Start Early:  Put your thoughts on paper long before you expect to turn in the assignment. At this stage, do not worry about your prose.  Have a conversation about your ideas with someone in class.  After "sleeping on it," return to the argument to see if it still convinces you.

Outline: Start with an outline of the paper. Even a rough map of where you are going is better than none at all.

Example:


I. Introduction
II. State Hobbes' social contract argument
III. Offer my objection bases on altruism
IV. Consider a possible reply by Hobbes (e.g., that data about altruism is illusory)
V. Give a counter-reply to Hobbes' move that argues that altruism is evolutionarily adaptive.

You may even divide your paper up according to your outline, with section headings in the text.

Introductory paragraph:  Do not settle on an introductory paragraph until the paper is in its final form.

Revision: Expect to revise the paper several times before you turn it in.

Computer vs. Handwritten vs. Typed: Some people compose their papers on computer. Others write on paper first, and then type out the finished product on computer or typewriter. Follow your own habit here, but composing directly on a typewriter is usually not a good idea.