The Writing Process
The Writing Process. ENGL 1301. Prewriting and Writing First Draft. Understand Assignment Zero In on Topic Gather Information Organize Develop Thesis Write First Draft. Generating Ideas. Brainstorming Clustering/Branching Sorting a subject Asking questions Freewriting.
The Writing Process
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The Writing Process ENGL 1301
Prewriting and Writing First Draft • Understand Assignment • Zero In on Topic • Gather Information • Organize • Develop Thesis • Write First Draft
Generating Ideas • Brainstorming • Clustering/Branching • Sorting a subject • Asking questions • Freewriting
Organizing Information • Outline • Topic Outline • Sentence Outline • Subunit 1 • Subunit 2
Developing a Thesis What Is a Thesis? A thesis statement presents the main idea of a piece of writing, usually in one sentence and in the introductory paragraph.
An Effective Thesis • Focuses on one central issue • Tailors scope of issue to length of paper • Forecasts what is to come • Precise, often previewing organization • NOT “My paper is about . . . .”
Writing the First Draft • Focus on generating ideas • Use notes • Provide transitional words or sentences • Save intro and conclusion for later if troublesome • Use asterisk* for problem spots • SAVE OFTEN AND IN MULTIPLE WAYS
Revising • Set aside at least half a day • Print out hard copy • Think in terms of reader’s expectations • Separate what you have written from what you intended to write • Read at least 3 times • Essay • Paragraphs • Sentences and Words
