1. Stages of Writing an Essay
I. Planning (Prewriting)
A. Understand the Assignment
1. Purpose
• To inform
• To persuade
• To evaluate
2. Audience
• Instructor is audience: Looking for accurate
information, standard grammar and correct
spelling, logically presented ideas, support for
your claims, and full, accurate documentation.
3. Length
• Will be indicated with each assignment.
Planning

2. Stages of Writing an Essay
I. Planning (Prewriting)
4. Topic
• Topic must fit assignment.
• Prewriting techniques will help you narrow your
topic.
5. Review
• Smarthinking Login in Blackboard will be used as
a resource to review your rough draft.
6. Knowledge
• Assignment will indicate if you are limited to your
own knowledge or allowed to use outside
resources.
7. Format
• MLA Style Documentation will be used for all
papers.
Planning

3. B. Creating (Prewriting) Techniques
1. Reading (Google possible topics and read about them for general
information).
2. Freewriting (Explore what you know about a topic by writing your
thoughts).
3. Clustering (Mapping, Designing) (Pages 562-563 of St. Martin’s
Guide)
4. Listing (Page 564 of St. Martin’s Guide).
5. Cubing (Page 568 of St. Martin’s Guide).
6. Dialoguing (Page 569 of St. Martin’s Guide).
7. Looping (Page 572 of St. Martin’s Guide)
8. Questioning (Page 572 of St. Martin’s Guide).
Planning

4. II. Shaping
A. Thesis Statement
1. States the main idea of the essay
2. Indicates a purpose
3. Includes a focus
4. Uses clear, specific language
5. Does more than state the subject, state a fact, or
make an announcement.
6. May or may not include major points.
B. Informal Outline
1. Arrange notes into categories
2. Add additional information if needed
3. Arrange ideas in a logical order
Shaping

5. III. Drafting
A. Rough Draft
1. Use outline as a guide.
2. Write quickly.
3. Do not worry about grammar or
punctuation.
4. Write notes to self
• Indicate where you need research.
• Indicate where you need examples.
Drafting

6. IV. Revising
To change content. To change not only what you say
but how you say it.
A. Read the essay
1. Be systematic
2. Have someone else read the essay
3. Read the paper out loud
B. Check the whole essay
1. Introduction
• Thesis
Revising

7. • Capture interest
o Quote
o Question
o Definition
o Controversial Statement
2. Body
• Does every paragraph have a topic sentence?
• Does every paragraph have enough supporting
details?
• Does each paragraph have unity?
Revising

8. 2. Body
• Does each paragraph have coherence?
o Logical sequence
o Transitional words – shows how ideas
connect
• Parallel Structure
o Use of matching words, phrases, clauses, or
sentence structure for similar ideas.
• Repetition
3. Conclusion
• Begin w/review of main points.
• End with a sentence readers will remember.
Revising

9. V. Editing
A. Concentrate on
grammar, spelling, punctuation, and mechanics.
B. Check carefully for major errors
• Run-ons
• Fragments
• Verb Errors
• Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
Editing

10. VI. Proofreading
A. Reread every word to make sure you have not
missed any errors.
• Read your paper aloud.
• Have a friend read your paper aloud to you.
• Read silently word by word, using your finger
or a sheet of paper to help you keep your
place.
• Read your paper’s sentences in reverse
order, beginning with the last sentence.
Editing