The pre-writing process is one of the most important steps when writing an essay as it lays the foundation for the paper. Taking the time to plan and prepare before starting to write can help streamline the writing process and result in a more cohesive, well-structured essay. Here are some key components to consider during the pre-writing phase for essays.
Choosing a Topic
The first step is to select an appropriate topic to write about. For assigned essays, the topic will be given by the instructor but understanding the parameters and requirements for the topic is important. For essays where the topic can be chosen freely, it will take some brainstorming to come up with an idea that meets the guidelines and also interests the writer. Some ways to find potential topics include looking at current events, reviewing course materials, considering personal experiences, exploring possible controversies or debates, and listing topics the writer is interested in learning more about. Once a few options are generated, the writer should think about which topics can be easily researched and written about within the essay length and timeframe constraints.
Narrowing the focus of the topic is also key during pre-writing. Broad topics are difficult to discuss thoroughly in a short essay so choosing a more specific angle or argument within the overall topic makes it much more manageable. For instance, instead of just “Globalization,” a topic like “The Impact of Globalization on Developing Nations” provides a more targeted discussion point. Refining the topic this way during pre-writing prevents the essay from becoming too unwieldy or superficial.
Researching the Topic
Research is required to gather enough credible information to effectively discuss the chosen topic. The pre-writing stage is when this research should begin. The writer needs to establish what background information is already known about the topic and identify gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed through research. Gathering a variety of sources from the library, online databases, and the open internet can provide a well-rounded perspective on the topic. Different types of sources like academic articles, books, government reports, and news stories should be considered.
As research is done, important facts, quotes, examples, statistics and analysis related to the topic should be recorded along with full citations. This information lays the groundwork for supporting arguments and counterarguments to be presented in the essay. Doing research during pre-writing rather than leaving it until the actual writing phase prevents last-minute scrambles to find sources that could compromise the quality of analysis or discussion in the paper. It also gives the writer more opportunities to digest the research and think critically about how the information informs the topic.
Developing a Thesis Statement
A strong, arguable thesis statement developed during pre-writing brings focus and direction to the entire essay. The thesis asserts the overall claim or central argument being made in relation to the topic. It serves as the guiding force for the Essays structure and content. A good thesis for an argumentative essay is a clear, focused claim that others may reasonably disagree with. It should not be a simple statement of fact and opinion but rather present an interpretation that requires evidence and analysis to support.
Arriving at the thesis is an analytical process that involves reviewing and synthesizing research to find patterns and relationships within the topic information. It may take several drafts to create a thesis that is precise yet broad enough in scope. Having a solid working thesis formulated upfront provides a framework for outlining the essays structure and determining what content and research is relevant to include versus exclude based on supporting or opposing the thesis claim.
Creating an Outline
Once the relevant research is gathered and thesis established, creating a detailed outline is key during pre-writing. The outline breaks down the discussion logically into clear, cohesive sections and subsections. It marks the turning points between ideas that progress and build upon each other to substantiate the thesis. Main talking points, examples, evidence and reasoning to include are noted within the outline structure.
Common essay outlines include an introduction, three body paragraphs and conclusion structure. Each body paragraph focuses on a supporting point or sub-claim that contributes to proving the thesis and flows sensibly from the previous point. The conclusion reinforces the thesis by summarizing key findings without introducing new information. Outlining ensures all components are logically connected and the main argument progresses seamlessly from start to finish. It also flags any gaps, inconsistencies or weaknesses in reasoning that need to be addressed before actual writing begins.
Formulating Topic Sentences
To bring cohesion and direction within each outline section, writing topic sentences during pre-writing is vital. These act as mini-thesis statements for individual paragraphs stating the main idea or claim being developed. Topic sentences clearly link the discussion back to proving the thesis while introducing evidence or analysis to follow. Well-crafted topic sentences provide logical transitions between thoughts and communicate the key takeaway of each segment to readers. Formulating topic sentences requires analysis and critical thinking to succinctly yet effectively state the primary focus for each outline section.
Conclusion
The pre-writing process is indispensable for laying the essential groundwork to compose a clear, well-structured essay. Taking the time front to carefully choose a topic, conduct in-depth research, develop a thesis, outline the discussion flow and draft topic sentences creates an effective blueprint for writing. While pre-writing requires extra effort compared to diving straight into composition, it leads to a more organized, coherent final essay by ensuring relevance of content, logical progression of ideas and better supporting the central thesis claim from start to finish. Skipping this important phase often results in underdeveloped, disjointed papers due to lack of clear direction. Committing fully during pre-writing pays huge dividends come time to develop each written section.
Andrew Stroud