自由写作

For some assignments, freewriting maybe a good way to get started. When we freewrite, we're no longer thinking, "This is going to be the finished product, and it must be perfect," but, "This is simply a part of the process." Once 你 know what 你r assignment is, sit down at the computer and brainstorm. Follow 你r ideas wherever they take 你. The trick is not to stop. 自由的联系. Don't worry about spelling, grammar, 或结构. 简单的写.

After fifteen minutes or so, print out what 你've produced and read over it, pen 手. Circle ideas that seem useful and relevant. Scratch out ideas that don't really have anything to do with 你r topic. Draw lines among related ideas. 有 somewhat narrowed 你r focus, go back to the computer and freewrite some more, this time using 你r highlighted ideas as a guide.

After a couple of passes through this freewriting process, 你'll probably begin to see what 你r main idea (你r main argument) will be. You'll be ready to craft a thesis.

Writing a paper without a thesis is like driving without a destination (though much 更少的乐趣). A thesis tells us where we're going. It gives us something specific to 完成. It also tells our readers what to expect. In short, a thesis makes both writing and 阅读 easier. Once 你 have a main idea, try stating that idea as specifically as possible in a sentence or two. This is 你r thesis.

To read about freewriting in the context of the writing process, click here.