The following is a common structure for scholarly papers (at least in the social sciences and humanities). Following this structure is not mandatory, so do not feel pressured to adhere to it exactly. Instead, it is a suggested guide to help plan and draft your paper.
Introduction:
-Briefly outline the topic on which you are writing. State why you have selected this topic.
-Most importantly, state your thesis clearly. While this may not be a traditional thesis statement, since
this is a critical reflection and not a traditional research paper, as stated in class, this assignment is
designed to 1) emphasize the importance of context, personal and historical and 2) push you into
using critical thinking, moving beyond just describing surface-level facts and into interpretation-
through-analysis. A thesis is the answer to the question you are asking, it is not a question itself,
it is not the subject you are examining; it is the conclusion you have arrived at due to your
research and analysis. It is an argument, not an opinion, meaning it is based in analysis and
evidence.
-State your main sub-topics (or evidence) you will use to prove your thesis. It can help your own
organization to state each in the order they will appear in the paper.
Body of Essay:
-Series of paragraphs containing a balance of description (i.e., outlining facts pertinent to your
argument) and analysis (i.e., interpreting and evaluating the information you have examined). The
analysis should always tie back to your main argument/thesis. This is the “thread” that connects each
section of your essay.
-Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence (i.e., what is this paragraph about). That paragraph
should be about this topic, not about five other topics. It should then end with a transition into the next
paragraph, which will be related to but different from the previous paragraph.
-There is no exact rule regarding paragraph length. Paragraphs are usually between 7-9 complete
sentences.
Conclusion:
-Reiterate your thesis in different wording.
-Reiterate your main points that support your thesis.
-Can engage in educated speculation (e.g., “This topic will undoubtedly remain important in
discussions of Canadian identity….) without being too generalized.
-Conclusions should not introduce new evidence or argumentation.
Citations:
-You may use any citation system you want. You must provide citations for any information that you
are aware is not your own and/or for any direct quotations or paraphrasing you use. Citations are for
providing credit to other authors, demonstrate you are engaging with a broader scholarly conversation,
and allow readers to easily find the information you provided.
-A bibliography does not count as a citation. It is just a list of sources used.
