Brainstorm:
- Ask yourself questions about the topic -- who, why, where, what...?
- Make a list or network/web
- Free write - write about the topic for 2 or 3 minutes
Compose a thesis statement:
- A single sentence that tells what the essay is about
Make an outline of your main points:
- Support your points with examples
- Write your essay working directly from your outline
Check for unity and coherence:
- Your points must relate to the main idea in the paragraph
- Each paragraph must relate to your thesis
- Your points should be logically connected
Check for grammar, sentence structure and punctuation:
- Subjects and verbs must agree in both number and person
- Pronouns must agree with the nouns they represent
- Make sure you do not have any sentence fragments, comma splices or run-on sentences
- Use a period at the end of a sentences, not a comma
- Use commas where there are pauses in speech, such as after introductory phrases or clauses and between items in a series
