1. THE WRITING PROCESS Abraham Lincoln High School English Department Mr. Gallegos

2. Six Steps in the Writing Process Prewriting Writing the First Draft Revising Editing and Proofreading Publishing

3. Prewriting Find an interesting idea to write about. Begin your subject search with a web, outline, or even free writing. Learn as much as you can about your subject. Search for dead ends. This is where you realize your topic will not make a good paper.

4. Writing your First Draft Write when your prewriting is fresh in your mind! Be sure to follow your outline! Give your Introductory Paragraph special attention. It sets the tone for your paper. Don’t worry about making corrections yet. Just get your ideas down on paper. Remember that your first draft is your first look at a developing writing idea.

5. Revising Review your first draft to make sure you understand which parts work and which parts need to be changed. Add, cut, reword, or rearrange the ideas in your writing. Check your work for missed opportunities. Make sure your Introductory and Conclusion paragraphs fit your paper.

6. Editing and Proofreading Check for errors in usage, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and grammar. Read your draft aloud and test for voice. Substitute phrases or words you think don’t fit your paper anymore. Ask a reliable editor to check your paper. Prepare a neat final copy. Proofread the final draft and check for errors.

7. Publishing Share your finished work with your friends and your teacher. Listen carefully to their reactions to your paper. Have pride in your work. Make it look professional. Have confidence! You are now an author.