The process described in this handout can be used to generate essay topics that are interesting to you. Facilitator asks for copies of course syllabi from each student and discusses due dates and time management. Students discuss writer's block and invention strategies. Students are encouraged to share and discuss bad experiences with writing, writing habits, writing problems. Some students may have drafts to share.
Students discuss essay organization, support for points, and the needs of an audience.
Some students should have a draft of a first paper to discuss. Evaluating an author's thesis and assertions. Learning new vocabulary. Synthesizing different points of view. Share and discuss drafts.