The Writing Process How do I write a paper?

5 Steps in the Writing Process Prewriting Drafting Revising Editing Publishing

Step 1: Prewriting Gather ideas for writing Prepare to write Identify purpose and audience for writing Identify main ideas and supporting details Find evidence

Some Ways to Prewrite Brainstorm Cluster Question Read Journal Notes Outline Discuss

Step 2: Drafting Get your ideas on paper Write a first draft that can be evaluated according to purpose and audience You will have additional drafts as you continue to revise and edit. It doesn’t have to be perfect the first time!

Step 3: Revising Reorder arguments Rework organizational structure Review and explain evidence Review supporting information to see if it proves the thesis Review or change sentences

Some things to look for during Revision Showing and not telling Shorten lengthy, wordy sentences (run-ons) Combine shorter sentences (fragments) Organizational structure Consistent and strong evidence Do you get your point across?

Elements of Good Writing Description of Element Opening of paper (first line, first paragraph, or first several paragraphs) MUST capture the reader’s interest and state the purpose clearly. You need to choose a single focus for your writing. Do NOT include information that doesn’t directly contribute to the main point. Lead Focus

Elements of Good Writing, cont. Description of Element Voice Show not tell Voice allows you to hear and feel the narrator as a real person – even if the narrator is fictitious! Voice should remain consistent. Create pictures for your reader through your word choice rather than just make flat statements that tell. USE EVIDENCE!

Elements of Good Writing, cont. Description of Element Ending A good ending will provide closure on the topic, but will take the reader by surprise or leave them wanting more. It needs to be interesting!

Don’t forget the Six Traits Ideas and Content Organization Voice Word Choice/Diction Sentence Fluency/Syntax Mechanics/Conventions

Step 4: Editing Correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, mechanics, etc.

How can I find ways to edit? Peer editing groups Proofreading Reading your paper aloud Computer programs for spell-check, grammar- check, etc. Ask a teacher or trusted friend or adult Pay attention to an editing checklist

Draft, Draft, and Draft again! Now that you have looked for things to revise and edit, do it! Make those changes you need to make. Rewrite portions that need to be rewritten. Fix all errors found. Make your paper better. Don’t settle for first draft quality in a final draft paper.

Step 5: Publishing Share your writing with the intended audience. Share your writing with your classmate or parents. Show that you value your own writing by taking care of how it looks. Make sure to turn your paper in!

Remember… Good writing has an equal balance of the ideas you put on paper, the structure with which you write, and the proper use of grammar, punctuation and spelling. They are the three legs of a stool…lose one and you tip over! CORRECTIONS IDEAS STRUCTURE