Writing Resources
Writing Process Types of Writing MLA Style
Step 1: Prewriting Step 2: Writing Step 3: Editing & Revising Step 4: Publishing
 

Step 2: Writing

Now that you have brainstormed different ideas related to your writing and have formulated a thesis or topic statement, you should begin writing a draft of your essay.

writing graphicParts of an Essay:

Introduction:

  • Grabber - always start by getting your reader's attention. NEVER say "My essay will be about . . ."
  • Thesis - what your whole essay will be about. See Step 1: Prewriting.
  • Preview your 3 main points (the three supporting ideas that you will write about in your body).

Click here to read a sample student intro (PDF document). - the grabber is in bold print, the preview ideas are highlighted and the thesis is in italics.

Body:

  • 3 paragraphs that support your thesis
  • Use transitional words between your paragraphs. See the Transitional Words handout for examples.

Conclusion:

  • Re-state your thesis
  • Review your 3 main points (the three supporting ideas you used in each paragraph of the body)
  • Memorable Close

Parts of an Essay Outline (PDF document) - Use this outline to help you see how to organize your essay.

Organizing Web (PDF document) - this web also allows you to see how an essay should be organized.

Resources:

book cover imageWriter's INC., "A Guide to Drafting" pages 53-58.

 

The Purdue OWL (On-line Writing Lab) General Writing Concerns

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