Starting a theme can be difficult, even for the most experienced writers. Stopping at the beginning of the process could slow you down and even prevent you from writing the text. However, understanding how to organize ideas, develop the thesis and the introduction and then continue writing will help you successfully complete your theme.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Understanding the Task of the Theme
Step 1. Learn to read the theme track
While the traces may vary based on who prepares them, most of them contain similar information. At first they might seem complex, especially if they are rich in information, but knowing what you are looking for can help you decipher them.
- Most of the tracks begin with some contextual information on the topic of the theme. While they may seem superfluous, read them carefully as they may give you some clues about your teacher's expectations.
- The "end" of the topic is usually formulated with verbs such as summarize, describe, compare, show the differences, analyze and / or argue. These verbs will help you understand the kind of text the trace requires.
- Sometimes the track provides a list of questions or suggestions for further reflection. Read this part carefully - sometimes the questions and suggestions may just be a way to give you a hint, but other times you may need to stick to them throughout the topic.
- Many tracks end with a list of formatting requests; the most common are "12-point font", "double-spaced" and "margins of 2.5 cm", but the trace may have others as well. Try to stick to all requirements in your final paper! Otherwise you would risk lowering the theme score.
Step 2. Try to understand the track thoroughly
Knowing your teacher's expectations perfectly is the first step in starting the topic successfully. You should read the track as soon as it is delivered to you.
- Read the questions or suggestions several times. Maybe you should rewrite the track in your own words to make sure you understand it. Paraphrasing it can be useful for remembering and interpreting information more effectively.
- If you have several tracks to choose from, pick the one you like the most or think you can write about in more detail.
- If you are confused or uncertain about your teacher's expectations, ask him or her about clarification.
Step 3. Ask him what the evaluation criteria are
Find out if there is an evaluation grid for the topic and ask to see it in advance to understand the criteria by which your text will be evaluated. This can help you understand what you should focus on most.
Step 4. Find at least two ideas
If the track of the theme is free and you have to choose the topic, work out several ideas and then choose the one from which you think the best theme can come up: it may not be the first idea that jumps to your mind.
The ideal topic for a theme must be broad enough to allow you to dissect it, but not to the point of preventing you from saying something meaningful. A theme on "Shakespeare's Influence" is too vast; you could write dozens of books focusing on this topic. On the contrary, a theme on "Shakespeare's influence on the most common English sayings" is more restricted, but offers you enough ideas to think about
Part 2 of 5: Write a Draft of Your Theme
Step 1. Consider the purpose of your theme
Is it to convince the reader of something? Share an experience? Present a critical analysis of a text or image? Knowing your goal will help you determine how to best organize your ideas.
Step 2. Write a draft to let your ideas flow freely
The best way to start a theme is to give free rein to your ideas in a format other than the theme. The draft can take different forms and you will have to experiment to find the one that will help you the most.
- Free writing, a process by which you simply write what comes to your mind without worrying about grammar or punctuation or even the main topic, could be a great way to start giving birth to ideas. It may also help you "find" your thesis.
- A simple list might be all you need. Write a list of the subtopics or details you want to include in the topic.
- A concept map can be a useful guide for visual learners. In the center of the map is your main topic or thesis, while the other ideas branch out in all directions.
Step 3. Remember your target audience
As you write, think about what you might need if you were reading the topic. If it is a historical theme, what would be the right context for your topic? If it is a narrative text, what information would you need to give the impression of having personally lived the experience narrated?
Step 4. Know that the draft doesn't have to be perfect
One of the main causes of writer's block is to demand perfection before you even write a word. Don't censor yourself while writing the draft. Try to avoid negative thoughts like "It doesn't make any sense" or "I can't express what I mean". Write down anything that comes to your mind!
Step 5. Write a traditional draft
If you've opted for any of the methods listed above, reorganize the content and add the details by creating a draft. A traditional draft is the ideal format for elaborating ideas down to the smallest detail and organizing the entire theme.
- Start each section of the draft with the main point. Indicate each section with a Roman numeral, for example: I) Puppies are tender.
- Provide at least two secondary points for each main point. Designate each of them with a capital letter, for example: A) Pups seem affectionate, B) Pups behave lovingly.
- Provide at least two details for each subpoint. Indicate details with a number, for example: A-1) Puppies have sweet expressions, A-2) Puppies are small and small things usually cause tenderness; B-1) Pups play and roll all the time, making people laugh, B-2) Pups are very fond and lick their owners to show their affection.
- Each level should be indented to the right of the previous level.
Step 6. Read the draft
Make sure everything makes sense and rearrange or swap sections if necessary. Make each section include a similar number of details and add more details to the less developed parts.
Part 3 of 5: Developing the Argument for a Thesis
Step 1. Determine the kind of paper you need to write
The thesis changes according to the type of text: analytical, argumentative or expository. Reflecting on the verbs used in the outline and the purpose of the theme will help you define the direction to follow.
- An argumentative thesis expresses a point of view (a version of the facts) in addition to introducing the topic.
