WRITING PROCESS
Writing Process is both a method and a strategy which writers use to produce high
quality writing products which demonstrate both effective writing and good reading.
Writing Process essentially breaks down the thought and mechanical activities of writing
into a series of steps. These steps ensure consistent and thorough application of the
techniques that produce good writing.
I. PLANNING
A. Address purpose, audience, and topic
(Determine the purpose, the audience, and clearly identify the given topic)
B. Evaluate topic and requirements
(Determine how the topic will be used; identify rhetorical mode, format,
due date, length, and any other given requirements)
C. Inventions
(Use list of details, brainstorming, mapping, clustering, freewriting,
reading journal, and questions and answers to develop ideas and
information content for the essay)
D. Outline
(Write main idea sentences: a working thesis statement; working topic
sentences for each separate body paragraph; most significant conclusion
point. Using key words and phrases, write a sequence outline for the
essay--literally, a sentence by sentence order of the ideas the writer plans
to use.)
II. DRAFTING
Using the sequence outline as a roadmap, turn the ideas, key words and phrases,
and specific details which present the content into complete sentences and paragraphs.
A. Write the Introduction Paragraph. Place the THESIS at the end of the intro.
B. Write the Body Paragraphs. Remember to use topic sentences for each
separate paragraph. Locate the topic sentences appropriately (usually the
first sentence or near the beginning of the paragraph).
C. Write the Conclusion Paragraph. Remember to make a most significant point.
Develop the conclusion to give the reader a sense of completion.
III. REVISING
Revising the essay means re-seeing the essay for its effective presentation of content.
In each of the following four steps, the writer makes changes in the writing that are
necessary to improve the quality, expression, and effect of the essay. Revision
activities: a writer will add, move, replace, and/or delete information.
A. Evaluate the Draft for clear purpose and audience and use of topic.
B. Evaluate paragraphs and sequence for effective organization of information.
C. Evaluate sentences for phrasing and completeness.
D. Evaluate content for clear examples and specific details.
IV. EDITING
Making the essay as error-free as possible.
A. Check Word Usage: verbs, pronouns, singulars and plural, and word choice
B. Check Spelling
E. Check Manuscript Form
C. Check Capitalization
(Remember: Presentation
D. Check Punctuation; especially COMMAS
is very important.)