The Writing Process
The Writing Process
1. Prewriting
a. This is anything that you do before you start writing your first draft.
Prewriting can include:
i. Brainstorm
ii. Outline
iii. Free write
iv. Research
v. Reviewing data
2. Drafting
a. This occurs when you put your ideas into sentence and paragraph form.
During this part of the process you are explaining, supporting, and
expanding on your ideas.
b. At this point in the process, there is no need to pay particular attention
to specific details of writing such as:
i. Spelling
ii. Grammar
iii. Sentence structure
iv. First/second/third person
Learning Resource Center - Writing Center
3. Revising
a. You now have your ideas written out. During this part of the process,
you will begin to think deeper and be more critical of the writing.
b. When revising, consider which terms need to be defined and make sure
you are writing in third person.
c. Ensure that you have enough support for your points
d. Check to make sure the organization makes sense and that all parts flow
together.
e. When revising, you will add, remove, rearrange, and replace portions of
your writing.
4. Editing
a. Print your essay
i. Use colored pens or pencils to mark areas that need revising
ii. Different colors for different issues
b. Only make corrections on your printed copy
i. Corrections made to your digital copy are done after a full edit
on the printed copy.
c. At this point, you want to focus on grammar, spelling, and other
mechanics of your paper.
d. Do NOT do this until you have completed the previous three steps.
e. Review your writing line by line.
i. Even backwards