o Choose a topic where you are sure you understand the issue or question and have some ideas.

o Decide on your position on the issue (agree or disagree) or your answer to the question.

o Quickly jot down on the topic sheet all the ideas that you can think of that support your position or answer.

o Choose/combine ideas to make 3 main points and arrange these in a logical order

o On the topic sheet, write a thesis statement that includes all three main points:

o Write quickly following your plan and focusing on ideas. It's a good idea to write on every other line and to use an erasable pen so you can easily make changes and corrections later.

o Start by writing a brief introduction to present the topic, ending with your thesis sentence. (3-4 sentences in all)

o Start the first paragraph in the body of your essay with the sentence you prepared about your first main point. Elaborate and support this idea using information that you generated in your planning list of ideas plus any new ideas you think of.

o Repeat for your second and third points.

o Write a brief conclusion that repeats your thesis/main ideas and adds something else such as implications or recommended action.

o Read your essay through once quickly to make sure all your ideas relate to your thesis and to check for repetition or confusing information. Make any necessary deletions, changes or additions.

o Read through again slowly to correct your sentence structure and language. Try to mouth the words as you read so that you can "hear" them in your head. This helps you find awkward and incorrect language. As you read, move your pen over each word to make sure you haven't omitted any words and to check spelling. If you're not sure how to spell a word, try different possibilities on the topic sheet to see if your eye can recognize the correct one. As a last resort, replace the word with one you are sure you can spell. If you know that you make typical errors such as subject verb agreement, punctuation, check specifically for these.