Chapter 16: Drafting and Designing

How can I use my outline to begin drafting?

How can I draft an effective document?

How can I draft my introduction?

How can I draft my conclusion?

  • Create paragraphs that focus on a central idea

  • Create paragraphs that use appropriate organizing patterns

  • Integrate information from sources effectively

  • Write clearly and concisely

  • Engage your readers

  • Use details to capture your readers’ attention

  • Create transitions within and between paragraphs

  • Frame your introduction

  • Select an introductory strategy

  • Reinforce your points

  • Select a concluding strategy

How can I help readers follow my argument?

How can I design my document?

What should I consider as I design an academic essay?

  • Let readers know where your document is taking them

  • Keep related ideas together

  • Keep the flow of your document moving forward

  • Say things just once

  • Understand design principles

  • Design for a purpose

  • Design for your readers

  • Design to address genre conventions

  • Use design elements effectively

  • Consider how design elements can help you achieve your writing goals

  • Consider reader expectations

  • Consider your context

  • View an essay

image As you’ve learned about and considered your subject, you’ve encountered new information, ideas, and arguments. In response, you’ve considered how to craft your own contribution to the conversation you’ve decided to join. How you frame your contribution — that is, how you organize your argument, construct your paragraphs, introduce and conclude your document, and design your document — can have a profound effect on readers’ understanding of your subject and on their willingness to accept your main idea. This chapter offers guidance on how to use what you’ve learned to create an effective, readable document.