1. Write a new introduction. Force yourself to begin somewhere else.
2. Underline the FIRST line of each paragraph. What does that line promise to deliver in the rest
of the paragraph? Does your writing keep that promise?
3. Underline the LAST line of each paragraph. Check for a connection to the first line. You should have a sandwich of sorts. Ask yourself what should logically go in between. If there is information missing, add it; if there is information which does not belong, delete it.
4. Read the essay through reading ONLY the FIRST and LAST line of each paragraph. It should be possible to get the gist by doing this. If it is not, you need to change the sentences you have here.
5. Read through (yes, again!) reading only the LAST lines of each paragraph and the FIRST lines of the next paragraph. This will let you know if you have made smooth transitions from one paragraph to another. If not, the reader experiences a whiplash effect. Transitions may be words, phrases, or sentences. You need to provide transitions where there are none.
6. In the margin of your draft, do an outline of each paragraph by writing a word or two which describes what the paragraph is about. Then check to see that your paragraphs are in the order that makes the most sense. If not, reorder the paragraphs. Remember, starting a new paragraph is a sign to your reader that you are changing topics or ideas. The paragraph acts just like a turn signal on a car; it alerts the reader that something new is about to happen.
7. Think carefully about your conclusion. Have you achieved the effect you want? Does it effectively draw together the various