Micro outlining for essays
Micro outlining is a one‑line plan per paragraph with a purpose tag (claim, evidence, analysis, link). It prevents logical drift and speeds up drafting.
How to use: write a one‑sentence thesis, add 3–4 paragraph sentences, attach one data point to each, then expand into full paragraphs.
Rehearsal draft writing
A rehearsal draft is a fast, low‑stakes, 20–30 minute pass to capture the entire argument without polishing. It exposes gaps and weak transitions early.
Revise in targeted passes: thesis clarity, evidence sufficiency, and paragraph unity, rather than a single all‑in‑one edit.
Evidence mapping for essays
Evidence mapping links each claim to exact, citable snippets before drafting. Use a two‑column map: claims on the left, source excerpts with page/timestamp on the right.
Aim for a 1:2 ratio—each unit of quotation/paraphrase followed by at least two units of your interpretation and significance.
Putting it together
Map evidence first, convert claims into a micro outline, then produce a rehearsal draft. Finish with focused edits and ensure each paragraph closes by linking back to the thesis.
Quick checklist
Specific thesis; single‑purpose paragraphs; pre‑linked evidence; analysis outweighs quotation; clear transitions; conclusion answers “so what?”.