When readers can anticipate the sequence of reasoning and evidence that appears in your analytical essay, they’ll conclude that the essay is well organized. If an essay is confusing or difficult to follow, however, they’ll conclude that it is poorly written or, worse, that the analysis is flawed. As you review your essay, ask whether your reasons and evidence seem easy to follow. If you find yourself growing puzzled as you try to read your essay, take another look at your choice of organizing pattern. Check, as well, whether your reasons are presented in an order that allows them to build on one another. If you have difficulty figuring out how you’ve organized your essay, consider creating a backward outline, an outline based on an already written draft. You can read more about organizing your essay and outlining in Chapter 15.

Once you’ve revised your essay, ask yourself how you might polish and edit your writing so that your readers will find your analysis easy to read. For an overview of editing strategies, see Chapter 20.