To Do

Step One

Schedule 45 minutes of uninterrupted time, and complete a Flash Draft. You can refer to notes and outlines you’ve made previously, but don’t interrupt your writing to consult any outside sources at this point. Try to capture as much raw essay content as you can during this time, making notes to yourself for where to add more development or research later.

Step Two

Step away from the Flash Draft and the essay project overall for at least a few hours, if not a full day.

When you return, write a brief paragraph evaluating your Flash Draft experience and results. What did you learn from this activity? What changes will you need to make to move this to a more polished essay draft?

Step Three

Complete a full draft of your Persuasive Essay. You can build from the Flash Draft, or start from scratch–whichever seems easier. Write the draft in whatever order you wish, but the finished piece should contain an introduction, body, and conclusion, as well as incorporate citations and a Works Cited page.

Unlike your Flash Draft, the complete essay draft doesn’t have to be accomplished in one sitting. Use appropriate time management techniques to set your own deadline and pacing for the task.