Outlining an Essay

Working Backwards to Understand How to Outline

OUTLINE OF STUDENT ESSAY

“My Writing Process” (P. 74)

I. Introduction to my writing process

A. Thoughts about what makes a great

writer

B. How this affects my writing process

II. First step—setting up a special area

A. Wide table

B. Computer table

C. Comfortable chair

D. Coffee

E. Lit candle

III. Using the writing tools

A. Defining the main premiseB. Gathering and organizing information

1. Various strategies

a. layeringb. unique phrasingc. descriptive shadingsd. comparisons

C. Writing many drafts

1. Re-reading2. Proofing3. Re-shaping

IV. Conclusion about the writing process

A. When writing I am reminded of the skill

involved

B. Requires ongoing improvements

1. Hard work

2. Devotion

3. Inability to accept personal mediocrity