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Writing as a Process
Your teachers will often expect or encourage you to use writing process strategies. Some teachers will evaluate the process of your writing. Others will only evaluate the final product. Either way, elements of the complex process of writing should guide your work. As Writers INC notes, “Writing is mind traveling, destination unknown.” It is not trying to figure out everything you want to say before you put pen to paper. This can lead to having little to say, or worse, saying nothing at all. The best writers know that writing is not a single act, but a series of acts. Below are some of the basic steps common to writing process strategies. For more information, refer to that section in Writers INC.
| Prewriting |
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This generates ideas for writing. It helps to select and shape a subject. (includes graphic organizers, brainstorming, reading widely about a topic). |
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| Writing the First Draft |
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Get your ideas on paper without attention to conventions. This helps you to explore your ideas fully and naturally. This stage is the first complete look at a developing piece of writing.
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| Revising |
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In this stage, improve what you say and how you say it. Review your introduction and conclusion. Add imagery, vivid language, details, and strong transitional words. Vary your sentence lengths. |
| Editing |
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Correct errors in spelling, punctuation, usage, and grammar |
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| Publishing |
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This happens when your writing is ready to be shared with an audience. Afterward, it is helpful to reflect on feedback for future improvement. |
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