214x May 2026

How to Tackle the First Draft of Your College Application Essay

: Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that supports your thesis.

: Set the scene or identify a "core tension" to grab the reader's attention. How to Tackle the First Draft of Your

: Restate your main points and offer a final resolution or thought.

: Focus your broad idea into a specific, manageable subject. How to Tackle the First Draft of Your

: Support your claims with specific examples, facts, or sensory details.

: Create a "map" of your main points so you don't get stuck. 2. Drafting the Body Paragraphs (Page 221) How to Tackle the First Draft of Your

If you're following a specific curriculum like , "214" refers to the section on Prewriting: Generating and Organizing Ideas .