Think of the
questions posed in the
assignment while you
are reading and researching.
Determine
- how the author's views fit
into the questions
- what you think of the
author's argument
- your position in the
argument
Focus on logical argument
and avoid emotion/emotional
reactions or recognize those
you have so that you may use
them wisely.
Start writing!
- Start as close as possible
to your reading/research
- "Jump in"; don't
be afraid to start writing
- Jot down the succession of
your thoughts
- Do not concerned yourself
with grammar or spelling
When your first draft
draft is finished:
- Put it away!
- Don't think about it
Review your notes and
original material after
some time has past.
Does your argument still
"make sense"? Ask
yourself:
- "Will my argument
convince an objective
reader?"
- "Will this paper ask
someone to re-consider their
position"?
Take up your paper
again:
- Revise and edit the
content to strengthen your
argument
- Note where you use emotion
to see that it doesn't
interfere with the logic
- Correct for spelling and
grammar
- Ask a friend to read it,
and make suggestions for
revision
Ask them if they are
convinced
