your professor’s interest with an intriguing fact relevant to your paper. Next, state clearly the main purpose of your paper. Then, briefly describe the main points related to that purpose that you will be covering in the rest of your paper.

This week I explain how to write an excellent body to your critical paper. Before you begin, you should consider writing an outline to the main arguments or points you plan to make in the paper. Then, develop each paragraph around the argument. Back each argument with very specific facts from the readings that you are analyzing or critiquing. Keep in mind that the more specific you are in providing details that support your arguments, the better your critical paper will be.

Wherever possible tie each argument back to the central point or thesis of your paper (which you already explicitly decribed in one of your opening paragraphs). Then add transitional phrases to the beginning of each paragraph, so that your whole paper reads as one seamless logical flow of ideas that are carefully backed by specifics from the readings.

Now it’s time for your conclusion. Summarize all your key points and leave your professor with a very clear take-home message. Make the professor feel that he or she knows exactly what you were trying to accomplish in the paper and that you did accomplish it. The more vague and general you are in the conclusion, the more your professor will get the impression that you just ran out of gas at the end of the all-nighter you pulled to finish it. Don’t bring up any new material in the conclusion.

As always, please let me know if my advice helps you this term!