Webb Society Sponsor's Handbook - "How To" Section On the basis
of common literary shortcomings in papers submitted for the
writing contests, we have prepared the following suggestions for
student writers and their sponsors. These are only suggestions,
so feel free to employ the following ideas only as they apply to
each student's needs. First, it should contain some basic theme,
idea, or thought; this gives unity and coherence to the
student's effort. Second, the first paragraph of the paper
should contain a statement of the basic theme. This prepares the
reader for what is to follow. Third, the major portion of the
paper develops the basic theme. Fourth, each paper should end
with a conclusion. Here the writer draws together--or summarizes
--all the facts that support his proposition. He may also
include an evaluation of the conclusion in the light of the
facts he has presented. Apply the "Sandwich Theory." Items two
through four, represent the "sandwich theory" of literary
composition. For example, a good r