With your outline and note cards in front of you, write the first draft of your paper in one sitting. It is important to arrange your information in logical order. The opening paragraph of the research paper is important. It introduces the subject, sets the tone, states the thesis, and provides the reader with adequate background information. As you write the first draft, you must document. Transfer the author's last name and page number from the note card to your paper, and enclose this information in parentheses. This information should be placed at the end of paraphrased or quoted material.

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