Page 53 - English Grammar and Composition-Student Textbook short

Study Section 15: The Writing Process

15.1 Connect

Good writing, especially writing for academic purposes, is rarely completed in one sitting. It takes planning and
careful editing to create a well-written paper, speech, or sermon. Remember that the goal is to
communicate what you want to say. This is not an easy task. The writing process gives the writer a
structure to follow, like a map, so the final destination is reached successfully.

15.2 The Writing Process

The writing process involves at least four stages:

1. prewriting
2. drafting
3. revising

4. editing

*Writers should go back and forth within these stages. For example, when drafting, the writer may have to change
the order of something in the outline.

Prewriting

Prewriting is everything you do before you write a draft of your document. It may include:
1. thinking

2. taking notes
3. talking to others

4. brainstorming
5. clustering

6. outlining

7. gathering information
a. interviewing people
b. researching in the library

c. assessing data

Many of the activities involved in prewriting will occur throughout the writing process. It is the most important
part of the writing process. Most of the problems writers have can be solved during prewriting.

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