1. What kind of argument can you make about this topic, process, activity, etc.? What themes emerge in your notes and readings? Consider doing further brainstorming, freewriting, etc.
Ex: people assume kids have to be taught how to do things
Kpelle children learn about their culture through play and imitation
2. Develop a thesis statement around which you can organize your observations about the topic, process, activity, etc.
Remember that a thesis statement must be specific, arguable, and not a question.
Ex: Kpelle children learn how to be competent participants in the typical activities and relationships of their culture without any direct instruction from parents or other adults. Observation, imitation, and practice prepare them for their adult roles and responsibilities.
3. List and organize your supportive evidence. Make a rough outline of major points and support.
Ex: List of evidence
· children play around the home as their parents and older siblings work
· girls make piles of dirt and use sticks to play at pounding rice; no one gave them a pestle or showed them how to use it
· young boys see older boys with cash to spend and choose to hang around while the older boys make mats
· adults believe that when children are mature and motivated enough, and if they choose to make the effort, they will learn
Organizing schema (for outline)
· follow a time line – changes over time, steps in an event or interaction, experiences as people age
· topically – simple tasks to more difficult ones, for example
4. Draft the paper.
5. Revise (then revise, then revise); edit; proofread.
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