English 290 Content / Homepage


Combining Techniques

Another way to develop an essay is to try freewriting after you have finished your map or brainstorming list. Once you have decided on an order of ideas for your essay, you can then freewrite your way through this outline. Freewriting on each item enhances your chances of developing a detailed, complete essay.

Here is how this works:

  1. Starting with the idea or focus you have identified as Number One, you are going to do a brief timed freewrite for every idea and supporting detail on your map, list, or outline.
  2. The reason you need to time these freewrites is to ensure that each ELEMENT receives full and fair treatment. If you don't time them, there is a good chance that you will BAIL out too soon. Five minutes per idea and supporting detail is a good minimum time to begin. Later, as your essays become longer and more involved, you can adjust the time upward. (If the physical act of writing is difficult for you or if English is not your primary language, you might want to add more time.)
  3. If you have one, use a kitchen timer, a watch with a timer, or an alarm clock for this process so you won't be distracted by "clock watching." It will take two or three times with the timer before you will understand how much writing you GENERATE per minute.
  4. If you run out of things to say before the time is up, push yourself to keep writing. Try going back to the 20 Questions to freewrite your topics and supporting details from more angles.
  5. If you still have things to say after the timer goes off, allow yourself to write the idea out as long as it takes.
  6. Once you're finished with focus Number One, move on to idea Number Two and then work your way methodically through the rest of the outline.

This technique comes in very handy when your instructors assign five-, eight- or ten-page papers. If you know how to map your essay and freewrite your way through an outline, even ten-page papers are possible.

TRY ANOTHER PREWRITING METHOD...

Prewriting & Planning / Skills for the Writing Process / 290 Content / 290 Homepage

Writing Center / Watsonville Integrated Learning Center

English Department / Cabrillo College Homepage

back to top