Write an organized essay that has both focus and shape.
1. Do some brainstorming, free writing, reaction, etc. to come up with an essay topic. It could be a topic from your Reader Response in the last Unit, or it can be a whole different topic.
2. When you get a specific topic, create a thesis using the Topic + Claim About Topic = Thesis formula in this unit. Also, consider the tools of audience and expectation for this essay. The audience is going to be your instructor, but you might be thinking of other readers as well. The expectation is this is a formal college essay.
3. Now that you have your thesis, spend some time thinking of at least 3 points to support the thesis. You should have at least 3 points for an essay this size but no more than 5.
4. Develop an outline where you have your introduction, the body made up of 3 to 5 points and a conclusion.
5. Now that you have an outline, you will write your essay. This is just a matter of writing in the details for each of the points that you listed in your outline.
6. After writing your essay, spend some time revising and editing. Are there points you want to add or go more in-depth with to support your statement? Did you proofread for mechanical errors?
