The 5 Steps of Essay Writing

PrewritingPlanningDraftingRevisingEditing

Step 2: Planning

“If you don’t know where you are going, you probably won’t

get there.”

Step 2: Planning

Informal Outline: Organize your notes from brainstorming or other prewriting into an informal outline. This is just a list of your major points, perhaps presented in some tentative order. See example below about an “initiation” experience and its lasting effect.

During testFound test hardSaw Jeff cheating

After testGot angryWanted to tellDismissed idea

Later, in collegeImplications of cheating

Goals of education

Step 2: Planning

Tentative/Working Thesis

This is the time to pick a focus.

The thesis is the central idea in a paper that can, often, be asserted in one-two sentences. It is a generalization that will prepare readers for the supporting details that will follow.

Step 2: Planning

Writing a Thesis

Thesis = Topic + writer’s opinion about the topic

It answers a question.

It offers a resolution to a problem.

It takes a position on a debatable topic.

Step 2: PlanningWriting a Thesis

Thesis = Topic + writer’s opinion about the topic

My high school experience of not speaking up altered the way I regarded honesty and my own role in my education.

The Simpsons represents the greatest animated show in thehistory of television.

The Simpsons treats the issues of ethnicity, family dynamics, gender, and social issues effectively.

Often dismissed because it is animated, The Simpsons treats the issue of ethnicity more powerfully than did the critically praised “All In The Family.”

Step 2: Planning

Warning: A Thesis Should Not Be:

• Too Broad: There are many great animated television shows today.

• Too Vague: The Simpsons is a great animated television show.

• Too Factual: The Simpsons, created by Matt Groening, first aired in 1989 and continues successfully today.

Step 2: PlanningEXERCISE: Pretend you are a teacher grading papers. Judge the following as thesis statements. Which ones truly are thesis statements? Which aren’t? Why or why not? EXPLAIN YOUR ANSWERS!

1. Myths and society.

2. Myths serve an important function in society.

3. Contrary to popular assumptions, myths are more than fairy tales; they express the underlying attitudes a society has toward important issues.

4. Today, almost two marriages in four will end in divorce.

5. Skiing, a popular sport for millions, is a major cause of winter injuries.

6. If certain reforms are not instituted immediately, our company will be bankrupt within two years.

7. Early childhood is an important period.

8. By using the proper techniques, parents can significantly improve the learning capabilities of their preschool children.