1. The Writing Process
How do I write a paper?

2. 5 Steps in the Writing Process
Prewriting
Drafting
Revising
Editing
Publishing

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

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

5. 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!

6. 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

7. 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?

8. 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

9. 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!

10. 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!

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

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

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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!

16. 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