Writing a Composition

You've been given a composition to write. The subject? "Sports". So what are
you going to do about it?

1. You're going to think. And think. And think. (Sorry.)
2. You're going to take notes on what you're thinking.
3. You're going to narrow down the subject and come up with the?
Thesis statement.
For example:
Thesis Statement.-Underwater ballet is not the sport for four classes of boys.

4. You're going to think, etc., again, using your thesis statement as the kernel for
your thoughts.
5. You're going to choose the most appropriate?
Method of development.
(Let's say enumeration for this one and do a basic outline.)

Thesis Statement.-Underwater ballet is not the sport for four classes of boys.
Introduction.-Underwater ballet is not the sport for four classes of boys.
I. Some boys occupied with more important things
II. Some boys unfit physically
III. Some boys unfit intellectually
IV. Some boys unfit emotionally
Conclusion.-This article intended to help, not to stir controversy

6. You're going to develop the various parts of the outline thus:

Thesis Statement.-Underwater ballet is not the sport for four classes of boys.
Introduction.-Underwater ballet is not the sport for four classes of boys.
I. Some boys occupied with more important things
A. Earning their education
B. Developing intellectual abilities
II. Some boys unfit physically
A. Injuries and diseases
B. Slow co-ordination
III. Some boys unfit intellectually
A. From viewpoint of the team
B. From viewpoint of the boy
IV. Some boys unfit emotionally
A. From viewpoint of the team
B. From viewpoint of the boy
Conclusion.-This article intended to help, not to stir controversy

and finally, thus:

Thesis Statement.-Underwater ballet is not the sport for four classes of boys.
Introduction.-Underwater ballet is not the sport for four classes of boys.
I. Some boys occupied with more important things
A. Earning their education
B. Developing intellectual abilities
II. Some boys unfit physically
A. Injuries and diseases
B. Slow co-ordination
III. Some boys unfit intellectually
A. From viewpoint of the team
B. From viewpoint of the boy
1. Cannot spare time from studies
a)Long practice
b)Utter weariness
c)Constant distraction
2. Cannot keep ballet in its proper place
3. Cannot get benefits of training
IV. Some boys unfit emotionally
A. From viewpoint of the team
1. Irresponsible
2. Indecisive
B. From viewpoint of the boy
1. Strain
2. Abnormal reactions
a)Depression
b)Elation
c)Fear
(1)However, ballet sometimes a diagnosis
(2)However, ballet sometimes a cure
(a)Much depends on coach
(b)Much depends on other boys
(c)Much depends on boy himself
Conclusion.-This article intended to help, not to stir controversy

(Note that if you've got a "I" you must have at least a "II", if you've got an "A" you
must have at least a "B", and so on.)

6. Then, using the outline as the basis of everything, you're going to write the
rough draft (the body first, then the conclusion, then the introduction), correct
grammar and spelling, and then write the final copy.

NB - Sometimes (especially in exams) the thesis statement is given to you. So you
get to skip steps 1 - 3. Lucky you.

ps - For other kinds of outlines, see the "Brief" and "Plan" pages.