Write down topics that you will include in your paper. Develop a central argument for your paper that you will write your other ideas around, and write it out as a thesis statement. This is a specific idea that you will discuss throughout your paper.
Launch a word processor and set the paragraph spacing to "double." In OpenOffice.org Writer, do this by selecting "Format", "Paragraph" and "Double" under "Line Spacing".
Type the author's name, professor's name, class, and date at the top, left side of the paper. Press "Enter" in between each item. After the date, press "Enter" again, press "Center Align" and type the title of your paper in quotation marks. Press "Enter" again.
Hit the "Left Align" button located at the top of your word processor to reset the alignment. Now press "Numbering On/Off" to activate Roman numerals. An "I" should appear on your screen. Type out "Introduction" and hit "Enter".
Press the "Tab" key and type out your introductory sentence. This sentence should introduce in a broad sense what your paper will be about.
Press "Enter" and the "Tab" key to indent your next line. Type the supporting argument for your introductory sentence. Supporting sentences will help narrow down the introductory sentence and lead readers towards the thesis of your paper, which comes at the end of the introductory paragraph.
Press "Enter" again and hold "Shift" and press "Tab" to adjust the indent of your paper. It should now be aligned with the indentation of your introduction sentence. Type your thesis statement now, and press "Enter".
Hold "Shift" and press "Tab" to align your indent with the first line labeled "Introduction". Now type "Main Body" and press "Enter".
Press "Tab" to indent the next line. Type the main topic of your first body paragraph, which should address your thesis statement. Discuss ideas that will defend your points.
Repeat the format as you continue to develop the body of your paper. Label the last section of your paper "Conclusion". Use this space to reinforce the idea from your thesis statement.