Now that you have developed one main point of your research paper (with subpoints and evidence), you are ready to write the rest of your paper--ALL of it! This will include developing your other two main points as well as writing an introduction and conclusion. We'll call this the "First Version" of your research paper.

Why is it called a first version? Because unless you are a very unusual writer whose papers come out perfect the first time you write, you will need to revise and develop your research paper further. More versions will follow.

Multiple versions are a fact of life for any writer who has ever travelled the Main Journey of writing an argumentative paper. For instance, the page you are looking at underwent several revisions before coming to its present state. Even the "Declaration of Independence," one of the most powerfully argumentative documents every written, was not "perfect" on Thomas Jefferson's first try. Other readers told Jefferson it needed work, as your readers will probably tell you. Sometimes a lot more research, reading, and writing is needed before you are able to fully develop your thesis and main points.

But first, let's learn what is required for your First Version, as well as what makes a first version so different from other versions of your research paper.