The Writing Process Step 1: Invention

Invention  Also known as prewriting.  During invention, you decide what to write about and gather information to support or explain what you want to say.

Invention  Step 1: Understanding your Assignment –Before beginning to write, you need to understand what your assignment is asking you to do. If the assignment is written as a question, read it and answer the question. If you are to make an argument, make an argument. –Ask for clarification if you do not understand what you are writing.

Step 2 of Invention: Setting Limits  Length – often, your instructor will specify a length.  Purpose – limits what you say and how you say it. Examples: Expressive – convey personal feelings Informative – inform readers Informative – inform readers Persuasive – convince readers to act or think in a certain manner. Persuasive – convince readers to act or think in a certain manner.

Step 2 of Invention: Setting Limits  Audience – individual or group to whom you are writing.  Occasion – situation that leads someone to write about a topic.  Knowledge – what you know (or do not know) about a subject.

TIME OUT Exercise 1. A 2-3 page paper on a history of animal testing in medical research labs. 2. A 1 hour final exam on the effectiveness of bilingual education programs. 3.A one-hour in-class essay on an interpretation of one of Andy Warhol’s paintings of Campbell’s soup cans. 4. An to your college news paper discussing your school’s policy on plagiarism.

Moving from Subject to Topic  General topics always need to be narrowed to specific topics that can be discussed within the limits of the assignment.  Handout: Question checklist.

Grouping Ideas  Clustering – a way of visually arranging ideas so that you can tell at a glance where ideas belong and whether or not you need more information.  Informal Outline – rough outline of the main ideas you would like to communicate through an essay.

The Thesis  The main idea of your essay; the central point.  Each part of the essay is built around the thesis. –Introduction – presents the thesis. –Body – develops, supports, and/or proves the thesis. –Conclusion – reinforces the thesis and crystallizes the paper.

Effective thesis statements  An effective thesis statement clearly expresses your essay’s main idea.  An effective thesis statement communicates your essay’s purpose.  An effective thesis statement is clearly worded.

TIME OUT Exercise 1.My instructor has an attendance policy. 2.My instructor should change her attendance policy because it is bad. 3.My instructor should change her attendance policy because it is unreasonable, inflexible, and unfair. 4.For many people, a community college makes more sense than a four-year college or university. 5.Some children show violent behavior.