The Writing Process

Step-by-Step Climb Mount Fuji, O snail, but slowly, slowly. Basho

Why Emphasize the Process?  Gets students to go through the writing process step-by-step and on schedule (provides order)  Generates more ideas by writing and brainstorming  Encourages thought and revision  Schedules helpful feedback (instructor comments, peer responses)  Catches problems early on (topic won’t work, subject is inappropriate, thesis too broad, etc.)  Allows time for changes

Sources of the Theory  Introspection (examining one’s own methods of writing)  Teachers’ knowledge of what works well for students (discipline, time frame)  Research and experimentation  Methods of professional writers

Cautionary Comments  This process is often not a straight line, always moving forward.  Writing is recursive, that is, a process that may require repeating steps, going back and rethinking something, starting over, etc.  Students must, however, stay on schedule, keep up with assignments, and go through each step on time.  Feedback may help but should be selective.  Final goal is a polished, revised essay. You will produce four essays this term.

Steps in Process  Start with a definite purpose  Generate ideas (invention, “pre-writing”)  Discover/develop/refine a thesis  Develop supporting evidence, examples, arguments, etc.  Shape the overall essay and paragraphs (organization)  Get responses  Revise and polish up style

Model of Process REVISIONRESPONSE DRAFTING INVENTION

Model of Process DRAFTING RESPONSEREVISION INVENTION

Writing Process?

How Does This Affect You?  Requires prompt submission of all work  Requires responses to others’ work  Allows you to make changes to improve your final essays before the last day.  Means the final grade is based not just on the final essays, but also work performed throughout the course and leading up to the revisions.

Questions?