1. Pre-Writing & Drafting
The Writing Process
Pre-Writing & Drafting

2. Now what?
So... you’ve picked a topic and even written a thesis. Now what?
This is where many students get stuck. How do you convert your thoughts to a well-organized essay?
The answer: Pre-Writing

3. Pre-Writing: Brainstorming
After you know where you are going in your paper, you need to figure out how to get there.
Collect your thoughts and ideas, then organize them.
There are several ways to brainstorm. The most effective way varies by person.

4. Brainstorming Strategy #1: Listing
Write down every idea you have.
Stuck? Set a timer for 10 minutes.
List until timer goes off.
Look for patterns of thoughts.
Cross out useless or irrelevant material.
Group the remaining items in categories.
Elaborate.

5. Brainstorming Strategy #2: Clustering
Start with the middle circle and write your topic.
Write down random ideas. Use lines to connect these ideas.
Branch out to other related ideas.
See if there is one “cluster” or pattern of ideas and start from there.
This strategy works well with visual learners.

6. Example of Clustering Voldemort Harry Potter Villains Lucius Malfoy
Wormtail
Snake
Wealthy
Loyal?
Rat
Coward
Murderer
Example of Clustering

7. Brainstorming Strategy #3: Free Writing
Write quickly without stopping for 5-10 minutes.
Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, etc JUST WRITE.
Can’t think of anything? Write “I can’t think of anything!”—you will at least be moving your pen.
Once you start writing, your prior knowledge of the topic will be activated. The idea is this: as you write, the more will come to your mind.

8. Pre-Writing: Outline
After brainstorming, gather your notes and begin writing an outline.
Outlining is the key to a good paper.
The outline is the skeleton of your paper and provides the organization.
The outline ensures that your argument actually gets where you want to go.
The keys to a good outline are detail, organization, and support.

9. Style
When you write in different situations, you use different styles—when you text, you use different words, grammar, and phrases than you would in an academic paper.
Always remember to analyze your audience and think about the style of paper you are writing before you begin. Putting yourself in the right mindset will help you achieve the appropriate style from the beginning.

10. “Bad” Words I think I supposed I guess I believe Passive voice
Bad: “I think that the Bible is the infallible Word of God.”
Good: “The Bible is the infallible Word of God.”
Bad: “I believe that Galatians was written to the Gentiles.”
Good: “Galatians was written to the Gentiles.”

11. Drafting: Rough Draft
After you finish your outline, begin your rough draft.
The rough draft is just that—rough. Don’t be concerned with producing the perfect copy of your paper on the first try.
The main goal is to get your ideas on paper. You can fix it during the revision process, but the most important part is that you get started!

12. Ready, Set, Go!
Getting started is the hardest part. Don’t let the blank white page intimidate you. Write something crazy on the first line if it helps you think of the space as less scary.
Make sure your work environment is productive—you need to be in a quiet, calm area free from distractions! (Music, Facebook, TVs, and buzzing cell phones do not generally contribute to a constructive work space)
TAKE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR EDUCATION. YOU CAN DO IT!