- 1). Gather information. Ask your teacher for some references to get started. Check out your local and school libraries as well. Usually the reference desk librarian will be glad to help you. Once you have a couple of resources, look at the footnotes or Works Cited pages to find more helpful resources. Also look for information online, such as at the Environmental Protection Agency's website.
- 2). Write on the index cards any facts or opinions that pique your interest. Be sure to include the source information so you will be able to attribute the fact to the proper place. Categorize your cards as you go. For example, group together all those relating to glaciers and then all those relating to 1950s climate change opinions, and so on.
- 3). Formulate your thesis. Look through the notes you've produced on your index cards. Do they spark any unique ideas? Can you draw any conclusion from them that isn't factual but could be supported by facts? Think about the theses in the resource essays and books you've been reading. Could you alter any of those to formulate your own unique conclusion? If you're having trouble coming up with a thesis, ask yourself some questions, such as, "How does climate change affect our world?" or "What should be our response to it?"
- 4). Write your outline. Start with your thesis, and then state each point that will back up that thesis. Each point should form at least one paragraph.
- 5). Write your first draft. Don't worry about spelling or punctuation right now -- just concentrate on getting your thoughts down. Write the introduction with your thesis, then explain each of your main points and how they back up your thesis, using at least one paragraph per point. Then restate your thesis, pulling your entire essay together at the end.
- 6). Revise the draft, correcting any spelling and punctuation mistakes. Give your essay to someone knowledgeable for a second opinion and helpful hints before turning it in.
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