Think Before You Begin

Topic Selection

If you have not been given a topic, select one that you’re comfortable sharing with your professor and, possibly, the class. Be sure to select a topic that can be fully discussed within the confines of the essay’s assigned length.

Writing for Your Audience

Are you writing a personal story? Are you writing for your peers? Has your audience had a similar experience? Are you comfortable sharing your story?

Prewriting Techniques

Which prewriting techniques may help you write your essay?  Do you want to use a prewriting technique to write your essay, or do you want to start with a rough draft? Outlines may help you avoid the narration pitfall of only telling a story and not following the essay format.

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