The document provides a comprehensive guide to the pre-writing process, emphasizing the importance of a clear and specific thesis statement that guides the direction of research and writing. It details the organization of a paper through outlines, body paragraphs, and the use of transition phrases to ensure coherence, alongside practical exercises for crafting and revising thesis statements and outlines. The conclusion highlights the necessity of a strong thesis and organized structure for successful writing.

1. The Pre-Writing
Process: Thesis
Statement and
Organizing Your
Paper
A Guide to Effective
Writing Preparation

2. Understanding the Thesis
Statement
- Definition: A concise
summary of the main
point or claim of your
paper.
- Purpose: Guides
the direction of
your research and
writing.
- Characteristics:
- Clear and specific
- Debatable
- Supported by evidence

3. • Think of a broad topic you are interested
in. Write down a potential thesis
statement for a paper on this topic.
Exercise:

4. Crafting a Strong Thesis
Statement
- Be Specific: Avoid
vague language.
- Be Debatable: Ensure it
presents a claim that can be
challenged.
- Be Clear:
Communicate your
main idea effectively.

5. Example:
• "Social media
has a
significant
impact on the
mental health
of teenagers,
leading to
increased
anxiety and
depression."

6. Exercise:
• Revise the thesis
statement you wrote
on the previous slide
to make it more
specific, debatable,
and clear.

7. Importance of Organizing Your
Paper
- Provides a roadmap for your
writing.
- Helps maintain logical flow and
coherence.
- Ensures all points support your
thesis.

8. Creating an Outline
- Introduction:
Present your thesis
and set the context.
- Body Paragraphs:
Develop each point
that supports your
thesis.
- Topic sentences
- Evidence and
examples
- Analysis and
interpretation
- Conclusion:
Summarize your
main points and
restate the thesis.

9. Exercise:
• Outline the main
sections and key
points for a paper
based on your
thesis statement.

10. Developing
Body
Paragraphs
- Topic Sentence:
Introduces the main idea of
the paragraph.
- Supporting Evidence:
Provide facts, quotes, and
examples.
- Analysis: Explain how the
evidence supports your
thesis.

11. Exercise:
• Write a topic sentence
for the first body
paragraph of your
paper, along with one
piece of supporting
evidence.

12. Ensuring Flow and
Coherence
- Use transition words and
phrases.
- Maintain a logical progression
of ideas.
- Ensure each paragraph
connects back to your thesis.

13. Exercise:
• Identify and write
down at least
three transition
phrases you can
use in your paper.

14. Revising Your Outline
- Review and adjust your outline
as needed.
- Ensure all points are relevant
and support your thesis.
- Make sure your paper has a
logical structure.

15. Exercise:
• Revisit your outline and make any
necessary revisions to improve clarity and
coherence.

16. Practice Exercise
• - Write a brief introduction paragraph based
on your thesis statement.
• - Ensure it sets the context and clearly
presents your thesis.
• Exercise:
• Write your introduction paragraph and share
it with a peer for feedback.

17. Summary and Q&A
• - Recap:
• - Importance of a strong thesis statement.
• - Organizing your paper with an outline.
• - Developing coherent and well-supported body
paragraphs.
• - Questions:
• - Open the floor for any questions or clarifications.
• Exercise:
• Ask any remaining questions you have about the pre-
writing process.

18. Conclusion
• Thank you for participating in this session on
the pre-writing process. Remember, a strong
thesis and a well-organized paper are key to
successful writing.
• Contact Information:
• [Your Email]
• [Your Contact Number]

19. Directions: Using your outline/
draft. Finalize your paper. Revise
and edit your paper as much as
possible.