Writing practice

The staircase

Eight steps from a sentence that works to an essay that argues. One step at a time, and each one ends with you writing something and being told exactly what it is missing.

Start climbingPointing back
0

Words in the right place

Put the words in an order English will accept.

Not written yet
1

Your first sentence

Write one sentence that says one thing.

Not written yet
2

Describe and trim

Choose the exact word, then cut everything doing no work.

Not written yet
3

Concede, then claim

Give the other side its due, then say what you think.

Not written yet
4

The finished paragraph

Build a paragraph that holds together from first line to last.

0/1
5

Holding the other side

Carry an objection through your own argument without losing it.

Not written yet
6

The essay plan

Lay out an essay before writing a word of it.

Not written yet
7

Writing that judges

Weigh two positions and come down on one.

Not written yet