Classical Composition:Arrangement

OUTLINING & DRAFTING

Classical Composition

1. Invention: Find the ideas Pre-writing Brainstorming

2. Arrangement: Order the thoughts Outlining Drafting

3. Elocution Editing Style

Outline

After brainstorming, gather your notes and begin writing an outline.

Outlining is the key to a good paper.

The outline is the skeleton of your paper and provides the organization.

The outline ensures that your argument actually gets where you want to go.

The keys to a good outline are detail, organization, and support.

“Bad” Words

I think I supposed I guess I believe Passive voice

Bad: “I think that the Bible is the infallible Word of God.” Good: “The Bible is the infallible Word of God.” Bad: “I believe that Galatians was written to the Gentiles.” Good: “Galatians was written to the Gentiles.”

Drafting: Rough Draft

After you finish your outline, begin your rough draft.

The rough draft is just that—rough. Don’t worry about producing the perfect paper on the first try.

The main goal is to get your ideas on paper. You can fix it during the revision process, but the most important part is that you get started!

Ready, Set, Go!

Getting started is the hardest part. Don’t let the blank page intimidate you. Write something crazy on the first line if it helps you think of the space as less scary.

Make sure your work environment is productive— you need to be in a quiet, calm area free from distractions! (music, instagram, tv, and buzzing cell phones do not generally contribute to a constructive work space)

TAKE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR EDUCATION. YOU CAN DO IT!