Chapter 4 • Lesson 33
Prewriting, Outlining, and Drafting
Getting the Idea
Imagine that you were building a house. Would you jump in and start putting up walls,
floors, and pipes without an architectural blueprint? Of course not. Without a plan, the
finished house would be likely to have major flaws in construction. Likewise, writing an
essay or research paper requires planning. In order to create a well-organized, welldeveloped composition, you need to prewrite, outline, and draft.
Various prewriting techniques will help you generate ideas for your composition.
Freewriting is writing nonstop for a certain amount of time. For example, you give
yourself five to ten minutes to write anything that pops into your mind about a certain
topic. When you freewrite, you do not stop to correct grammar or punctuation. You do
not think about the logic of your ideas. It’s called freewriting because you let your ideas
flow freely without overthinking or editing your work.
For example, let’s suppose that you are writing a research paper on the World’s
Columbian Exposition of 1893, also known as the Chicago World’s Fair. Your freewrite
might begin something like this:
I’ve heard of the Chicago World’s Fair but I don’t know much about it.
I know that there were technological exhibits and it was real popular.
I remember hearing there were telescopes and musical instruments, lots
of good food! 1890s?
exhibits
buildings
big hit
technology
tourists
profits
food
telescopes
Ferris wheel
218 • Chapter 4: Composition
495NA_ELA_G11_SE_FNL.indd 218
12/17/12 3:34 PM
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
Another prewriting technique is brainstorming. Like freewriting, brainstorming does not
require organized thought. When you brainstorm, you jot down a list of ideas as they
occur to you. These could be words, phrases, or complete sentences. Here is what a
brainstormed list on the Chicago World’s Fair might look like:
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
Although your ideas may be scattered and the writing may contain grammatical errors,
when you go back and review your freewrite, you might discover some good preliminary
ideas that you want to research further.
Lesson 33: Prewriting, Outlining, and Drafting
Asking yourself questions is another helpful prewriting technique. Use the five Ws (Who? What?
When? Where? Why?) and How? to focus your questions. For example: Why was Chicago
chosen as the site of the world’s fair? What were some of the major exhibits? How many people
came to see the fair?
Another important step in planning your composition is to create an outline. An outline is a plan
for a written work, arranged in headings and subheadings. It shows the order of ideas in your
composition. The content and length of your outline will depend on your topic and focus. Look at
the sample outline below.
The Chicago World’s Fair, 1893
I.Introduction
II.Construction
III.Goals
A. Education
B. Commercial gain
C. Promotion of American culture
IV. Exhibits and Attractions
A. Technology
B. Buildings
C. Ferris wheel
V.Legacy
VI.Conclusion
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
After you have finished prewriting and outlining, you are ready to write your first draft. Your
composition must have an introduction, where you will state your thesis. This will be followed
by supporting paragraphs—each with its own topic sentence—and a conclusion. You can
create a graphic organizer to organize your composition.
Thesis
The Chicago World’s Fair was a technological,
economic, and cultural success.
Topic Sentence 1
The fair introduced exciting new technologies.
Topic Sentence 2
The fair proved to be an economic success.
Topic Sentence 3
The fair promoted and influenced American culture.
Concluding Statement
The Chicago World’s Fair had a lasting impact on Illinois
and the rest of the United States.
495NA_ELA_G11_SE_FNL.indd 219
219
12/17/12 3:34 PM
Coached Example
Read the instructions in each box. Then complete the writing exercises.
1. Some people believe that advertisements for toys should be banned from television. Freewrite
on this topic on the lines below.
Hint Let your ideas flow freely as you think about the topic and jot down your thoughts.
220 • Chapter 4: Composition
495NA_ELA_G11_SE_FNL.indd 220
12/17/12 3:34 PM
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
Hint Your topic sentence should show whether you agree or disagree with banning toy commercials.
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
2. Take a position on the topic above. Then write a topic sentence and develop it into a
supporting paragraph, including reasons, examples, and details.
Lesson 33: Prewriting, Outlining, and Drafting
Lesson Practice
Use the Writing Guide to help you understand the passage.
Homework-free Fridays
Writing Guide
What is the author’s
position on homework?
What reasons does the
author give to support
his or her position?
1
2
Your supporting
paragraph should
develop a reason not
stated in the essay.
3
As a high school junior, I get homework five days a week.
Although this has been the standard practice for years, I believe
that it is time for a change. Teachers should not give homework
on Fridays.
First of all, getting homework every school day gives students
less time to relax and have fun. I am sure that my fellow students
will agree that we work hard enough already. Most of us are up
by 6:00 or 7:00 a.m. We attend classes all day, go home, do more
schoolwork, eat dinner, then go to bed. On a good night, we can
squeeze in a little TV time or some other fun. It is true that we
have weekends free, but sometimes those days are also filled with
responsibilities. Shouldn’t we have fun while we’re still young
enough to enjoy it?
Secondly, teachers deserve a break, too. Teachers work very
hard all academic year. They play an essential role in students’
lives and in society, yet they are often underappreciated. The
more homework teachers give, the more work they generate for
themselves. Certainly, they could put the time they spend grading
Friday homework to better use.
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
Write a third supporting paragraph for this essay. If you disagree
with the author’s opinion, write a paragraph that presents your point
of view.
495NA_ELA_G11_SE_FNL.indd 221
221
12/17/12 3:34 PM
Plan Your Writing
Read the writing prompt, and then plan your response below.
Some educators believe that students should help design their school’s curriculum. They feel that
involving students in the process will make them more interested in their studies. Others feel
that students would not be able to make the right decisions. In your opinion, should students be
allowed to help design their school’s curriculum?
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points
of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons
and examples to support your position.
Thesis
Topic Sentence 1
Concluding Statement
222 • Chapter 4: Composition
495NA_ELA_G11_SE_FNL.indd 222
12/17/12 3:34 PM
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
Topic Sentence 3
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
Topic Sentence 2
Lesson 33: Prewriting, Outlining, and Drafting
Write Your Response
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
Write your response in the space provided. You may use your own paper if you need
more space.
495NA_ELA_G11_SE_FNL.indd 223
223
12/17/12 3:34 PM