The writing process from thesis to final draft — how to develop defensible claims, integrate evidence, write commentary, and revise for clarity, coherence, and persuasive force.
Prewriting, drafting, revision, and editing as recursive stages — not a linear checklist but a dynamic cycle of generating, evaluating, and refining.
What makes a thesis defensible, specific, and nuanced — and how to move from a topic or observation to a claim that requires argumentation.
Choosing evidence that is relevant, specific, and sufficient — and integrating quotation, paraphrase, and summary without disrupting argument flow.
Writing the sentences that explain how evidence supports the claim. Commentary is the most under-developed element in student essays and the most rewarded in scoring.
Acknowledging opposing views, conceding what is valid, and rebutting — how addressing complexity strengthens rather than weakens an argument.
Revising at the global level (thesis, structure, argument) before the local level (sentences, word choice) — and how to distinguish revision from editing.
The heart of Unit 6: developing defensible claims, selecting and integrating relevant evidence, and writing commentary that makes the connection explicit.
Revision includes stylistic revision — improving diction, varying syntax, and strengthening voice in service of the argument's overall effect.
Every writing decision — what to include, what to cut, how formal the register — is answered by returning to the rhetorical situation: purpose, audience, context.