Go into groups and pick a topic to work on.

Individually begin with a 20-minute freewriting on your topic

Then individually do either a clustering or branching diagram exercise.

Then as a group, complete a more focused brainstorming list.

Then as a group, perform a Questioning and Answer Exercise on your topic.

As a group, complete a quick Scratch Working Outline.

Exploring Your Question—Either as a group or individually, explore your topic question: Write your topic Answers from the previous list them on the left side of a paper. Then on the right side list your values, expectations, observations, or other comments regarding these Answers.

You are now ready to write a working thesis sentence. Do that now.

Individually, complete an Organizational Plan (a more detailed working outline) for your Essay: Place your working thesis on the top of a page. Divide the page into 2 columns. On the left side right down all of your key ideas and supporting evidence in the order you think it should appear. On the right side of the paper, state the reason or purpose for each entry on the left side. (See example given in class.)

Expand your Organizational Plan: Write your introduction first. Then write a rough-draft of your conclusion. Next draft a quick paragraph for each item or number from your Organizational Plan. This is your first pre-draft.

Now edit and expand your pre-draft as needed. This is your rough draft. Get feedback from members of your group on this draft.

Revision: After the essay sets for a day or two, go back and revise and edit it again. Repeat this process several times if needed.

After the essay is graded, correct and revise it.

If needed, correct it and revise it a second or third time.