YOU FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS EXACTLYAND DIRECTLYSTEP 1

2. You follow the directions exactlyand directlyStep 1: Understand the Writinganswer the questionsin the prompt. In the firstPromptexample, you must state your position on theBefore you can begin to plan your essay, you need to beissue raised in the prompt—censorship of cer-sure you understand the kind of essay you need to write.tain types of Internet sites. In the second exam-As noted earlier, it is essential that you respond accu-ple, you must tell a story about a specific kind ofrately to the writing prompt you are given on the exam.experience—a time when something unexpectedIf you write about a different topic,you will not receivehappened.credit for your essay. It’s therefore critical to understandexactly what the prompt is asking you to do.Step 2: Formulate a Clear ThesisEarlier in this section, we divided the essay promptsBefore you begin to write, you need to decide what youinto three types: narrative, persuasive, and expository.are going to write about. Once you are sure you under-How do you know which kind of essay the prompt is ask-stand the prompt, how will you answer its question? Youring for? Each prompt will have key words that can helpanswer will form the core of your essay. It will be theyou understand what to do. These key words includemain idea that controls everything you write and deter-terms such as:mine the kind of support you will provide. In otherwords, your answer to the question in the prompt is yourtell describe identify explainthesis—your main idea. It is the “argument” that you aregoing to make and the idea you need to support.A thesis does not just repeat or paraphrase the ques-tion or prompt. It does not simply make general state-

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ments about the topic or state how othersmight respondFor example, here’s how you might brainstorm sup-to the question. A good thesis takes a clear, personal posi-port for the previous prompt:tion. For example, look again at the following prompt:Thesis: Good neighbors are friendly, helpful,and respectful of boundaries.Our relationships with our neighbors are veryimportant. Sometimes, these relationships areWhy?the source of great joy in our lives; other times,Friendly neighbors are pleasant to have around,they can be the source of great trouble. In yourmake it nice to live where you live.opinion, what makes a good neighbor? In yourHelpful is important—know you can count onessay, identify the characteristics of a goodneighbor and explain why these characteristicsthem for small favors, when you are in need.are important for people living side by side. UseNeed to respect boundaries, not take what your personal observations, experiences, andis yours, not get too involved in your life—otherwise, they will not be welcome.knowledge to support your essay.Examples:The following sentences are not thesis statements(they do not answer the question).Friendly—my neighbor Selma and her family—always saying hello, often chatting, cookies atChristmas.

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There are all kinds of neighbors.Helpful—lending tools to Dad, borrowing sugar

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What makes a good neighbor?etc., babysitting.

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There are many characteristics of a goodRespecting boundaries—don’t just walk in,neighbor.don’t be nosy; they’re your neighbors, not yourThese, however,arethesis statements. They respondfamily.directly to the question.Listing is just one brainstorming strategy. You can alsomap your ideas. This is especially effective if you are a

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Good neighbors are helpful and kind.visual learner, as shown on the map on the following page.

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The best kind of neighbors help when asked andotherwise mind their own business.

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Good neighbors are friendly, helpful, and respect-

Freewriting

ful of boundaries.If you are totally stuck and can’t think of how toStep 3: Brainstorm Support foranswer your question or how to support yourYour ThesisOnce you have decided how to answer the question(s) inthesis, try freewriting. This brainstorming tech-the prompt, decide how you will support your answer.nique is what it says—free writing. Write downOn your piece of scrap paper, list at least three to five rea-whatever comes to mind about the question orsons, examples, or specific details to support your thesistopic. Don’t worry about grammar or structure.or events to develop your story.Write in your own language if you like. JustBecause you are still in the planning stage, write downwrite. If you keep your hands moving for evenwhatever comes to mind. You don’t have to includetwo or three minutes, you are bound to comeeverything you list in your essay. And the more ideas youup with some good ideas.put down, the more freedom you will have to pick thebest (strongest) support for your thesis.Sugar Tools Respect boundaries Donít have to avoid Pleasant for everyoneDon’t take each other’s thingsBorrowing thingsWatering garden Accepting packages Baby-sittingSmall favorsRespect privacyRespect property Don’t be nosyMind own businessGood Neighbors Nice to be aroundGreetings HelpfulFriendlyMakes you feel welcome Feels good

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Step 4: Create a Detailed Outline

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^RGANIZING

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Obviously, you know where to put your introductoryThe next step is your opportunity to make sure the essayand concluding paragraphs. But how do you organizeyou write is both well organized and well developed. Bythe ideas in the body of your essay? Which of the fourcreating a detailed outline, you can:organizational patterns you reviewed earlier—chronol-

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put your ideas in a logical, effective orderogy, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, and

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fill in any gaps in your supportorder of importance—should you use for your support?(See pages 69–71 for a review of organizational patterns.)

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If you are responding to a narrativeprompt,chrono-Essays follow this basic structure:logical order is clearly your best choice. Describe theevents in the order in which they happened. Be sure to