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While the specific characteristics of papers vary from discipline to discipline, the process of constructing an effective paper is similar: The writer gathers ideas or knowledge generated in the planning stage, determines the most effective form in which to present this knowledge given the audience and discipline, and determines the best methods of presenting the thesis within this form. Effective writing is not linear from planning to writing to final draft. Rather, effective writers glide between writing stages as they constantly re-vision, re-construct, and re-form ideas. This handout provides some helpful advice on the drafting process.
In an argumentative essay, a thesis statement states the point or purpose the essay is meant to establish. It is not a mere announcement of a topic, nor is it a question or a bare statement of fact. Rather, it is a statement standing in need requiring argument and evidence. In this way, the thesis statement helps to structure paper by giving it a clear and specific goal. For more on thesis statements, please visit the following links: