for the essay writer who wants the draft to write itself
Goal
Convert research into a working thesis and a section-by-section outline.
Source principle
Outline before drafting: a strong skeleton makes the draft write itself. : from How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport.
The plan
- 📖0:00-0:05Reread the research summary, nothing else.
- ✍️0:05-0:10Write a one-sentence working thesis, can change later.
- 🔢0:10-0:25List each section's claim in one line.
- ↔️0:25-0:35Order the sections, move them until the argument flows.
- 📌0:35-0:50Slot the evidence (quotes, citations) under each claim.
- ⚠️0:50-0:55Mark where evidence is thin.
- 🚩0:55-1:00Mark weak spots needing more research.
- 🗒️1:00-1:05Note it for the next research sprint.
- 📅1:05-1:10Schedule the draft session on the calendar.
- 🛑1:10-1:15Don't draft now, separate session.