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STEPS TO BETTER WRITING 44: PROOFREADING THE ESSAY
Applying everything that you have learned so far, write an essay of approximately 500 words. (Do not count them; use that as a guide.) Follow these steps, checking them off as you finish each one.
| 1 | Choose one of the following topics and write a thesis sentence based on it. Be sure that your thesis is at least somewhat arguable or controversial, and that it shows your opinion or position on the question. |
| | > Is television violence really harmful to children? |
| | > Why do teenagers take drugs? |
| | > Should teenagers be allowed to smoke? |
| | > Is peace possible? |
| | > The importance of moral courage |
| | > Should the draft be abolished/established? |
| 2 | Jot down the main ideas that support your thesis. Think about you thesis; ask yourself "why?" Decide what ideas prove or explain it. Combine those which are similar. Eliminate any that are not directly related to or do not really support your argument. You should end up with three or four main supporting points. Decide what order they ought to be presented in and number them in sequence. |
| 3 | Using the chart after #6, draw up an outline. |
| | A. Write the thesis in the space provided and list the main points in the proper blanks, making sure they are in the order you've decided on. |
| | B. Starting with the first main point, construct a paragraph outline for each paragraph as follows: |
| | ..1 Write a general statement (the topic sentence) to introduce that main point. |
| | ..2 Decide what kinds of specifics you will use. Write the type in the blank provided. |
| | ..3 List the specifics. |
| | ..4 Check to make sure that all specifics are directly related to the topic sentence. Eliminate any that are not. Add any new ones that occur to you. |
| | ..5 Decide what ordering would be most logical for presenting the specifics. Write the kind you plan to use in the blank provided. |
| | ..6 Rearrange specifics by numbering them in the order that they will appear. |
| | ..7 Add signal words where necessary. |
| | C. Add to the outline any signal words that will be needed to connect the paragraphs. |
| 4 | Begin to write the essay, following the outline you have constructed. |
| | A. Write an introductory paragraph. It must be either funnel or contrast in construction - depending on which you consider more suitable. Make sure your thesis sentence appears in the introduction. You may preview the main points of your essay in the introduction if you wish. |
| | B. Write a paragraph for each of the supporting points. Make sure you explain each specific idea adequately and provide adequate connecting material - using all necessary signal words and connectors. |
| | C. Write a clincher, or summary sentence, for any paragraph that needs it. |
| | D. Supply any transitions that are needed between paragraphs. |
| | E. Write a conclusion. |
| 5 | Go back and double check your work as follows: |
| | A. Put a wavy line under the thesis sentence. Underline the topic sentence and clincher in each of the paragraphs. |
| | B. Number the specifics within these paragraphs. |
| | C. Label the introduction (either funnel or contrast). If you have previewed your main points in the introduction, number them in the order of their appearance. |
| | D. Circle signal words and connecting devices. |
| | E. Proofread the entire essay according to the instructions in Step 44. |
| 6 | Recopy the essay before submitting it to your teacher. |
ESSAY OUTLINE
| Thesis statement | ___________________________________________________________ |
| First main point | |
| GS (topic sentence) | |
| Types of Specifics | |
| SP | |
| SP | |
| SP | |
| Order of Specifics | |
| Second main point | |
| GS (topic sentence) | |
| Types of Specifics | |
| SP | |
| SP | |
| SP | |
| Order of Specifics | |
| Third main point | |
| GS (topic sentence) | |
| Types of Specifics | |
| SP | |
| SP | |
| SP | |
| Order of Specifics | |
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