- 1). Brainstorm an opinion. Think about the issue, and then quickly decide what you think about it. Most people have an immediate, emotional reaction to an issue; base your paper on this feeling. If you feel skeptical about America's role in the Vietnam war, focus your paper on this perspective. If your reaction to Hamlet is that he's nuts or that his speech seems random and purposeless, use this as the basis for your paper.
- 2). Formulate your visceral reaction into a coherent, intelligent-sounding thesis statement. "America's intervention in Vietnam had negative consequences" or "Hamlet's insanity leads to his downfall." This statement will focus the outline of your essay and your research, if the assignment requires research.
- 3). Jot down three major reasons for your opinion that come to your mind on a scrap piece of paper. Write in point-form, unfinished sentences, or even just use one word for each reason, as time is of the essence. "Speech," "actions" and "relationships" could be three reasons to support a thesis that Hamlet's insanity causes his tragic death.
- 4). Research only enough to support your three main points, if necessary. Instead of researching "the Vietnam war," which will produce thousands of sources, search for specific information, such as the number of casualties or the reasons given for entering the war.
- 5). Type up the body of your essay as soon as you have gathered sufficient research. Explain your major ideas and use the research you have gathered to support them. Follow the standard five paragraph, point-proof-explanation method. This method is simple and you don't have time to think about creative organization.
- 6). Craft a brief, standard introduction that introduces the topic and then states your opinion on it, along with your three major points. You may not have time to find an attention-grabbing quote or fact to begin the introduction with, but if you stick to the basics, your paper will still read logically and coherently.
- 7). Write a conclusion that is a condensed and paraphrased reverse of the introduction. That is, start with your thesis and major points, and then end with a brief discussion of the topic. Use different words so you are not simply copying the introduction.
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