Overview
• The assignment should have the following
elements:
– Introduction
– Thesis
– The body of the paper
– Conclusion
– References
Introduction
• There must be a short introduction that is not
longer than one full page. It should give the
reader an overview of your paper.
• You should indicate the topic that you have chosen
and briefly outline each of your intended
arguments.
– E.g., This paper will begin with a short discussion of X.
Next, it will touch upon the importance of theory Y on
phenomenon Z. In the end, what will become obvious
is that THESIS STATEMENT
Thesis/argument
• The thesis of your paper should be the last
sentence (or two) of your introduction.
Essentially, it is your main argument.
• The purpose of the thesis is to give the reader,
up front, a very clear indication of what you will
be arguing in your paper.
• Every paper MUST have a clear thesis statement
—one that outlines your stance or positions on
a given topic.
Difference between
‘Topic’ and ‘Thesis’
• Topic: Broad
– E.g., Mandatory Minimum Sentences in Canada
• Thesis: Specific Argument
– Although unfair, ineffective, and at odds with a true
reading of public opinion, mandatory minimum
sentences in Canada continue to be put forward by
politicians because of public fear, misinformation
about crime and victimization, and the growing
popularity of the ‘tough on crime’ rhetoric.
The Body
• The body of the text should contain the material needed to
prove and support your thesis statement.
– Every body paragraph should have a point and should, in one way or
another, support your main argument.
• The tools that you have at your disposal to prove your thesis are
theories, arguments by other authors in the field, statistics, etc.
• Try to weave your thesis statement (or parts of it) throughout the
body of your paper.
– This will strengthen your body paragraphs by tying them back to your
main argument (i.e., your thesis).
Conclusion
• Re-introduce your thesis statement—usually in a slightly different wording.
• Summarize the arguments that you made and
generally conclude on the issue.
• This should only be about a 1/2 page.
• The conclusion should flow from the points
you made in the paper (do not introduce new
points/arguments).
References/ Citations
• Any referencing system can be used as long as it is
consistently applied throughout the paper.
• Refer to the documents that are posted on CANVAS
or a style manual (e.g. MLA, APA) for correct
referencing formats.
• APA is used most pervasively in the social sciences
(which includes Sociology). Please note that a
website is NOT a reference. When referencing
lectures, make sure the speaker and date are noted
—e.g., (Shchitov: May.5, 2022)
Writing and Style
• Keep the following in mind:
– Spelling and grammar are important – use your grammar
checker and proofread your work. Even better, have a
friend or family member proofread it too!
– A good writing style, including clarity, flow, logic, and
convincing arguments are the hallmarks of a good paper
– Your paper should be between 8and10 pages (doublespaced) pages in length – not including the bibliography.
Do not exceed this page limit, as extra pages will NOT be
graded.
– Font Times New Roman 12. https://youtu.be/zDUPpKDQZIE
The structure of “Introduction”.
How to write thesis/argument.
How to write assay – logical structure. Helps to write analytical paper. Funny.
How to write assay – logical structure. Very simple and helps to clarify your ideas.
How to read scientific paper for your research.
