The WRITERTIME Non-Fiction Primer
Concepts from A Student Writer's Companion,
our guide given to all of our students
The Boxcars
Imagine your piece of writing as a freight train. The train has seven main cars starting with #1, the engine — the beginning. A good start creates tension for readers and invites them to read on.
Adding Boxcars + Staying on Track
After a strong beginning you explain #2, what to expect, #3 a history of the subject and #4, various viewpoints. Next comes #5, summary, then #6, future relevance. These boxcars remind the reader what you've written and why it's important going forward.
Completing the Train + Supporting the Freight
The caboose, #7, returns your reader to the beginning with some especially memorable words.
Now the supporting information is added. This is where quotations come in. By doing the research and using authoritative sources you'll add credibility to your position.