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How-to Essay: Prewriting


The first step in writing is having something to write about. Your students will need to choose a topic, gather details, and write a focus statement and topic sentence before they are ready to write.


1. Choose a Topic

Review your class notes or text for ideas. Choose a process to explain.


2. Gather Details

Use a time line to help you organize the steps in the process.


3. Write a Focus Statement

Write a sentence that names the process and tells why it is important.


4. Write Topic Sentences

List main steps in the process.
Write a topic sentence for each main step.

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