John: Nora, what are you doing? What are these notes about?

Nora: Well, they are for a 1,000 word essay on abuse on the elderly, due Monday.

John: That’s a big topic. What made you decide to write about that subject?

Nora: Granny’s going into a nursing home. And this essay is driving me crazy.

John: Narrow down the topic. Pick one aspect, like nursing home. Do an outline.

Nora: You mean list the ideas under headings: Introduction, Body, and the Conclusion?

John: Yes. In the Introduction, say people live longer now, crowing nursing homes.

Nora: Then maybe in the Body I can explain how the owners try to save money on food and care.

John: Right. Here I see a good quotation: “Nursing home abuse is a national epidemic.”

Nora: I have statistics: 500 homes inspected; in one-third, care was substandard.

John: Mention government offices and lawyers who’ll help in cases of abuse.

Nora: Then, I think I can summarize the main ideas about the helpless elderly in the Conclusion.

John: Good. When you’ve written a first draft, read it aloud to eliminate awkward spots.

Nora: I’m feeling a lot better about this essay and a lot less worried about Granny now.

John: The essay is a piece of cake; but ensuring Granny’s OK is a lot harder.