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1. The Subject/Main
idea
- What are you writing about?
- What is your focus?
2. Brainstorm
- Look through the reading material.
- Select details, examples and ideas that pertain to
your subject/main idea.
- Organize your material by topic.
- Make connections between the ideas, examples, and
details.
3. Outline
- Write a thesis statement. The thesis is your
argument statement and the organizing statement for
your essay. Your essay will develop and prove your
thesis.
- Select the main points that support your thesis.
Each point (topic) will be developed in its own
paragraph.
- Find examples and details to support each
point.
- The outline can be in note form or diagramed.
Thesis statement:
______________________________________________
Topic sentence 1:____________________
examples
details
Topic sentence 2:____________________
examples
details
Topic sentence 3:____________________
examples
details
4. Draft
Write out the draft in full, once you have the content
worked out in the outline. Remember to develop the
introduction and the conclusion. Write a second draft if
necessary.
5. Edit for content
(see Editing an Essay)
Read for logic. Check that your thesis is concise, that
your topic sentences are clear, and that the examples
support your points. Check for logical transitions between
points and paragraphs.
6. Edit for
expression (see Editing an
Essay )
Read for flow and correct expression of your ideas. Check
spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. Eliminate
repetition and wordiness.
7. Proofread
Check for typing and printing mistakes.
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