CHAPTER 1 Organization 8 I.
A.
B.
1.
2.
a.
b.
Once you have completed an outline, revise and refine it by following these steps:
1. Write down your overall goal for your essay. What are you trying to say to your
readers?
2. Go over your outline and circle, underline, or highlight your major points or
images. Do they all support your goal?
3. Brainstorm words and phrases that will accurately and concisely express those
points (jot them down in the margin of your outline, or use a separate sheet of
paper).
4. Use this list and your outline to guide your writing. Do not allow yourself to
stray from your goal or your major points.
PYRAMID CHARTS As you reread your prewriting notes, answer the following:
■
What is the purpose of my essay as a whole?
■
What are the major parts of the whole, and how can they be categorized?
■
What are the minor parts of the whole, and how do they relate to the major
parts?
■
What details can I use to illuminate both major and minor parts?
The answer to the first question is your thesis. Place it at the top of the pyramid. Below
it, write the major parts and join them to the thesis with lines. Next, write the minor parts
beneath the major ones, connecting them with lines. Finally, your details should be added
under the parts to which they correspond.
8
