<p>I need to write a term paper, but my writing skills are very weak. Even after writing term papers in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade, I am still unsure of some key things. When I’m writing a “body” paragraph with evidence that supports my thesis, what do I include as an ‘opinion’?</p>
<p>I’ll illustrate an example:</p>
<p>Thesis: “State laws should change the legal driving age from 16 to 18.”</p>
<p>Evidence (in a paragraph): “Studies show that 18 year olds have more developed judgment skills than do 16 year olds.”</p>
<p>What can I put after that sentence? What would a normal ‘opinion’ sentence be? My past term papers would have said something like this:</p>
<p>“Judgment skills are an important part of operating a vehicle. When one’s judgement skills aren’t fully developed, there is a greater chance of behavior that could lead to deadly consequences.”</p>
<p>Is that perfectly fine? What can I do to improve it? That’s considered common knowledge, correct? Help!!</p>
<p>I think your example of past papers is fine. Then just discuss your evidence and why it supports that statement.</p>
<p>Just write. Do your research and just do it. I find that my papers turn out far better if I just shirk planning or overanalyzing. After I am finished, I proofread and make necessary adjustments. </p>
<p>Your thesis is fairly simplistic as far as diction; it is advisable to “beef it up” a little. As you write, you don’t need to explain something like judgement, which is a pretty elementary hypothetical term-it is basically common knowledge. As you write, state a contention and support it with facts or logic. Give examples and synthesize them with your idea. You are trying to presuade someone, so approach it like you are speaking to them. Examples are always the best way to convey an idea in an attempt to do just this. </p>
<p>As you write, vary your sentence structure and length as well. Don’t be too simplistic, but don’t be too complex either-a lack of consistency diction-wise breaks any monotony in the paper and supplements and improves the fluency. Also, don’t “tell” the intended audience-present your case and avoid telling “you” what he/she thinks or feels. Your opening paragraph should expertly outline your paper, and your thesis should be firm, yet subtle. Don’t fall into the trap of throwing a few lines at the beginning without much substance and then inserting the thesis-this paragraph is often the most important and it must present your position on the idea, but also be cohesive with the rest of the paper. The best way to form a cohesive and structured paper is to just write. Sure, graphic organizers can help, but if you trust your ideas and put write as they come, your paper will seem less rigid and formulated structurally.</p>
<p>Hope I helped.</p>
<p>Thanks for the great advice!</p>
<p>I don’t want my paper to seem frivolous, because I’ve always been under the impression that term paper should be more factual (and boring) rather than creative. However, my introduction begins with a situation that really “hooks” the reader in. I’m writing about the Great Depression, so I began with a glimpse of the life of a typical, unemployed American in that day. From here, I slowly shifted to my thesis statement. It’s been an entire year since I’ve written a term paper, so I forget what I should do in the introduction exactly, but I just need some second opinions on this.</p>
<p>How does this sound?</p>