Composition Process

When I first receive a prompt, I ususally start my paper with an outline. I included major topics that I want to cover and tend to branch out supporting ideas, quotes, evidence, etc. I frequently spend a lot of time on the introduction because I feel that it is important to give the reader a good sense of where you are taking the paper and offer a reason of importance to encourage a fair assessment and spark some interest in my subject. My outline usually consists of a fully written introduction, a break-down of important topics, and a fully written conclusion.

As I begin to compose the body of an essay, I refer to any notes or comments that I made in my outline. Many times, this is where I get stuck because I know the information that I want to convey to the reader - I just don't know how to start. Sometimes I will write the main portion of the paragraph and then go back and try to make a transition between connecting paragraphs after I see what I was able to come up with. I have always found it easier to write on a topic that you are very familiar with - as I am sure most would say. However, sometimes that can be difficult, too. I have a tendency of overwhelming the reader with information that I feel is relevant to my subject, but not necessarily to the paper as a whole. When I revise my drafts I often have to look out for elaboration in the wrong areas of my essay. The most important topics need emphasis that reflects their value to my subject. Insignificant or minor support and evidence should not receive more attention in my essay than major or central thoughts and ideas. My main points should be found in larger, more detailed paragraphs. This is where I tend to stray in some of my writing...

Just as I spend a lot of time writing a satisfying introduction - I also find that an effective conclusion is very helpful to the reader and when done well, adds to the reader's understanding of the subject rather than simply summarizing and restating previous thoughts. When I read other essays I like and tend to remember the ones that have a strongly stated conclusion versus one that sums up the past few paragraphs of text. These are a few things I try to remember when I have an essay assignment.