A PROCESS APPROACH TO WRITING
Because writing involves so many complex mental operations,
many writers have learned that breaking it down into its component parts can
reduce their stress and frustration and also enable them to achieve better
results. A process approach is helpful
whether your paper is long or short, whether it involves outside sources or
not. Here is a description of the
writing process. For each writing
assignment, you might want to modify it to fit your needs and abilities.
Stage 1: Understanding Your Task/Gathering Information
Read the assignment carefully. Be sure you understand all the key
terms.
Start to gather ideas and information. Depending on the course and the assignment,
gathering information might involve reviewing your text or your class notes or
it might necessitate research in the library or on-line.
Stage 2: Thinking/Learning More
Try to explore your subject from many angles. Mapping, charting, listing are all ways to
promote brainstorming. Consult our
Critical Thinking webpage for more hints about brainstorming. If you realize that you don't have all the
information you need, do additional research and reading.
Stage 3: Planning and Organizing
Generate a trial thesis.
Then try to organize your knowledge about the subject. Make a list or outline of main supporting
points (topic sentences) that will persuade readers to agree with your
thesis. Or—jot down main ideas
first. Then generalize about them to produce
a trial thesis.
Stage 4: Drafting and Redrafting (as needed)
Using your list or outline (from Stage 3) as a guide, write
a draft of your paper. If you struggle
to get started, begin to write the body and conclusion, and write the
introduction last.
Make sure the body of your paper supports your thesis. Make changes to one or the other as
needed.
Compare your final draft to the assignment. Make sure your draft fulfills all aspects of
the assignment.
Stage 5: Editing and Proofreading
Check that every main point is well developed. If not, expand what you have written, as
needed. Eliminate information that is
irrelevant or off-topic.
Be sure your main points are organized in a clear and
logical manner.
Improve the style and tone of your paper. Be sure you are using appropriate vocabulary
for your subject.
Proofread carefully.
This involves several separate "reads": for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and
style. If using sources, double-check
the accuracy of all documentation.
Proofread from hard copy, not on screen.
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