Make an Outline

I often tell students to make an outline before they start writing their essays.  Here I'd like to give an example.

Topic:  The Ideal Study Environment

Outline: 1. good lighting

             2. silent 

             3. comfortable

            4. no distractions: bed, TV sets, computers

            5. a window with a view

Composition:

                                The Ideal Study Environment

     What are the qualities of an ideal study environment?  Let me tell you. First of all, a good study environment must have good lighting.  Without good lighting, it would be very difficult and tiring for students to read or study.  Second, it should be very quiet; for this reason, it should not be in the center of a city so that there won't be much noise from a crowd and motor vehicles.  Also, it should be comfortable.  For example, there ought to be a big desk and a nice chair and it had better have a good air-conditioner, too.  An ideal study environment must not have a bed.  Neither should it have computers or TV sets.  In my opinion, these are the biggest obstacles for students who want to concentrate on studying.  Lastly, I think a good study environment needs to have a window so that students can look out and see beautiful scenery.  In my experience, it can definitely make students calmer and more relaxed.  (166 words)   (Anonymous)

 

When making an outline, we are organizing our ideas.  Then by following  the "floor plan," we know where to put what.  Then what we do is just add some details.

Of course, at the very beginning, we need to brainstorm and put down all possible ideas.  After deleting some not-so-relevant ideas, we organize the remaining ideas to make the outline.