When writing a paper what do you say instead of This paper talks about...?

Answer 1

If you were talking to a friend about a topic, you'd simply begin telling your friend. You'd likely pick an interesting point to start. It's the same with writing about a topic; pick an interesting point, and start writing.

It may help you to get started if you take an index card or half sheet of paper and actually write, "This paper talks about (your topic)." Now, put that above the paper you are writing on as your first draft. Write your next sentence. Write a paragraph. Now, write more.

You see, in rough drafts, it doesn't matter what words or sentences we put first. You will need to revise your writing anyway, until you have your final paper. So if it helps to write something that gets you started, that's okay to do.

Example (poor writing).

This paper talks about how pollution is destroying wetlands and wildlife habitat.

Example (better writing):

(Put this on an index card...) This paper talks about how...."

Start writing: Pollution destroys wetlands and wildlife habitat.

Now add some facts to support your statement, like How many acres per year are destroyed? Remember you'll need sources-- where did you read that X number of acres of land are destroyed by pollution? How is wildlife habitat affected? What exactly does pollution do to "the habitat"?

In your next paragraph, you need to explain more. For example, What kinds of pollution affect wetlands? What kinds affect habitat? Explain or give supporting evidence, like, According to Professor ___, from _____ University, wildlife must increasingly find new territory to hunt and raise their young.

In another paragraph, you could tell how humans can reduce pollution. Give examples of the worst pollution humans contribute and what it does to wildlife or to the land. Describe what kinds of legislation that people have enacted to help protect wildlife.

Your conclusion should sum up your points. For example, unless people begin to protect wetlands and wildlife, we will continue to destroy the land and habitat through pollution. We can continue to discard waste inappropriately, or we can begin to be aware of the devastation caused by pollution. (Now, tell us what steps we can take.) Humans can protect the natural habitat by cleaning up litter, using waste receptacles, and recycling. We must limit construction in wetland areas, and build sanctuaries so that wildlife can flourish. (Put an ending statement.) With these measures, humans can protect existing plant, insect, and animal species and support wetland and wildlife habitat.

TIP: Remember, if you find yourself wanting to write a weak beginning like "I'm going to tell you about...", just write that on scrap paper so you can see it and then write your next words into a sentence.

TIP: Remember that you'll need to revise the writing anyway. So the first draft can say all the weak sentences. It's the final writing that's most important.