Chapter five shows you how to revise, edit, and proofread your essay. You will find check-lists to use during these processes, as well as tips from professional editors. The use of word-processing programs to help with editing is also covered. | Untimed Essay Writing Strategies CHAPTER 6 HOW TO WRITE GREAT ESSAYS 69 JOURNALING Keeping a journal might seem like an odd advice unrelated to the major task you have to accomplish but it is actually a great way to begin your essay for two important reasons. First your journal will sound like you written in an authentic voice that should need very few adjustments when applied to the essay. Rachel Klein a college counselor at Milton Academy in Milton Massachusetts advises her students to keep journals to help with essay writing because journals give them back their own words. Journals Klein says are like your mind coming out on paper. When you are writing your essay you can use the journal as a reference for tone and word choices that convey your authentic voice. The second reason for keeping a journal is that as written with the journal prompts provided on page 70 it can be a great source of ideas. In your journal you can write about what is important to you your goals and aspirations your values and your take on everything from popular culture to current events. Coupled with the information you gather in your personal inventory a journal is the perfect raw data from which to begin the essay writing process. Journaling doesn t have to be elaborate or time consuming. Take a minimum of five minutes a day to write or type something personal. To journal successfully it must become a habit. In order to do that you need to make the process as simple and painless as possible. Think about your habits and which of the two journaling options best suits them. You can write in a book you have designated as your journal or you can make journal entries on your computer either in word processing documents or in one of the many new online journal sites. If you are writing get a journal that is small enough to carry with you everywhere you go. When inspiration hits you will be ready. Can t get started Pick a time and place to write in your journal each day. If you are typing set .
