Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to (Click Here)
- Analyze an essay topic
- Generate ideas using listing, clustering, freewriting or the 5 Ws.
- Organise ideas by using a graphic organiser
What is pre-writing?
Pre-writing is the planning stage where you think, explore ideas, and organize what you want to write about before you begin your actual essay or assignment.
During the prewriting stage students usually-dissect the essay topic, identify the purpose and audience, generate ideas, research and gather information, create an outline or use a graphic organizer.
Share your thoughts (Click Here)
Prewriting Stage
Step 1: Understand the Assignment
Before you brainstorm, be clear about what the topic or prompt is asking and who is the audience. (Click Here)
1. Examine the topic or prompt
2. Observe the length required
3. Consider the format (essay, paragraph, report). Time to read some more: CXC Essay Topic List
4. Ensure that you understand important words in the essay prompt
Understanding the nuance of each essay prompt word is essential because it directly shapes the quality and accuracy of your response. Words like discuss, evaluate, outline, and justify each require a different style of thinking and writing, and if you miss these differences, you can easily answer the question incorrectly—even if your ideas are strong. When you clearly understand what these command words are asking for, you can organize your thoughts properly, choose the right type of evidence, and communicate your ideas with precision. This not only improves your exam performance but also strengthens your overall writing skills, helping you express yourself clearly and confidently in both academic and real-world situations.
Step 2: Generate Ideas
After you clarify what the topic is asking you to do, you should generate ideas. (Click Here)
Use any ONE of the strategies to get your ideas flowing:
1. Asking WH questions (Who? What? Where? Why? How?) View the template
2. Listing View the template
3. Clustering / Mind maps View the template
4. Freewriting View the template
(Brainstorming, 2020)
Step 3: Complete a graphic organizer or essay outline
It’s now time to use the information from your brainstorming to fill a graphic organiser or create an essay outline. (Click Here)
Step 4: Do the research
Now that you have narrowed your focus and created an outline to organize information, it is time to do the research. (Click Here)
How to Conduct Research for Writing a CSEC Essay
Before you start writing, take time to research your topic so your essay is accurate, convincing, and grounded in real examples. Use reliable sources such as your English textbook, class notes, trusted educational websites, and local articles that relate to Trinidad and Tobago or the wider Caribbean. As you read, take brief notes in your own words and look for facts, opinions, examples, and definitions that can support your points. If, you need to make changes to your graphic organizer.
Review Time
Let’s review the prewriting process
Please watch the prewriting review video- Click Here
Final Activity
Complete the following activity (Click Here)
Designed with WordPress
Better Essay Writing TT 