Do I need to know what I'm going to say in my paper before I start writing it?

Answer 1

I find that the answer to this questions comes down to your own personal writing process. Personally, I always begin a paper by brainstorming. After a brainstorming session, I have a very solid idea of the topic and focus of my paper. This way, my paper is neither too broad nor too narrow. In addition, I have a more loose idea of what my argument or particular angle of analysis will be. In the course of writing the paper my argument might change. During the writing process I often gain a better understanding of the topic and its nuances and therefore am better able to develop a good argumentative strategy. However, there is a point, before you complete the paper, at which you really need to know what your argument is in order to ensure that the paper is focused and clear. This can, however, occur after having written most of the exposition. But remember that if you adopt this process, you must spend extra time at the end ensuring that the paper is cohesive. Others will opt for having a very clear idea of what they will write before they even begin a paper. I find that if you choose to go this route, it is helpful to have a fairly robust outline completed before you begin writing. In either case, it is most important to find what is best for you. If you are unsure, experiment with both styles and choose the one that allows you to write most proficiently.

Answer 2

Hello!

Alexandra makes an excellent point about always knowing the purpose of your writing, whether it's to respond to someone's views critically, make an argument for/against something, propose a solution to an ethical dilemma, summarize the key points of an author's essay, etc. This will make the process of developing your thesis quicker and more systematic.

Another thing to think about when trying to write a paper is whether or not you have a clear idea of the topic you are being tasked to write about. While the writing prompt is not a bad place to start, unfortunately, many students either just skim through or refuse to read the essays/articles/literature/research they are provided with from their teachers in order to knowledgeably respond to a prompt like "what are the strengths and weaknesses of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a psychiatric practice?" Instead, some may just find themselves staring at their computer screen for a very long time because they frankly just don't know enough about the topic/subject-area their writing prompt is dealing with, be it cognitive psychology, Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations," or the 3rd wave feminist movement. So, to answer your question, I don't think it's necessary to know everything you want to talk about before you start writing, although having your main thesis in mind never hurts. Before you do write, though, I highly recommend that you do some serious reading of the authors whose views you are incorporating into your paper, or the position of a scholar/reputable person on whatever issue you are being asked to address. In short, read before you write, and you will have a better idea of how to fulfill the essay's purpose.