2The Writing Process

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Learning Outcomes

In this chapter, you will learn techniques for….

• Discovering ideas about a topic.• Planning and organizing a written

document.• Composing a document.• Getting appropriate feedback on a

document.• Revising a document.• Editing a document.• Proofreading a document.

33Seven Steps of the Writing Process

• 1. Discovering• 2. Planning• 3. Composing• 4. Getting

feedback

• 5. Revising• 6. Editing• 7. Proofreading

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1. Discovering (LO 2.1)

• Brainstorming• Listing• Freewriting• Questioning • Journaling

• Sketching• Talking• Reading• Viewing

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2. Planning (LO 2.2)

• Narrowing your focus• Clustering• Creating a graphic organizer• Determining main points• Ordering ideas• Outlining (informal and formal)

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3. Composing (LO 2.3)

• Use your discovery and planning stage ideas to create a rough draft.

• Use your cluster or outline as a guide.

• Focus on the first four points of the rhetorical star.

• Concentrate on getting your ideas on paper and not on the presentation.

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3. Composing (contd.)

• Write the easiest part first to build your confidence.

• Don’t expect perfection.• Write until you’ve covered all of the

main points you’ve planned to address.

• Save your rough draft or place it in a safe location.

• Take a break.

884. Getting Feedback (LO 2.4)

• Conferences– Meet with your instructor for feedback.– Don’t expect your instructor to correct

your paper for you.– Learn to revise and edit your own

papers.• Peer review

– Provide and accept constructive criticism.

– Utilize peer review with writing on the job.

994. Getting Feedback (contd.)

• Tips for Peer Reviewers– Consider the writer’s feelings.– Provide constructive criticism.

• Tips for Writers– Communicate with the reviewer.– Take the suggestions in stride.

10104. Getting Feedback (contd.)

• Tips for working writing tutors– Have a rough draft ready.– Have your instructor’s directions handy.– Have specific questions in mind.– Keep an open mind and a positive

attitude.

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5. Revising (LO 2.5)

• Adding and deleting ideas– Determine if all of the main points are

covered.– Remove points that are unnecessary.– Watch for unneeded repetition.– Choose your main points carefully.

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5. Revising (contd.)

• Developing– Check to make sure you have enough

details and examples to support your main points.

– Try additional discovery techniques.– Make sure you have enough support to

prove your thesis.

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5. Revising (contd.)

• Arranging– Determine if the order of your ideas

makes sense.– Move sentences or paragraphs around

to create the best flow.– Consider saving different versions of

your draft if you’re working on a computer.

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6. Editing (LO 2.6)

• Sentence Structure– Determine if sentences sound awkward.– Check for sentences of varying length.– Watch for choppy sentences.– Clarify long, unclear sentences.

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6. Editing (contd.)

• Grammar– Check for subject/verb agreement.– Look for the proper use of pronouns.– Determine if the adjectives selected

provide enough description.– Watch for correct adverb usage.

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6. Editing (contd.)

• Punctuation– Check for ending punctuation.– Make sure quotation marks are used

correctly.– Look for semicolon, colon, and comma

usage.– Determine if special punctuation marks

are appropriate for the writing.

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6. Editing (contd.)

• Spelling– Use a spelling check tool.– Make sure to watch for spelling issues

that would not be caught with the spelling check tool.

• Mechanics– Check capitalization.– Look for abbreviated words.– Make sure numbers are spelled out if

needed.

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6. Editing (contd.)

• Editing marks– Use editing marks to help edit

documents.– Instructors may use them when grading.

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7. Proofreading (LO 2.7)

• Check the smallest details.• Read your paper aloud.• Consider reading from the last

sentence to the first sentence.• Get an additional peer review for

further feedback.• Review the paper guidelines provided

by your instructor.