College Composition CLEP Prep Practice Exam

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Prepare for the College Composition CLEP Exam effectively with our comprehensive quiz featuring multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Boost your confidence and improve your writing skills!

Practice this question and more.

When planning an essay, what is the first thing an author should do before drafting?

Collect sources
Outline the essay
Choose a topic
Identify the audience

The correct answer is: Choose a topic

Before drafting an essay, the first thing an author should do is choose a topic. This is because selecting a topic is the starting point for writing an essay. Without a clear and focused topic, it will be difficult for the author to effectively organize their thoughts and create a cohesive essay. Collecting sources and outlining the essay may come after choosing a topic, as these steps require a clear direction for the essay. Identifying the audience may also come later in the writing process, as the author may need to adjust their tone or language depending on who will be reading the essay. Choosing a topic is the pivotal first step that sets the foundation for a successful essay.