Student overview (by students):

In preparing to write, use your previous experience along with new text evidence, books, articles, on-line resources.

Make mental notes and think of initial ideas to complete the brainstorming.

Convey your thoughts and ideas onto a piece of paper in a fashion that features a beginning, middle and end.

Beginning: should introduce your leading idea

Middle: present your evidence and develop your ideas

End: close perspective on the idea, repeat thesis statement

There are two types of outlines, informal and formal. An informal outline is simply a personal barrage of thoughts organized according to your personal preference. A formal outline follows a logical path in connecting the informal ideas in order to portray your writing.

Drafting & Revising

Drafting comprises of the tedious process required to achieve the desired message. You need a good thesis statement at the beginning. If no better design comes to mind, organize your paper into three parts: thesis (you say what supports your or certain arguments), antithesis (you try to question the supporting arguments and try to find opposing ideas, and the synthesis, where you make a final choice between them.

Revising is the final process in which you must review your work and rethink your objective in targeting the audience and getting your message across. Drafting and revising may also lead to subsequent ideas and further fine-tuning.

Basic Guidelines

Be sure the paragraphs deliver the message you are trying to get across.

Revise for clarity and ease of reading.

Analyze your evidence; be sure it is accurate and appropriate for the topic.