The Writing Process

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The Writing Process
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Other instructors share with credit and
permission please

• Gina Fournier
• English Instructor
• January 2008
• Oakland Community College
• Royal Oak/Southfield campus
• contact gmfourni_at_oaklandcc.edu

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Pick a point and stick to it

• Beginning, Middle, End

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Do you have a writing process that works?
Maybe I should try the instructors methods . . .
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Please give my writing workshop approach a
try!Its been tested and found to be successful
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Well composed essays require planning
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The Writing Process Step by Step
Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho! Its off to work I go!
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1. Generate Ideas

• brainstorm
• list
• cluster-map
• use building blocks words and phrases
• freewrite in sentence and paragraph form
• doodle, cross out, draw arrows
• but Remember You cant write
  in your head!

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2. Pick a Topic

• follow directions
• communicate with instructor
• please yourself
• dont be dull
• think about audience
• be original

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3. Draft a Working Thesis

• devise a working thesis as soon as possible
• write one or two complete declarative sentences
  that clearly set your main point
• review constantly
• refine as needed
• consider your thesis under construction until the
  essay is finalized

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4. Organize Supporting Points

• group like items
• cross out ideas that dont closely relate to your
  main idea
• look for a flow of ideas
• move main ideas to the top
• arrange subordinate ideas underneath
• stick to thesis

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5. Number an Outline

• number supporting points 1, 2, 3 . . .
• sentence outlines are the best method
• Warning Do not skip outlining!
• Essays that arent outlined collapse and take
  longer to revise.

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TIP Use your best grabber for the hook.
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TIP Save your most persuasive idea for the
conclusion.
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6. Write a First Draft

• follow your outline
• open with a hook
• include your thesis within the introduction
• cover your supporting points in order (unless you
  decide a change of order would be better)
• create topic sentences for each supporting point
• flag and go around any road blocks

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7. Revise and Edit

• work on your essays in class and outside of class
• seek feedback
• start ahead of the schedule
• sit down to work multiple times
• visit an ASC tutor
• plan for plenty of time to revise and edit before
  initial due date and Week Fifteen
• consider your essays under construction until
  final writing portfolio submissions

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Inspiration can come from anywhere, even
cartoon engineers

• (1937) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs