Writing a Well

Supported Paper
Lizzy Rech

Julie Bortoff
Brianna Lamz
Patrick Guarente

Our topic:

Mainly used for research papers

Need well supported back up evidence

Often too little evidence does not pursue reader

Too much evidence often leads off topic

Writing a successful paper:

Supporting evidence in a paper starts with your research.

1. Research: Begin the essay writing process by researching your topic, making
yourself an expert. Utilize the internet, academic data bases, and the library. Take
notes.

2. Analyze: Analyze the arguments of the readings to determine whats important

to incorporate into your paper. Clearly define the claims, write out the reasons
and evidence. Look for weaknesses of logic and also the strengths. Learning how
to write an essay begins with learning how to analyze essays written by others.

3. Thesis: pick your best idea and pin it down with a clear assertion that you can
write your entire essay around.

4. Paragraphs: each individual paragraph should be focused on a single idea that

supports your thesis. Begin paragraphs with topic sentences, support assertions
with evidence, and state your ideas in the clearest and most sensible way that you
can.

Commonly Asked Questions (asked

random students at UNCC)

How to begin a paper

How to chose a topic

Which side of an argument to take

Does this topic have good argument?

Do I have support for all my points?

Finding a Starting Point:

Research topic ideas

Chose a topic that interests you

Approach the topic with a thesis statement

Ensure arguments can be well supported

List pros and cons

Choosing a Topic

Find a topic that impacts you (usually)

Be sure to have enough support

Include different types of support

Research

Books

Observations

Interviews

Surveys

Experiments

Choosing a Side of Argument:

Usually a side the writer agrees with

Depends on which side has more support

Be able to interest the reader

Keep attention of audience

Class Activity
Go to the corner with what you think is the most useful supporting
evidence.

Types of supporting evidence

There are two types of evidence, first had research and second hand
research.

First hand research is research you have conducted yourself (interviews,

experiments, surveys, or personal experience.)

Second hand research comes from books, periodicals, or websites.

How to use your supporting evidence

To present your evidence in your paper you can include it as text in the body
of your paper, as a quotation, paraphrase, or summary

Sometimes you can use graphs, charts, or tables, or excerpts from interviews,
photos, or illustrations with captions

You should have a thesis statement and your evidence should better your
thesis statement

In conclusion

-It all begins with your initial plan of action and research information

Its a matter of staying on topic

Find credible information

Dont babble because youll generally get off topic

Sources

Page, Mary, and Carrie Winstanley. Writing Essays for Dummies. Chichester:
Wiley, 2009. Print.

"The Writing Center." The Writing Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2014.

"How to Write an Essay: 10 Easy Steps." "How to Write an Essay. N.p., n.d.
Web. 22 Sept. 2014.