Key Points.

When prewriting, first you have to get started by:

  1. Figuring out what to write about,
  2. Gathering information, and
  3. Brainstorming.

Next, it’s important to:

  1. Draft your thesis statement. This will be a summary of the main point of your entire essay, and it will most likely evolve as you continue writing.
  2. Create an outline. The main points of your essay will support your thesis statement, and each body paragraph of the essay will make one main supporting point.

An outline of your paper will look something like:

Central Idea/Thesis

  • Main supporting point
    • Details establishing this point
  • Next main supporting point
    • Details
  • [As many supporting points as you need]
    • [Details]

Once you’re finished gathering information and outlining, you’re ready to move on to the next step, where you’ll actually write the paper: Drafting.