Q How to draft a paper? There are lots of ways, but they boil down to hot and cold. When drafting, write "hot." Just write, don't worry about structure. Just get the ideas down. Then, warm, put them into a loose shape, a baggy monster, and set it aside to cool. At least a day later, look at your work with the cool, fresh eye. Underline the claim (is it at the end of the introductory paragraph?). Does each paragraph have a sub-claim? Are those claims supported with evidence? Do you offer a nugget of analysis of your citation? This is where the fun begins. You may find that you discovered your true claim in the process of writing. This is where you gently nudge the writing towards the new claim, or get rid of what doesn't fit. You are building the structure! Good writing is good rewriting. Going through the process of revising and peer and instructor critique will take your writing to the next level. In fewer words: Write a provisional introduction and outline. Then, just get words on the page, loosely structured into paragraphs. Then revise your introduction and conclusion, since they will likely become richer and more developed as you figure out your argument. Use: Effective Statement of Theme Checklist (Links to an external site.) Use and Append Appendix 6: Structure and Mechanics Checklist (Links to an external site.) *Highly recommended: Seek out an Online Writing Center Tutor (Links to an external site.) critique and incorporate advice before submitting your draft for peer critique.