- An expository thesis introduces the information that will be illustrated in the paper.
- An analytical thesis introduces the topic and contextualizes the reason for the analysis.
Step 2. Try to understand the function of the argumentation of the thesis
It should provide an answer to the question "So what?". Ask yourself how the argumentation or analysis can make it easier for the reader to understand.
Step 3. Think about what you want to say
The development of the argumentation of the thesis represents an important part of the drafting of the paper. If you try to write it before you've thought about or researched your topic, you're unlikely to be successful.
- Refer to the draft and try to find relationships between the ideas presented.
- Reflect on the task of the theme and on what you really want to express: the argumentation of the thesis is probably somewhere between the two.
Step 4. Use a basic argument
If you have difficulty in this step or if you fear that the pressure of writing a perfect argument prevents you from starting, try to start with a basic argument. This will allow you to move forward without blocking yourself, with the knowledge that you can go back and change the thesis.
Step 5. Write the argumentation of your thesis
Remember that you can always revise or change the shape later, so don't waste too much time finding the right words.
- The thesis should answer the question posed by the theme suggestion (if there is one).
- The argument of a thesis is usually the last sentence of the introduction, but sometimes it can be the first sentence of the text.
- Do not set the argumentation of the thesis in the form of a question.
Step 6. Avoid the tripolar thesis
A typical example of a tripolar thesis could be: "Puppies have positive effects on health because they are tender, affectionate and economical". The use of these arguments could significantly limit the processing of the text, as you may feel the need to use only one paragraph to discuss each point rather than develop your ideas in the most appropriate way.
Part 4 of 5: Writing Your Introduction
Step 1. Consider writing the introduction at the end
If you feel blocked by the introduction and this prevents you from writing the rest of the paper, skip it for the moment. Simply write the argumentation of your thesis at the top of the page and move on to the central paragraphs.
- It may be easier to write the introduction after you finish the text and understand what you really want to communicate.
- It is more important to get to the heart of the text than to write each part in the expected order.
Step 2. Remember the purpose of an introduction
This should introduce the topic, establish the argument, and offer the reader the context of the topic. If the sentences in the introduction do not help achieve any of the above goals, they are probably superfluous.
Step 3. Write a catchy opening sentence
Often, the first sentence of the text serves to attract the attention of the public. There are several ways to start a theme that might be useful to novice writers, but some academics don't like the most common and popular ones. Here are some ideas:
- A statistic (particularly one that might surprise the reader) can be a good way to start some kinds of papers. Make sure the statistics come from reliable sources, such as your school library database.
- A story or a personal anecdote told in detail can attract the reader, but it should be relevant to the subject matter and you will need to connect it explicitly to the argumentation of your thesis. It may not be suitable for a formal theme.
- A quote from a famous person could be an excellent introduction. However, as this method has been overused, it tries to twist it by using a surprising quote, contradicting the quote, or using it in a new context. Again you will need to explicitly link the citation to your thesis.
- Clarifying a paradox or a strange conundrum might attract the reader by questioning something that is usually taken for granted.
- Try to avoid introductions that start with a dictionary definition or question.
- Avoid excessively used and useless phrases such as "from the beginning of time" or "throughout the history of humanity".
Step 4. Move from the opening sentence to the thesis
You will need to explain the context of the opening sentence to move on to the thesis of the paper. If the opening sentence is long, as in the case of a detailed personal anecdote, the passage could be rendered through a sentence such as: "this experience led me to believe …". If the opening sentence is shorter, as in the case of statistical data, you will have to write 3-4 sentences to explain them and move on to the argumentation of the thesis.
Part 5 of 5: Writing Your Theme
Step 1. Give yourself time to write
If you wait until the last minute to start the topic, you will feel greater stress and the pressure of having to write in a short amount of time could make you freeze. You also need time to review your work, so starting early will help you develop the theme.
Step 2. Sit down and write
The best way to write is to write. Simply start writing your ideas and set a specific goal for a specific time frame.
- Setting a time goal (like 2 hours to write) is often more helpful than setting a production one (like 2 pages or 400 words).
- Many people use the "tomato technique", which consists of concentrating without indulging in any distraction for 25 minutes and then taking a 5 minute break.
Step 3. Keep typing even when you feel stuck
Sometimes trying to make a sentence or section perfect can prevent you from continuing to write.
- If you find yourself stuck on a certain sentence, write a tentative one and move on.
- You could differentiate these sentences by putting them in parentheses or by highlighting them in the word processor (or on the paper if you are writing the draft by hand).
Step 4. Review the provisional sentences
When you have finished the first draft, go back to the parts or phrases you skipped and complete them. It will be easier to revise your theme if these parts are complete.
Advice
Choose a topic that interests you, if possible. It will be easier to write a text on a topic that catches your interest
Warnings
- Set aside enough time to review the paper, especially if you have left many parts incomplete - don't forget to go back and edit them.
- Try not to waste too much time thinking. If you think too much, you may not have the time to write.
