Want to see a paper move through the various stages of the writing process? The resources in the boxes below follow one student’s paper, from brainstorming and outlining to the final draft.
A cluster diagram can help you visualize the main points of your paper. Write your initial topic in the center bubble. Use the surrounding bubbles to add supporting points/arguments you want to address. Add bubbles as needed – brainstorming techniques like this can help you organize and connect ideas.
A tree diagram begins with the initial idea or topic which is then broken down into subtopics. The subtopics are more focused in nature to help you to narrow down your topic into something more manageable. This method can also help you identify your main ideas.
Grab a piece of paper and write down any ideas that come to mind about your topic. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar – just write! Once you’re finished, look at what you’ve written. There will be some junk – but there may also be great ideas for you to use. Sometimes just getting started is all it takes!
An outline can help you organize your thoughts in preparation for writing your first draft. In this alphanumeric example, numbers and letters are used to subdivide a topic into separate ideas or sections.
An example of an APA 7th ed. annotated bibliography
First draft of the example paper.
Second draft of the example paper.
Compare side by side first and second drafts to see what was revised and why.