1. The Writing Process and 6 Plus 1 Traits “Writing allows you to penetrate your life and learn to trust your own mind.” Natalie Goldberg By Kathy Mraz

2. Problem: Ineffective Writing Solution: Effective Writing

3. Prewrite Think, Think, Think … Pre-Writing means “before writing” “Getting your thoughts down on paper” Choose a topic that interests you Brainstorm or generate ideas for your topic Focus on a main idea

4. Prewrite Cont.  Who is my audience?  What is my purpose?  What do I want to say?  How do I want to say it?  What graphic organizer will I use?” Webbing Venn Diagram Listing Outlining

5. Rough Draft Write, Write, Write … Drafting is putting your ideas and thoughts together “Are my thoughts organized?” “In what order do I want to say my ideas?”

6. Drafting cont. 1. Opening Paragraph: Gain your reader’s attention Introduce your topic and main points Identify your thesis 2. Middle Paragraphs: Each paragraph must support your thesis Each paragraph needs a topic sentence 3. Closing Paragraph: Restate thesis Review main points Answer any remaining questions Write – get your ideas down – don’t worry about errors

7. Revising Change, Change, Change… Make changes to your writing until you are satisfied with what it says Improve your writing in the following ways:

8. Revising Cont.  Revise for Ideas  Check for depth  Check for focus of each supporting paragraph  Check for clarity and completeness  Revise for Organization  Check the overall plan of writing  Check your opening  Check your closing

9. Revising Cont.  Revise for Voice  Check your purpose  Revise for Word Choice  Locate problems with word choice  Use the right level of language  Revise for Effective Sentence Fluency  Avoid fragments and run-ons  Check for sentence length variation

10. Editing and Proofreading Fix, Fix, Fix… Improve the readability and accuracy of your writing Correct your writing

11. Editing and Proofreading cont.  Punctuation  Mechanics:  Spelling  Capitalization  Grammar  Presentation

12. Publishing Done, done, done! The finished product! Type the Final Draft Hand it in

13. Publishing Cont.  Ask yourself these questions before handing in  “Did I do my best work?”  “Did I include a title (if needed)?”  “Is my final copy neat?”  Show your BEST work! Congratulations!

14. 6 Plus 1 Traits “Identify the main features found in effective writing”

15. Ideas A narrow topic, so it’s easy to write about Clear and focused thoughts and ideas Important details with good support Use a fresh, original perspective When possible, write from experience

16. Organization A great introduction that makes you want to read more (hook) A conclusion that ties it all together (clincher) Body paragraphs deal with main points of the topic Use logical and effective order, structure & sequence Use smooth transitions to emphasize main points Place supporting details where they are most appropriate

17. Voice Write honestly and from the heart Interact with the reader without using YOU Use expression” to let your personality shine through Use language that brings the topic to life

18. Word Choice Use words correctly and in the right place Use words that create a mental picture Use vivid verbs, specific nouns and adjectives Avoid repetition, slang, and clichés

19. Sentence Fluency An easy flow and rhythm throughout the writing Vary sentence beginning, structure, and length Sentences that encourage expressive reading Use transitions (internal & external) to promote cadence

20. Conventions Correct spelling on all words Use accurate and creative punctuation and capitalization Correct grammar and language Make sure paragraphs all work together Turn in a clean, edited, and polished final draft

21. Sources Writers Inc. by Patrick Sebranek, Dave Kemper, & Verne Meyer “The Writing Process” ( http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:EUv1lZtltAsJ:missryan.mattmorris.com/writingprocess.p pt+The+Writing+Process+powerpoint&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk) http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:EUv1lZtltAsJ:missryan.mattmorris.com/writingprocess.p pt+The+Writing+Process+powerpoint&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk “The Writing Process” by Jason Lockhart (http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:9MPh_zLov7cJ:www.lexington1.net/technology/instruct/ ppts/LAppts/35/writingprocess1.ppt+The+Writing+Process+powerpoint+lockhart&cd=1&hl=en &ct=clnk) “The 6 Traits of Writing” by Jennifer Heidl-Knobloch & Jody Drake (http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:cY5HrFo57MEJ:fvwp.uwosh.edu/writings/2005writi ngs/jenniferheidl-knoblochjodydrakepro.ppt+The+6+Traits+of+Writing+Heidl- Knobloch&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk) “6 plus 1 Writing Traits” by Mrs. Johnson (http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:H9fL0S- J314J:216.101.58.17/ms/eajohnson/6_plus_1_Writing_Traits%255B1%255D.ppt+6+plus+1+w riting+traits+johnson&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk)