The whole composition Steps in writing a composition Planning a compositionOne shouldnt begin writing a composition without sufficient preparation. When a topic is assigned, one should first try to think of as many relevant facts as he can and write them down on a piece of paper without caring about the form and order of the items. At the same time, he should try to find a proper thesis or theme. The thesis of a composition is its main point or its center idea. It is the conclusion that should be drawn from the facts to be presented in the composition.2. Types of outlines An outlines subdivides the controlling idea or thesis of the essay into smaller parts, which are then developed into separate paragraghs. There are commonly two types of outlines: the topic outline and the sentence outline. A topic outline consists of nouns and their modifiers, or gerund phrases or infinitive phrases. It is brief and clear, and it gives an instant overview of the entire paper. A sentence outline, on the other hand, consists of complete sentences. It provides a more detailed plan of the paper.The following are a few rules for writing outlines: Avoid single subdivisions. If there is a major point marked “I”, there must be at least another marked “II”; if there is an “A”, there must be a “B”, and so on. Avoid mixing types. A topic outline is written in noun phrases, and a sentence outline in sentences. Do not mix these two types. Use parallel structure for the headings of the same rank. Make sure subheads are of equal importance and are related to the heading and arranged in logical order. Make sure the thesis is a complete declarative sentence in the affirmative; do not use a question, a phrase or a dependent clause.3. Writing the first draft4. Revising the first draft This is important but it is often neglected. If possible, one should write the first draft one or two days before the time when he has to hand in the composition to the teacher. When he is writing the first draft, his attention is focused on turning his ideas into words. It will be only natural that some of his sentences are not very well formed and some of his words not very well chosen. It is also possible that whole paragraphsare not properly organized. At places he may make grammar or spelling mistakes. Therefore, revision is absolutely necessary. While revising a composition, one should keep in mind that revision does not mean a simple correction of mistakes in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other mechanics(结构). The following checklist may be of help. content: look at the essay as a whole.a. what is the topic of the essay? Does the draft fulfill the assignment?b. is the thesis clear? Is it supported by enough facts (details, examples, reasons)?c. is there irrelevent material that should be removed?d. is the logic sound? Are there gaps in the logic?2. organization: look at the arrangement of the material.a. does the introductory paragraph lead to the main point of the paper?b. does each paragraph have a separate central idea? Does it lead to the essays main idea or to the previous paragraph? Are there proper transitions between sections? Are the paragraphs arranged in order?c. does the concluding paragraph give the reader a clear impression of what the paper intends to say?3. sentences: Is each sentence clearly related to the sentences that precedes it and to the sentence that follows? Are there unnecessary sentences that may be removed? Are there structural mistakes? Are there wordy and redundant sentences? Is there variety in sentence type?4. diction: a. Are there words that are not appropriated for the topic or the style of the whole essay（too colloquial or too formal）? b. Are there words or phrases which are directly translated from Chinese but which may mean something different in English? c. Are there collocations which may be incorrect because they are taken from Chinese(e.g. big rain)?organization Some principles: Like a paragraph, a composition must have unity. All the facts and all the ideas in an essay should contribute to the presentation of its thesis or central thought. Irrelevent things, however interesting they are, should be excluded. 2. beginning: Most essays are made up of a beginning, a middle and an end. The beginning arouses the readers interest and provides necessary background information. The middle gives a clear and logical presentation of the facts and ideas the writer intends to put forth. The end winds up the essay with an emphatic and forceful statement to influence the readers final impression of the essay and shows the implication or consequences of the argument.Some ways to start an essay A quotation Figures or statistics A question or several questions The time and place of the event to be described Relevant background material An analogy类推、类比 A definition3. The end Concluding paragragh s