1. HOW TO WRITE AN ESSAY
Planning
Organizing
Drafting
Revising
2. PLANNING
Choose a topic or find an angle of interest in an assigned topic.
Make a research question, such as, “How can I write about math?”
Brainstorm ideas by listing, charting, clustering, or chasing your children
around the room until you think of something.
3. THE MORE TIME YOU SPEND PLANNING,
THE EASIER IT IS TO WRITE.
4. ORGANIZING
Start with an answer to your research question, or thesis, such as: “I can
learn to teach math by overcoming my lifelong struggle with it.”
Jot down the main points of your essay and move them into a logical
order, such as:
Math was hard because I did not understand it, so I got through and forgot it.
Now that I have to help my kid with homework, I need a positive attitude to help him get through.
Acting enthusiastic and working hard will help me appear positive.
6. DRAFTING
Think of an intro that will catch your audience’s interest and establish your thesis: for
example, that time when you cried your eyes out because you thought you could never figure out
what “x” meant. Make sure it leads to your thesis: “Now I’m ready to overcome my struggle with
math.”
Follow your outline, adding the main points and details. Consider what kind of evidence will
best support your thesis. For example, illustrate your enthusiasm by describing a time when you
helped your kid with his homework and nobody cried.
Write a conclusion that answers the “so what” question, that shows why this essay is
meaningful. You might say, “Acting positive will help me be an effective teacher and give my kid a
more positive math experience.”
7. DRAFTING: A LESS SCARY WAY TO SAY “WRITE.”
JUST FOLLOW YOUR OUTLINE AND FILL IN YOUR
INFORMATION.
8. REVISING
Take a break, preferably of a day or two if you’ve given yourself enough
time.
Look at your outline, then reread your essay, moving or adding
paragraphs and sentences as necessary. You may need to add more detail.
Finally, proofread, checking for clear sentences and proper grammar.
