How To Write A Current Event Paper
How do you write about a current event? Writing a current event essay involves selecting a topical and interesting healthcare issue, researching it through credible sources, and then analyzing and discussing it in a structured format. This task combines staying informed about the latest developments in healthcare with sharpening your analytical and writing skills.
This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to write a current event essay, to equip nursing professionals and students with critical skills and articulating insights on contemporary healthcare issues.
What is a Current Event Essay?
A current event essay is a written piece that analyzes and reflects on recent happenings or developments in a specific field. This type of essay involves researching a timely topic, critically evaluating the information, and presenting an informed perspective or argument. It connects theoretical knowledge with real-world occurrences, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter in a current and practical context.
Writing a Current Event Essay – The Steps
Writing a current event essay outlines a series of methodical and practical steps that guide you and ensure your essay is well-researched, informative, engaging, and reflective of your critical thinking skills. Let’s explore these steps to understand how to effectively navigate the process of writing a current event essay.
Select a Topic You Find Interesting
When selecting a topic for your current event essay, choose one that piques your interest. This could be a recent development in medical technology, a significant shift in healthcare policies, an ongoing health crisis, or any other newsworthy issue within the healthcare sector.
The key is to pick a subject that holds your attention and is relevant. This approach ensures that your engagement and passion for the topic shine through in your writing, leading to a more insightful and compelling essay. This will make the research and writing process more enjoyable and less tedious.
Choose a Reputable News Source and Select an Article
It’s important to select a source that is known for its reliability and accuracy, especially in the fields of healthcare and nursing. Look for well-established news articles, medical journals, or healthcare websites that are respected for their factual reporting. Once you’ve identified a trustworthy source, choose an article that offers in-depth information on your chosen topic.
Ensure the article is current, as this adds relevance and immediacy to your essay. A comprehensive article will provide a solid foundation of facts, opinions, and perspectives, essential for building a well-informed and nuanced argument in your essay.
Read the Selected Article and Take Notes
Reading the selected news article and taking notes is pivotal in crafting your current event essay. Begin by thoroughly reading the article, ensuring you understand the key points and underlying details. As you read, actively highlight or underline significant information and data that directly relates to your chosen topic. Taking notes is equally important in this phase.
Write down observations, interesting facts, quotes, or any sections that you find particularly relevant or thought-provoking for your essay. These notes will serve as the backbone for your analysis and discussion, helping you to construct a well-argued, evidence-based essay.
Develop a Thesis Statement and Hook for Your Essay
Your thesis should concisely articulate your perspective or argument regarding the current event in nursing. It serves as the guiding framework for your essay, around which all your arguments and evidence will revolve. A well-crafted thesis not only states your position but also gives the reader a main idea of how you will approach the topic.
Create an engaging hook that relates to your topic. It should intrigue the reader and make them want to read more. A strong hook sets the tone for your analysis and demonstrates the relevance and urgency of the topic you are discussing. Combining a clear thesis with an engaging hook lays a solid foundation for a compelling and thought-provoking essay.
Select the Sources You Are Going to Use to Support the Thesis
Beyond the initial article, look for reputable academic journals, books, and peer-reviewed sources that align with your chosen topic and thesis statement. These sources provide important points, credibility, and depth to your analysis by offering different perspectives and expert opinions. They also demonstrate that your essay is well-researched and grounded in scholarly knowledge.
Additionally, ensure that the sources you choose are current, reflecting the latest developments in healthcare, as this adds relevance and accuracy to your essay. Integrating various sources into your essay allows you to explore multiple facets of the current event, enriching your understanding and enabling you to present a well-rounded view in your essay.
Create an Outline
An outline serves as the roadmap that guides the structure and flow of your essay. Organize your thoughts and research findings into a coherent framework. Your outline should contain three main sections: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.
In the introduction, briefly introduce your chosen topic, provide context, and present your thesis statement. The body of your essay should be divided into several sections, each addressing a specific aspect or supporting argument related to your thesis.
Use your research sources to provide evidence and support for each section. The conclusion should summarize your main points, restate your thesis, and leave the reader with a lasting impression or thought-provoking statement.
Write the First Draft
Utilize your outline as a guide, ensuring that each paragraph seamlessly connects to the next and effectively supports your thesis statement. Start with the introduction, where you introduce the topic, provide context, and present your thesis statement clearly and concisely.
Each body section from the first paragraph should explore a specific aspect or supporting argument related to your thesis. Use the research sources you’ve gathered to provide evidence and support for your points. Ensure that your paragraphs flow logically and that there are smooth transitions between them.
In the conclusion, summarize your main points and restate your thesis, leaving the reader with a strong sense of the significance of your analysis. Writing the first draft is an essential step in the process, as it allows you to bring your ideas together cohesively and begin shaping your essay into a coherent and persuasive piece of writing.
Proofread and Edit the Essay
Start by thoroughly reviewing your essay for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation issues. Pay attention to sentence structure and clarity, ensuring your ideas are concisely and coherently expressed. Maintaining a professional tone throughout your essay is essential, as well as avoiding any language that may be overly informal or unclear.
Correctly cite your sources according to the citation style required by your institution or publication guidelines. Proper citations give credit to the original authors and enhance the credibility and integrity of your essay. Carefully check that all in-text citations match the references in your bibliography or works cited page.
Tips for Writing a Current Event Paper
When writing a current event paper in nursing, following some key tips for a successful and impactful essay is essential. These tips encompass staying objective, citing sources accurately, maintaining relevance, engaging the reader, and ensuring your analysis is informative and compelling.
- Maintain objectivity and avoid personal bias in your analysis.
- Properly cite all your sources for credibility and academic integrity.
- Focus on recent developments to keep your paper relevant.
- Relate the current event to nursing practices, theories, or ethics.
- Present a well-rounded analysis, acknowledging different viewpoints.
- Include only information that directly relates to your topic or thesis.
- Create an engaging introduction to capture the reader’s interest.
- Edit your paper for grammar, clarity, and professionalism.
Final Tips
Understanding how to write a current event essay is a valuable skill in the field of nursing. It lets you stay informed about the latest healthcare developments while honing your critical thinking and writing abilities.
By following a structured process and keeping these guidelines in mind, you can effectively craft engaging and informative current event essays that contribute to your professional growth and deepen your connection with the nursing profession. Happy writing!
