The Writing Process

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The Writing Process
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The Writing ProcessThe Bedford Reader,6th
ed,24-28

• Janice Bellinghiere

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Discovery

• To generate ideas
• To avoid writers block
• Brainstorm
• Freewrite
• Journal
• Outline
• Do Not Edit!

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Brainstorming

• Write down every word that comes to mind
• Do not edit or criticize ideas
• Ask friends to help
• Generate more ideas than needed

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Freewriting

• Give yourself a time limit
• Write continuously on topic
• Keep pen or pencil moving
• When time is up, circle good ideas

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Journaling

• Take notes on your assignment when ideas come to
  you
• Write every night about topic
• Process thoughts on paper

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Outline

• Last step of discovery
• Plug info into structure
• Skeletal framework begins essay

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Drafting

• Arrange ideas
• Fill in details
• Clarify purpose
• Still changeable
• Do not edit yet

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Revision

• Is purpose clear?
• Is audience clear?
• Is thesis strong?
• Is thesis supported?
• Is tone appropriate?

• Transitions between ideas and paragraphs?
• Sentences smooth?
• Words vivid?
• Grammar?
• Punctuation?
• Spelling?

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Proofreading

• Proofread your final draft
• Use TWO other readers
• Make suggested changes
• Print final draft
• Yes, proofread slowly and carefully again!

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Summary

• Begin early
• Writing is a process
• Allow time between steps of process
• Ask friends for help
• Have fun!