Explaining a Concept

In the Explaining a Concept Paper, you will simply want to explain a concept of your choice, using research to support your explanations/definitions. it should accomplish the following:
*Inform your particular audience about a specific subject.
*Present information confidently and efficiently.
*Use established information for support, as well as personal “evidence” (if applicable) such as short anecdotes and examples from your own experience, or the experience of others.
*Maintain an informative tone (not an argumentative tone, as this is not an argumentative or persuasive paper).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Papers on the following topics will not be accepted:
* abortion
* capital punishment
* euthanasia

Structure
In general, this paper should follow the basic research paper format: Introduction, Body, Conclusion. However, here’s a more specific outline:
1.) List your audience at the top of your paper, before your title. Who are your intended readers? You can name a specific group of people (for instance, “New parents”) or you can name a publication that you think your paper would be appropriate for (for instance, Time Magazine or Outdoor Life).
2.) Introduction. This is the place where you need to engage the reader. In journalism, this is referred to as the “hook.” How can you hook your readers? How can you grab their interests so that they want to keep reading?
There are several ways to hook the reader. You can start with a question, you can alter your tone (see the first paragraph of “Love”), you can use a quote (also see the beginning of “Love”), or you can tell a story (see the beginning of “Cannibalism.”) Your introduction and hook may take only one paragraph, or it may take several, as the example essays demonstrated.
3.) State your thesis. This is the place where you come right out and tell the reader what you are going to be offering them. (See paragraph 2 in “Love” and paragraph 5 in “Cannibalism.”)
4.) Orient your readers to your concept. In other words, describe or define your concepts, so that your readers can understand what you’re talking about specifically.
5.) Provide information about your concept. Use strategies such as comparison/contrast, process narration, etc., and use examples as appropriate. (See the body portions of the example essays “Love” and “Cannibalism.”)
6.) Conclusion. This is where you want to wrap things up for the reader. You may even make some reference back to the beginning of the paper, or restate your points. (See the last paragraphs of “Love” and Cannibalism.”