Reverse Essay Outlining
After finishing your rough draft, write a 1-sentence summary in the margin next to every single paragraph stating what that paragraph actually proves. If you can't summarize a paragraph in one sentence, it's rambling.
Reading your margin sentences in order gives you an X-ray of your essay's logic and instantly spots repetitive or off-topic paragraphs.
Only spell-checking individual sentences while missing the fact that paragraphs 3 and 5 repeat the exact same point.
- Number every paragraph in your finished rough draft.
- In the margin, write: 'This paragraph argues that [1 sentence]' for each one.
- Split any paragraph that tries to prove two separate ideas, and cut or move any paragraph that doesn't support your thesis.