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Requirements for the Final Paper
These are the basics for what I require in your final 5 – 7 paged paper.
1. A minimum of 5 citations/references
2. Please use the MLA format (the official MATC format for writing papers)
3. Your cover page and citation/reference pages are not part of the 5 – 7 pages of the
actual paper
4. The paper should be written in Times New Roman with a 12-font size.

The Basic Outline of a Paper
The following outline shows a basic format for most academic papers. No matter what length the paper
needs to be, it should still follow the format of having an introduction, body, and conclusion. Read over
what typically goes in each section of the paper. Use the back of this handout to outline information for
your specific paper.
I. Introduction
The introduction should have some of the following elements, depending on the type of paper:

Start with an attention grabber: a short story, example, statistic, or historical
context that introduces the paper topic

Give an overview of any issues involved with the subject

Define of any key terminology need to understand the topic

Quote or paraphrase sources revealing the controversial nature of the subject
(argumentative papers only)

Highlight background information on the topic needed to understand the direction
of the paper

Write an antithesis paragraph, presenting the primary opposing views
(argumentative paper only)
The introduction must end with a THESIS statement (a 1 to 2 sentences in length):

Tell what the overall paper will focus on

Briefly outline the main points in the paper
II. Body

Clearly present the main points of the paper as listed in the thesis

Give strong examples, details, and explanations to support each main points

If an argumentative paper, address any counterarguments and refute those arguments

If a research paper, use strong evidence from sources—paraphrases, summaries, and
quotations that support the main points
III. Conclusion

Restate your thesis from the introduction in different words

Briefly summarize each main point found in the body of the paper (avoid going over 2
sentences for each point)

Give a statement of the consequences of not embracing the position (argumentative paper
only)

End with a strong clincher statement: an appropriate, meaningful final sentence that ties the
whole point of the paper together (may refer back to the attention grabber)
Additional Tips
Decide on the thesis and main points first
You do not need to start writing your paper with the introduction
Try writing the thesis and body first; then go back and figure out how to best introduce the body
and conclude the paper
Use transitions between main points and between examples within the main points
Always keep your thesis in the forefront of your mind while writing; everything in your paper
must point back to the thesis
Use the back of this handout to make an outline of your paper