That you seem to recognize what you are doing evidences that you're not really experiencing too great of a problem. I say, "GOOD FOR YOU!" I think all writers have faced the same situation, but many fail to recognize it before submitting their work as final copy.

In my earlier experience, it was often necessary for me to recognize unnecessary augmentation early enough to avoid missing some or another deadline. Years of writing later, and no longer under a schedule, I am now learning to let myself go. Although the outline is still before me, allowing myself to write off-topic helps me to clear lots of clutter from my head.

Somewhere, amid the driftwood, one occasionally finds an accidental twist of phrase that may be too good to toss away. You must remain willing to carry out disciplined, drastic and therapeutic edits. Very often, though, that delicate snippet you found can zero in on your topic more aptly through serendipity than focused writing could provide.--Donn Coon, Oxnard, California

You are forgetting what it is you are writing about; that's why you drift. Ideas are probably popping nto your head as you write, and that's why you forget what thesis topic.

Put a note next to your space for writing to remind you about your subject, something such as, "Remember my subject: (insert subject here)." Periodically stop and ask yourself, "Am I staying on the subject?" You'll form this good habit after a few times.--Keith R. Starkey

One suggestion is to write your thesis on an index card and tape it to the wall above your desk; tape it to a place where it will keep catching your eye while you are working. Also, it may be that you should do more prewriting and brainstorming before you begin an essay. If an essay topic is too broad, it is very easy to stray. By firmly establishing your purpose for writing the essay at the beginning, it becomes much easier to eliminate unnecessary tangents later. Example working thesis: Legislators should make it illegal for drivers to talk on cell phones because 6000 Americans are killed, directly or indirectly, by this negligent activity.

This very specific thesis helps the writer focus their support. It is important to note that your thesis, outline, or entire direction of your paper may change at any point, depending on where your voice takes you. Good luck and thanks for asking this question.--Kimberly English, Ivy Tech State College/English Instructor

I was taught to use '70s and I believe it is the proper form of usage both by media and writers.--Nneka, Los Angeles, California

This has become a frequently asked question of our OWL Tutors. With that in mind, the OWL Staff and I will be working on a new OWL handout for date and time formatting according to different style guides, which anyone should seek when trying to answer questions like 1970s vs 1970's vs 70s vs '70s. No one form is absolutely correct; it just depends on the style guide or manual a given writer must follow.--Karl Stolley, OWL Webmaster