Humanities Homework Help

formulate a thesis/position based on the information you’ve been given. That means looking at the topic from ALL sides and using the research to decide what position is strongest and defendable. Then, like your other essays, you should prewrite to get your ideas together and then outline to plan your structure. However, this is different because you’re going to be using research to defend your points and positions. One thing you need to remember is that this is YOUR essay. The point of the essay is not to just write down what other people have to say and then say, “I agree” or “I disagree.” The point is to write what YOUR position is and then use the research to defend it. Let me introduce you to the “quote sandwich.”

We use “quote sandwich” as a loose term. Imagine that what you have to say is the bread, and the research is the meat (or whatever, if you’re vegetarian). This means that in your body paragraphs (typically, we don’t use research in the introduction, as it’s used to grab attention and introduce the topic/thesis) you should begin with a main idea/topic sentence of your own. Then, in the support, use the research to support that point. But that’s not it. Don’t just assume your audience makes the connection. Use the rest of the paragraph to explain HOW and WHY the research supports your point. Flesh it out. DETAILS.

Also, don’t forget to address the “naysayer.” This means that you have to challenge the opposition. What would they say, and how would you address it. Sometimes, you have to admit that the opposition makes a valid point, but then explain why your argument is better overall. For example, let’s say you believe that marijuana should NOT be legal recreationally; you can still agree that it should be legal for medicinal purposes. Often, the best argument is finding a middle ground.